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What is Spondylitis?

Spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and is characterised by pain, rigidity, and discomfort. The vertebrae, the bones that form the spine, become inflamed, leading to new bone growths that eventually fuse parts of the spine. This fusion can reduce mobility and chronic pain as the spine's flexibility is reduced.

The most common form of spondylitis is ankylosing spondylitis (AS), which predominantly affects the lower back and the sacroiliac joints, where the spine and pelvis connect.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Spondylitis should be treated quickly to prevent spinal fusion, joint injury, and abnormalities. Early treatment improves quality of life, maintains mobility, and reduces pain. It also slows the progression of the disease, increases the effectiveness of treatment, and reduces the risk of complications in other organs. Thus, early treatment can maintain function, prevent permanent disability, and improve long-term outcomes.

What are the Common Symptoms of Spondylitis?

The lower back and pelvis are common chronic pain sites, primarily upon waking or following rest periods.

  • Stiffness: The stiffness may decrease with activity, such as stretching or exercise, especially in the lower back, hips, and spine.
  • Less flexibility: The spine can't bend or twist because of stiffness.
  • Fatigue: A common symptom of inflammatory diseases is being particularly tired or lacking in energy.
  • Postural Changes: Kyphosis is a forward curvature of the spine that can develop over time and affect posture.
  • Spine Tenderness: Pain or tenderness when certain spine areas are affected.

Causes and Risk Factors of Spondylitis

Causes

  • Although the cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not established, there is a genetic component. People with the gene HLA-B27 are significantly more likely to develop the condition, but only a tiny percentage of those with the gene do so.

Risk Factors

The following are the significant risk factors for spondylitis:

  • Age: It usually starts manifesting around the age of forty.
  • Genetics: A family history of spinal problems increases the risk.
  • Gender: Women may have worse symptoms later in life, whereas men are more likely to have it earlier.
  • Repetitive Stress: Workplaces or activities that require twisting or heavy lifting might hasten the deterioration of the spine.
  • Poor Posture: Wrong sitting posture or slouching might elevate spinal deterioration.
  • Obesity: Extra weight strains the spine.
  • Prior Spine Injuries: Prior injuries may elevate the risk of degeneration.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Not exercising weakens muscles and puts more strain on the spine.
  • Smoking accelerates disc degeneration by lowering the blood supply to the spine.

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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Spondylitis in Turkey

More recent studies carried out in Turkey have taken considerable advances in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), including a special focus on the efficacy of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in late-onset AS as well as the high economic impact of the condition. Furthermore, studies have highlighted the benefits of adding aerobic exercise to conventional physical therapy to enhance physical capacity and reduce disease activity.

Spondylitis Prevention Tips

The following valuable tips can help prevent spondylitis, especially ankylosing spondylitis (AS):

  • Maintain Good Posture: Adopt good posture to reduce joint and spine strain.
  • Keep Moving: Regular exercise, such as strengthening and stretching, can increase flexibility and reduce stiffness.
  • Control Weight: Maintaining your weight within a healthy range eases the strain on your spine.
  • Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of spinal problems and worsens symptoms.
  • Ergonomics: Spinal strain happens during day-to-day activities, so utilise an ergonomic workstation and furniture.
  • Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Seek medical attention immediately to control the inflammation and halt its progression in case of experiencing symptoms.

Treatment options for Spondylitis

Spinal Fusion: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is commonly treated through spinal fusion, a surgical procedure during this condition when it has progressed to severe pain in the spine, deformation or injury.


Cost Start From USD 10000 - USD 22000Explore Options

Osteotomy: An osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves the realignment and cutting of bones to correct abnormalities caused by conditions such as spondylitis.


Cost Start From USD 4500 - USD 5500Explore Options

  • Clinical assessment:
    • Physical Examination: A medical professional will evaluate posture, pain thresholds, spinal flexibility, and joint mobility. They could also run some tests to look for stiffness or inflammation in the joints and spine.
    • Blood tests that determine inflammation, which may be elevated in spondylitis, include the C-reactive protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR).
    • HLA-B27 Test: A blood test to check for the presence of the HLA-B27 gene. This gene is strongly associated with ankylosing spondylitis, though not all AS patients have it.
  • Imaging Tests:
    • X-rays: Ankylosing spondylitis can be detected with X-rays of the spine and pelvis, showing early signs of bone abnormalities, fusion of vertebrae, or joint inflammation.
    • MRI: Before such severe damage occurs, MRI is more sensitive than X-rays to detect early inflammation, especially in the spine and sacroiliac joints.
    • CT: A CT scan can provide more details regarding the spine and the joints of the patient in particular conditions, especially when looking for structural damage.

Our MediRehab facilities, part of MediGence, offer physical therapy services for international patients. We also have convenient teleconsultation options so that patients all over the globe can receive expert treatment remotely. A few services such as:

  • Physical Therapy
    • Stretchingexercises can help relieve stiffness and increase spinal flexibility. Focus on your shoulders, hips, and lower back.
    • Exercises for Strengthening the Core: By strengthening the core muscles, you may improve posture, lessen joint stress, and support your spine.
    • Posture Training: Pain management and prevention of more spinal deformities can be achieved by education on proper posture.
    • Joint mobilisation: Methods to increase the afflicted joints' range of motion to lessen stiffness and pain.
  • Depending on the situation, your healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to help control your symptoms and support the treatment plan.

