Turkey has witnessed a major development in the field of disc injection therapy, which has become an effective option for pain relief without the need for surgery. Statistics show that more than 60% of patients who underwent disc injection therapy experienced a significant improvement in pain within a few weeks. The cost of disc injection treatment in Turkey depends on several factors, including the type of material injected, the experience of the doctor, and the hospital where the treatment is performed, but it remains low compared to European countries with high medical quality.
What is an injectable disc treatment?
Injection disc treatment is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve neck, arm, back and leg pain caused by spinal neuritis due to a narrowing of the spinal canal or a herniated disc in the spine, in which specific medications are injected with specific techniques according to the type of injection used, as there are several types of injections between cortisone injections, platelet-rich plasma injections, and ozone injections, each of which is used for a specific purpose.
Types of injections used to treat discs
The types of injections used in disc treatment vary depending on the patient’s condition, the degree of pain, and the type of herniation, and the goal of all types is to relieve inflammation and pressure on the nerves, as well as help improve the patient’s movement without the need for surgery.
Cortisone injections
This is one of the most common treatments for disc pain, where cortisone is injected directly into the area around the inflamed nerve to reduce inflammation and swelling. and its results are often seen within a few days, and its effect may last for several months, giving the patient noticeable relief and delaying the need for any surgical intervention.
Platelet-rich plasma injections
This type of injection is prepared from the patient’s own blood, where platelets are separated and re-injected into the affected area, and the growth factors in the plasma help repair the damaged tissue and stimulate the natural healing of the cartilage. This type is considered a safe and effective option, especially for young patients or those with mild to moderate herniated discs.
Ozone injection
Ozone gases are used in precise concentrations to reduce the size of the slipped disc and improve cell nutrition, this method is safe, does not require general anesthesia, and is performed within minutes with precise radial guidance, and studies have proven that ozone therapy helps reduce pain and inflammation and clearly improves spinal mobility.
Injection of a nerve block or local anesthetic
This type of injection is used for quick pain relief in cases where cortisone cannot be administered. A local anesthetic or nerve block is injected to relieve painful nerve signals temporarily, and is often used as an initial procedure to assess the patient’s response to injection therapy.
How much is the cost of disc injection treatment in Turkey?
Turkey is characterized by offering an affordable price for high medical quality, as the cost of disc injection treatment in Turkey is about 1500-2000 US dollars. Turkey offers an excellent experience in terms of specialized medical staff, modern medical technologies, and an affordable price.
Factors affecting the cost of disc injection treatment in Turkey
There are many factors that affect the cost of disc injection treatment in Turkey, and it varies from one patient to another depending on several medical and non-medical factors, as these factors affect the final cost, including:
- The type of substance used in the injection: Cortisone injections are less expensive than PRP or ozone injections, due to the different preparation techniques and the strength of the therapeutic effect of each.
- Number of sessions required: Some patients may only need one session to achieve the desired result, while others may need more than one, depending on the severity of the slippage and the body’s response to the treatment, which increases the overall cost.
- Doctor’s experience and specialization: The cost increases when the procedure is performed by a specialized doctor with long experience in disc treatment or spine surgery, as performing this procedure by a specialized doctor with long experience ensures the accuracy of the injection, while minimizing potential complications, which increases the success rates.
- Type of hospital or medical center: Some hospitals in Turkey use CT or fluoroscopic guidance during injections to ensure accuracy, and this raises the cost slightly.
- Accompanying tests before the injection: The case may require an MRI or additional tests to pinpoint the exact location of the herniation, and these tests are included in the total cost of treatment.
- Location of the hospital and accompanying services: Having a hospital in a major city like Istanbul or Ankara is often associated with higher costs than centers in smaller cities, in addition to accommodation and transportation costs for patients coming from abroad.
These factors affect the cost, whether up or down, but they are essential to the success of the procedure and the restoration of a healthy quality of life.
Advantages of injectable disc treatment over surgery
| Comparison | Injectable Disc Treatment | Traditional Disc Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Type of procedure | Non-invasive, done through a fine needle with radial guidance | Surgical, requiring an incision and general anesthesia |
| Duration of the procedure | 15 to 30 minutes | From 1 to 3 hours, depending on the type of operation |
| Recovery period | Short, you can return to activity in a day or two | Longer, ranging from weeks to months |
| Pain after treatment | Minor and often temporary | Moderate to severe and requires painkillers |
| Possible complications | Very rare when executed accurately | Possible bleeding, infections, or nerve injury |
| Total cost | Significantly lower compared to surgery | High, including anesthesia and surgical stay |
| Maintaining the structure of the spine | Does not require removal or cutting of the cartilage | It may involve removing part of a disk or vertebra |
| Candidates for treatment | Suitable for moderate or early cases | For advanced or unresponsive cases of conservative treatment |
| Success rate | As high as 70-80% according to recent studies | High, but it is related to the experience of the surgeon and the type of herniation |
Why is Turkey an ideal destination for disc injection therapy?
Turkey is an ideal destination for injectable disc treatment, as it combines advanced medical expertise with globally competitive cost, and spine treatment centers in Turkey have witnessed a remarkable development over the last ten years:
- Modern technologies and high precision: Medical centers in Turkey rely on the latest radial guidance technology to ensure that the therapeutic material is injected in the exact location without injuring nearby nerves or tissues.
- Experience of doctors and specialized staff: Doctors who work in Turkish hospitals have high medical expertise to ensure the best results.
- Globally competitive cost of treatment: Despite the use of state-of-the-art equipment and materials, the cost of disc injection treatment in Turkey remains significantly lower than its counterparts in Europe or the Persian Gulf while maintaining the same quality of care.
- Comprehensive medical services for foreign patients: Turkish hospitals provide comprehensive services that include airport pickup, medical translation, hotel accommodation, and post-injection follow-up, making the treatment journey comfortable and safe.
- Advanced medical infrastructure: Turkey has hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art radiology, sterilization, and mini-operating rooms for minimally invasive procedures.
- High patient satisfaction rates: Statistics show that more than 85% of patients who underwent injectable disc treatment in Turkey expressed complete satisfaction with the results and care provided.
Injectable disc treatment is an advanced treatment option for people who suffer from spinal pain and want to avoid surgery, and thanks to medical development in Turkey and the availability of modern technologies, obtaining effective and fast results is possible. Bimarestan Medical Center in Turkey offers comprehensive services to organize the treatment journey from diagnosis to follow-up after the procedure, with direct supervision from specialized doctors to ensure the best results for the patient.
- Ravikanth, R. (2020). A review of discogenic pain management by interventional techniques.
- American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; American Physical Therapy Association; et al. (2018). Diagnosis & treatment of low back pain: A joint clinical practice guideline.
