Discuss disc-related pain with Dr. Mesut Sançmış, an orthopaedics and traumatology specialist in Antalya. Explore rehabilitation, symptom relief and when further assessment is needed.
A herniated disc occurs when material from a spinal disc's softer centre pushes through its tougher outer layer. It can irritate or compress nearby nerves, causing pain, altered sensation or weakness.
In the lower back, a lumbar disc herniation may cause sciatica: pain travelling through the buttock and down the leg. In the neck, a cervical disc problem may produce symptoms extending into the shoulder, arm or hand.
Non-surgical treatment aims to improve comfort and function while recovery takes place. It does not mean physically pushing the disc back into position.
Can a Herniated Disc Improve Without Surgery?
Many people improve without an operation. Inflammation can settle, and some herniated material may gradually shrink or be reabsorbed. However, symptoms and recovery time vary.
A conservative approach is often appropriate when symptoms are manageable and there is no significant or worsening neurological problem. The plan combines activity advice, rehabilitation and suitable pain management rather than relying on one device or procedure.
The size of a disc change on MRI is only part of the decision. Its location and relationship to your symptoms also matter.
Assessment Before Treatment
The consultation reviews where pain travels, when it began and whether you have numbness, weakness or difficulty with daily activities. Examination checks movement, muscle strength, reflexes and sensation.
MRI may be requested when persistent symptoms, examination findings or a proposed procedure make the result useful. An immediate scan is not necessary for every episode of uncomplicated back pain.
Disc changes can also appear in people without symptoms. Treatment should address the findings that match your clinical problem, not every abnormality listed in a scan report.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Staying Active with Appropriate Adjustments
A brief reduction in aggravating activity may help during a painful flare. Prolonged bed rest is generally discouraged; tolerable walking and a gradual return to normal tasks are usually more useful.
Breaking up long periods of sitting and temporarily modifying heavy lifting can make daily activity more manageable. The aim is to rebuild capacity rather than avoid movement indefinitely.
Physiotherapy and Exercise
Physiotherapy may include exercises to improve movement, strength and tolerance of everyday tasks. The programme differs for lumbar and cervical symptoms and should reflect your examination.
Exercises are progressed according to your response. Repeatedly provoking stronger radiating pain or increasing numbness is a reason to review the programme, not simply exercise harder.
Home practice and changes to work or training demands help rehabilitation extend beyond appointments.
Medication Review
Medication may help you remain active, but suitability depends on your health history, other medicines and whether the main problem is back pain or nerve-related pain.
Anti-inflammatory medicines are not suitable for everyone. Several medicines commonly used for other pain conditions are not routinely recommended for sciatica, so treatment should be reviewed rather than continued automatically.
Do not stop prescribed medication abruptly without advice.
Manual Therapy
Selected hands-on techniques may provide symptom relief as part of an exercise-based programme. They should not be presented as a permanent correction of a displaced disc.
For low back pain with or without sciatica, traction is not recommended as routine treatment.
Epidural Injections for Sciatica
An epidural injection of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid may be considered for selected patients with acute, severe sciatica. This is different from offering spinal injections for uncomplicated back pain.
The aim is to reduce inflammation around an irritated nerve and provide relief that may support activity and rehabilitation. It does not remove the herniation, and benefit may be temporary or absent.
Discuss bleeding, infection, headache, changes in blood glucose and rare nerve injury. The treating clinician also needs to know about allergies and blood-thinning medication.
Persistent disabling symptoms despite appropriate treatment may justify a surgical opinion. This does not mean everyone who still has pain needs an operation.
Seek emergency care for new difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the genitals or anus. These can indicate serious nerve compression.
Rapidly worsening weakness also requires urgent assessment. With neck symptoms, new hand clumsiness or walking and balance difficulties can suggest spinal cord involvement. Do not wait for an overseas appointment or an online reply.
Recovery and Returning to Daily Life
Improvement may develop over several weeks, although some symptoms take months to settle. Track practical changes such as walking distance, sleep and the ability to complete work tasks.
Return to heavier activity should be gradual. A less painful day does not require an immediate return to the workload that aggravated symptoms.
Agree when progress will be reviewed and which changes should trigger earlier reassessment.
Non-Surgical Herniated Disc Treatment Cost in Turkey
Request an estimate that separates assessment, physiotherapy, imaging and any proposed injection. Ask how progress will be reviewed before committing to a fixed treatment course.
