Turkey Doctors Highlight Back Herniation Diagnosis and Treatment

Back herniation, medically known as lumbar disc herniation, occurs when the soft inner material of an intervertebral disc pushes through a weakened outer layer, potentially compressing nerve roots. The condition can cause localized lower‑back pain, stiffness, and radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the hips, thighs, calves and feet.

In Turkey, especially among adults over 35, the prevalence reaches 60‑80 %. Op. Dr. Eyüp Genç, a neurosurgeon at Medical Park Tokat Hospital, explained that initial treatment usually avoids surgery, relying on rest, medication, physical therapy and targeted injections. Surgery is considered when pain is severe, there is muscle weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. The hospital employs a minimally invasive endoscopic technique that uses a sub‑centimetre incision, sparing muscles and allowing many patients to stand within hours and return to work within one to two weeks. More complex cases may require open or micro‑discectomy.

Overall, most sufferers can improve with non‑operative care, while the endoscopic approach provides a faster recovery for those who need operative intervention.