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Hospitals for Spondylitis in Turkey

Medical Park Canakkale Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Medical Park Canakkale Hospital

Canakkale, Turkey

Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Medical Park Canakkale Hospital located in Canakkale, Turkey has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • 32 patient rooms
  • 2 Operating rooms
  • 75 bed capacity
  • 24*7 Emergency Service
  • Fully equipped Neonatal Care Unit (6 Incubators)
  • In-house Pharmacy
  • Luxurious rooms for patients designed in such a way that they will feel like at 5-star hotel
  • Nurse-call system in rooms
  • Cafeteria/Restaurant
Antalya Anadolu Hastanesi: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Antalya Anadolu Hastanesi

Antalya, Turkey

Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Antalya Anadolu Hastanesi located in Antalya , Turkey has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • A technological powerhouse, it provides 24*7 trauma care.
  • 4 suites and 54 luxurious rooms
  • 3 exceptional operating theatres
  • 3 Intensive Care Units
  • Efficient and capable healthcare personnel
  • Focus on patient care, reasonable prices
  • State of the art diagnostics setup
  • Recognised for providing integrated care for complex cases and rare cases
  • Latest 1.5 Tesla MR, 64 2 Multi-slice Computed Tomography (CT), coronary angiography, and panendoscope
  • Treatments such as angioplasty(PTCA), cryotherapy, IVF, ERCP, peritoneoscopy, facial palsies, and electro shock wave lithotripsy are available
  • Widely experienced and well educated healthcare professionals are at the forefront of healthcare delivery at the Antalya Anadolu Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
Biruni University Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Biruni University Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey

Biruni University Hospital started to serve in 2016. It is a full-fledged multi-specialty healthcare facility, situated in Istanbul, Turkey. The hospital is well-known for its outstanding medical care standards, and it has acquired numerous certificates from international quality organizations. It is a renowned & well-established healthcare facility that provides cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment approaches. They have a team of highly skilled doctors and surgeons on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to deliver the best medical care possible.

The hospital has various medical departments such as Cardiology, Neurology, Urology, Rheumatology, Pediatrics, General Medicine and Surgery, Gastroenterology, etc. Popular treatments conducted at the hospital are Pediatric Neurology, Cardiac Stenting, Balloon Angioplasty, Bypass surgery, plastic surgery procedures like Hair transplant, & Botox injections, and many more.  The hospital is known for its most valuable service i.e. service to human health. Hospital management & professionals define their service concept with the significance attached to the belief. The management is concerned with both medical statistics and, above all, the satisfaction of the patients. Patients from other countries are well looked after. The hospital offers international patients a relaxing and secure environment in terms of psychology, comfort, and health.

The hospital's primary purpose is to provide world-class patient-centered health care through our highly responsible team who can produce information and use it appropriately. With its university-based scientific infrastructure and competent health care, the hospital's management has long-term plans for it, with a desire to be an innovative and leading health institution that is regarded as a reference in the country and around the world. Several value-added services and quality policies are available at the facility. To mention a few, the hospital is open to development and technology, continuously measuring and improving, training qualified health professionals, caring about patient and employee satisfaction, and becoming mobilized to bring an environment of reliable diagnosis, treatment, and care to the majority of the society.

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Why Choose Turkey for Spondylitis Treatment?

Turkish advanced healthcare infrastructure, highly trained medical staff, and state-of-the-art facilities make it an ideal destination to treat spondylitis. To ensure patients receive the best outcomes, the country offers cutting-edge diagnostic equipment, effective treatment options, and a focus on personalised care. Turkey provides comprehensive care for spondylitis patients and is gaining recognition for its excellent orthopaedic and rheumatologic treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the sacroiliac joints, which connect the spine and pelvis. Chronic inflammation results in pain, stiffness, and, in some cases, fusion of the spinal vertebrae, which reduces movement.

Spondylitis, more specifically ankylosing spondylitis, can be a hereditary disease. A family history of AS may increase the chances of developing it, and it is closely linked to the illness caused by the HLA-B27 gene. Nevertheless, environmental factors may also play a role, and not everyone bearing this gene will develop spondylitis.

Spondylitis patients in Turkey may undergo surgery, especially if they have severe spinal deformities or debilitating pain. Exceptional care hospitals employ highly trained orthopaedic specialists to perform spinal fusion, joint replacement, or corrective surgery procedures.

In extreme cases, joint damage or abnormalities may need surgical intervention, like spinal fusion.

Here are some tips to manage spondylitis pain:

Corticosteroids, biologics, or NSAIDs can be used to decrease pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy: Regular stretching, posture training, and strengthening exercises to enhance range of motion and reduce stiffness.

Lifestyle Changes: Maintain a healthy weight, exercise at a low-impact level, and carefully care for your posture.

Apply heat to relax muscles and cold to reduce inflammation in hot/cold therapy.

Alternative Therapies: Explore pain management techniques such as yoga, acupuncture, and breathing.

Spondylitis, especially ankylosing spondylitis (AS), can affect the hips, shoulders, eyes (causing uveitis), heart (resulting in problems with the aortic valve), lungs (reducing lung capacity), and peripheral joints (such as knees and ankles).

An anti-inflammatory diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids (from fish and flaxseeds) for people with spondylitis. Lean proteins are also helpful and ensure that people get enough vitamin D.

Spondylitis, especially ankylosing spondylitis (AS), usually develops gradually. Lower back discomfort and stiffness can progress to joint degeneration and spinal fusion, which results in altered posture and decreased flexibility. It may also affect other joints, such as the shoulders and hips.

Yes, if left untreated or not well-managed, spondylitis, especially ankylosing spondylitis (AS), can lead to permanent disability. Chronic inflammation will eventually cause restricted mobility, spinal fusion, and joint degeneration, making simple daily activities challenging.

While spondylitis cannot be entirely prevented, its symptoms may be controlled, and the progression of the disease can be decelerated if detected early and treated. In Turkey, healthy living with frequent exercise and consultations is recommended for individuals with spondylitis to minimise risk factors and increase their quality of life.