Confirm which services are included and whether rehabilitation can continue locally. A short visit should not be presented as a guaranteed solution to a condition that may require ongoing care.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Dr Mesut Sançmış for his kind, caring and professional approach to my long term medical issues. He very efficiently examined, tested and diagnosed my medical issues and offered treatment of arthroscopic knee surgery for the following day.
The surgery was an absolute success with my original pain now gone and the procedure stiffness subsiding daily. I can already walk and sleep better and my quality of life is improving. The constant pain etched on my face and in my daily life has gone and I can never thank him enough. He is a true gentleman and 5 star surgeon.
Trustpilot
From the very beginning, I felt that I was in good hands with Dr. Mesut Sançmis . The consultation was clear, supportive, and reassuring, which made me feel confident about moving forward. Throughout the treatment, Dr. Mesut Sançmis showed great care and professionalism, always making sure I was comfortable and informed.
The results have exceeded my expectations — my feet not only look better, but I feel more confident and at ease in my daily life. It has truly been a positive change for me, both physically and emotionally.
I am very grateful for the expertise, kindness, and attention to detail that Dr. Mesut Sançmis provided. I would gladly recommend this clinic to anyone looking for high-quality, compassionate care.
WhatClinic
The Dr was very helpful and honest and gave me my options how to go forward. Very pleased with the support. I requested injections and the Dr recommended would not help as my condition requires surgery in the near future
Google
MSM Klinik have been excellent. From the initial consultation, through the Hospital procedure and the after care absolutely fantastic. Communication about the knee procedure and the ease of making it happen with genuine concern for your welfare and recovery. Highly recommend this great Klinic. Thanks MSM
Google
I fortunately came across Dr. Mesut while researching orthopedic surgeons in Antalya after suffering a severe heel fracture in the United States. From the beginning, I was uneasy with the treatment plan proposed by my U.S. surgeon. After more than a year of being told that it was simply a “bad break” that would take time to heal, it was finally discovered that I had also severely sprained my ankle at the time of the injury, resulting in partial ligament and tendon tears that had been missed entirely.
When these tears were eventually identified, the solution I was given was ankle fusion surgery, an option that would have permanently limited my mobility. This did not sit right with me.
While in Antalya for my spouse's dental care, I had the opportunity to consult with Dr. Mesut at MSM Klinik. His team quickly arranged comprehensive testing to fully understand what was happening with my foot. Dr. Mesut confirmed the ligament and tendon damage but was very clear that ankle fusion was not the appropriate solution for my case. Through my time there, it was clear to me that he treats a wide range of complex orthopedic conditions, not just ankle cases, which gave me even more confidence in his overall experience. From our first conversation, I felt confident in his expertise. He immediately recognized the complexity of my injury, especially given that my foot had healed incorrectly over the course of more than a year and a half.
After returning to the U.S. and doing further research, I made the decision to go back to Antalya and proceed with surgery under Dr. Mesut’s care. One of the major factors in my decision was his use of stem cell therapy, an option that was never even discussed by my doctors in the United States.
From start to finish, the level of professionalism and compassion at MSM Klinik was exceptional. Everyone in the office was attentive, organized, and supportive. Eli was especially wonderful, managing all logistics and providing clear translation throughout the entire process, which made everything seamless and stress free. During my stay, I also received IV vitamin and supportive therapies at the office designed to aid healing and speed recovery.
I am now just 2.5 weeks post surgery and already able to walk at approximately 50% weight bearing. In the U.S., I would have been non-weight bearing for at least two months before even beginning this stage. My recovery has been faster and smoother than I ever expected, and everything is healing remarkably well.
Trustpilot
Near Lara/speak English/top orthopedic
Top orthopedic. We needed a hand surgeon for our son who had an accident with a knife. Great Service via WhatsApp/speak English. Modern clinic. All innovative methods. State of art Equipment. Near hotels in Lara/Kundu. Also good for international tourists.
Google
I had a bit of a medical emergency during my trip to Antalya, and I'm so glad I found this clinic. They managed to squeeze me in right away and built a care program that worked perfectly with the rest of my stay. The doctor was wonderful, and having a translator there made the whole process stress-free. I felt truly well-cared for at every appointment!
