Pain management in Balıkesir

What is pain Management (Algology) and Nerve Blocks?

Pain medicine (known in Turkey as algology) is a subspecialty focused on long-lasting pain that standard treatments have not controlled. Its main areas are nerve pain from herniated discs in the back or neck, facet joint pain, pain after shingles, trigeminal neuralgia, migraine and cancer pain. Using X-ray (fluoroscopy) or ultrasound guidance, the doctor delivers targeted injections and nerve blocks or applies radiofrequency energy to the nerve or joint causing the pain. The aim is to reduce pain enough to make rehabilitation and daily life easier.

How is pain Management (Algology) and Nerve Blocks done?

1. Detailed pain assessment, examination and review of scans
2. Identifying the target (nerve root, facet joint, nerve ganglion)
3. Needle procedure under local anaesthesia with imaging guidance
4. Radiofrequency treatment to “quieten” the nerve for longer if needed
5. Short observation, going home the same day and continuing physiotherapy

Who is pain Management (Algology) and Nerve Blocks suitable for?

• Herniated disc pain in the back or neck that persists despite medicines and physiotherapy
• Low back pain from the facet or sacroiliac joints
• Pain after shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Cancer pain and persistent pain after surgery
• Not suitable with active infection, uncontrolled bleeding disorders or blood thinners that cannot be paused; pregnancy needs careful assessment

Aftercare: what to watch out for

• Rest on the day of the procedure; most people return to work the next day.
• Temporary numbness of an arm or leg may occur; do not drive while it lasts.
• Keep a note of changes in your pain over the following week.
• Continue your physiotherapy and exercise programme.
• Seek urgent care for fever, increasing back pain, new weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Possible side effects and risks

• Temporary pain at the injection site
• Temporary numbness or weakness
• Short-term rises in blood sugar and blood pressure after steroid injections
• Rarely infection, bleeding or headache

Are there alternatives?

Pain procedures are planned alongside, or as an alternative to, medicines, physiotherapy, exercise and, when necessary, surgery.

What affects the cost of pain management in Balıkesir?

The cost of pain management depends on factors such as type of procedure; imaging method used; number of spinal levels or areas treated, and is set by the doctor after an examination. Under Turkish rules on the advertising of health services, prices are not published on our site; you can ask the doctor directly when you request an appointment.

• Type of procedure
• Imaging method used
• Number of spinal levels or areas treated

Getting treatment in Turkey as a visitor

• Ask the doctor for a written treatment plan, timeline and total cost before you travel.
• Check whether the doctor or clinic staff speak English, or bring a translator for the consultation.
• Plan enough time for check-ups after the procedure before your return flight.
• Keep copies of your X-rays, reports and the materials used (for example the implant brand) for your dentist or doctor at home.
• In an emergency in Turkey, call 112 (free, 24/7). For poisoning, the National Poison Information Centre is 114.