Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment in Turkey
About Cervical Radiculopathy
Key Highlights
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Provides significant relief from radiating arm pain, numbness, and weakness.Addresses the root cause of nerve compression for a long-term solution.Helps restore normal neurological function and improve arm/hand strength.Modern techniques are often minimally invasive, leading to smaller incisions and less tissue disruption.Can prevent permanent nerve damage when conservative treatments fail.High success rates in improving quality of life and daily function./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe or persistent arm pain, numbness, or weakness that does not improve with 6-12 weeks of non-surgical treatment (e.g., physical therapy, medications).
- Progressive neurological deficit, such as worsening muscle weakness or loss of coordination in the arms or hands.
- Evidence of significant nerve root compression on MRI or CT scan, correlating with clinical symptoms.
- Cervical radiculopathy caused by a large herniated disc, bony foraminal stenosis, or degenerative changes.
- Symptoms that significantly impair daily activities, work, or sleep.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough pre-operative medical evaluation, including blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray if needed.
- Discontinue certain medications (like blood thinners, NSAIDs) as advised by your surgeon, typically 5-7 days before surgery.
- Stop smoking, as it can significantly impair healing and fusion success.
- Arrange for help at home for the first 1-2 weeks post-surgery for tasks like driving, cooking, and cleaning.
- Follow fasting instructions (typically no food or drink after midnight) before the procedure.
- Discuss any allergies and your complete medical history with your surgical team.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Nerve injury, which could lead to persistent or worsened pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Spinal cord injury (rare but serious), potentially causing paralysis.
- Difficulty swallowing or hoarse voice (more common with anterior approach, often temporary).
- Non-union or failure of spinal fusion (if fusion is part of the procedure).
- Adjacent segment disease, where levels above or below the surgery degenerate faster.
- Dural tear leading to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
- Recurrence of symptoms or need for further surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically 1-2 days for monitoring pain, neurological status, and mobility.
- Neck may be placed in a soft or hard collar for a period to restrict motion and promote healing.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications; arm pain often improves quickly, while incision soreness subsides over weeks.
- Avoid heavy lifting (more than 5-10 lbs), bending, twisting, or strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks.
- Gradual return to light activities and walking is encouraged soon after surgery.
- Formal physical therapy usually begins 4-6 weeks post-op to restore neck strength and range of motion.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and fusion progress on X-rays.
- Full recovery and return to all normal activities, including heavy labor, may take 3-6 months.
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Typical hospital stay:
1-2 days
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Expected recovery time:
4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full activity
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cervical radiculopathy in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cervical radiculopathy in Turkey include Liv Hospital Ankara, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Florya, Medical Park Bahçelievler, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cervical radiculopathy. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cervical radiculopathy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Cervical Radiculopathy in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing cervical radiculopathy.
Instabul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Vikram Reddy, a 48-year-old software architect...
Vikram Reddy, a 48-year-old software architect and father of two, had always been active, coaching his son's cricket team on weekends. For over a year, he endured a persistent, burning pain that shot from his neck down his right arm into his thumb and forefinger, accompanied by a constant 'pins and needles' numbness. Typing and driving became agonizing, and he started dropping his coffee mug. After months of physical therapy and medications provided only fleeting relief, an MRI confirmed a severe herniated disc at C6-C7 compressing the nerve root. His spine surgeon, Dr. Kapoor, recommended an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to remove the disc and relieve pressure on the nerve. Vikram was terrified of surgery near his spinal cord but felt he was losing his ability to work and be the active dad he wanted to be. The procedure itself went smoothly. The first few days of recovery were tough with throat soreness and neck stiffness, but the shocking arm pain was gone immediately. Within six weeks, with guided physical therapy, he regained strength and sensation. Three months post-op, he was back at work full-time and could play catch with his son without flinching. Emotionally, he moved from a state of fearful frustration and helplessness to profound relief and optimism, feeling he had reclaimed his life and his role in his family.