WhatClinic
Dr Mesut and the team were exceptional and delivered excellent service. My issue was well investigated and management options/plans were provided. I am well satisfied with the service and happy with the outcome. Thank you again
Google
Service was excellent. I’m forever grateful to Surgeon Mesut Sancmis for taking care of me. I’m still recovering and have a follow up coming soon but I’m confident I will recover 100%. The whole staff was very attentive and professional. Starting with the driver he was so helpful and nice assisting me with my wheelchair. Amy who was with me throughout the whole process made sure all my needs and concerns were addressed. I didn’t feel there was a language barrier because she was there to translate and facilitate all my needs. Even after discharge Dr Mesut and Amy visit me multiple times to check on me and make sure everything was going well. I highly recommend them. Dr Mesut Sancmis is an awesome surgeon I’m glad I found him and if I ever need surgery again i will choose him, I highly recommend him. Thank you 🙏🏽
Google
My wife had a knee injection at MSM Klinik in Antalya in Turkey last year. She had been suffering from severe knee pain for several years and the injection really helped her regain mobility. So, we returned to MSM Klinik this year, where she has now had a second injection, which we expect will help her sustain her ability to walk at least another six months free of pain. My wife has been referred to NHS orthopedic specialists in the UK and is waiting for their diagnosis also. Waiting times are very long still in the UK, so the assistance provided by MSM Klinik in Turkey in the meantime has been extremely helpful.
WhatClinic
I visited Antalya in early May of 2025, while experiencing acute sciatica pain going down my left leg. I got in touch with MSM Klinik and had the exam scheduled promptly after talking over the phone with the staff. I had the X-rays and MRI done very promptly at Yasam Hastanesi Life Hospital. MSM Klinik staff, Mr. Mursel, took me to the hospital and was with me there while I was getting the x-rays and MRI done. Then he drove me back to the MSM Klinik where we reviewed the results with the Doctor. The Doctor appeared very knowledgeable and offered an effective treatment plan. However, it was beyond my budget. I continued to manage my back pain with NSAID.
I'm giving 5 starts for the service and promptness, but not for any medical procedure as no medical procedure was done.
The Doctor, his assistant Mr. Murcel, and the office staff were very kind, professional and attentive to my issue, which deserves a 5 star review.
The MRI, x-rays and the consultation were reasonably priced.
Google
I couldn't recommend this clinic more!
In addition to achieving my desired results, the clinic and doctor were constantly in touch with me (both in person and by phone) and responded quickly to any questions or concerns I had. This gave me peace of mind and made the process feel much easier, while giving me confidence in it.
Google
Challenging or mild conditions require the type of specific attention provided! Dr. Mesut Sancmis Ortopedi and his entire staff are highly knowledgeable and solution focused! It is incredible to witness the difference their patient care delivers. Do you have back pain, shoulder issues, orthopedic problems, here’s your source for these and MUCH more! Please don’t hesitate to book your 1st consultation to start on the path of healing!
Google
The staff / ladies at the clinic are very professional, friendly and cute,,,, nothing is too much trouble.
Dr Mesut is also very Professional and knowledgeable, and if his treatment works successfully, which i have no doubt about, I will return annually for check overs / mot.
If not I will return just once,,,, for a refund 😂🤣
Seriously he is very very good, i totally recommend him and his team and I have experienced hospitals / clinics all over the world due to my previous life racing Speedway,,,, tge racing was fine,,,, the crashes were the problem.
01 / 14
Ratings as shown on each platform on 15 October 2026. Reviews cover a range of treatments and are the opinions of individual patients.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Antalya
Ask the team about accommodation at Ramada Plaza Antalya and the arrangements relevant to your planned stay.CONFIRM: partnership
Ramada Plaza AntalyaPartner hotel · on the cliffs, next to the old town
~10 minto the clinic
On sitesea platform
~20 minfrom the airport
Distances are approximate.CONFIRM
Everything set up for recovery
Accessible roomSpace for crutches and a wheelchair
“Slipped disc” is a common name for disc herniation. The disc does not slide out as one intact structure; the term describes a change involving its soft tissue.
Do I Need Another MRI Before Returning to Work?
Not automatically. Return-to-work decisions consider symptoms, strength and job demands. Repeat imaging is usually most useful when it could change the treatment plan.
Can I Avoid Surgery Even with Leg Pain?
Often, yes. Leg pain alone does not establish the need for surgery. Progressive weakness, emergency symptoms and persistent disabling pain require a different assessment.
Is Neck Disc Treatment the Same as Lower-Back Treatment?
No. Exercises, injections and warning signs differ according to the affected area. A lumbar treatment programme should not be applied to a cervical problem without assessment.
The information on this page has been reviewed by Dr. Sançmış. It does not replace an individual medical consultation.
Enquiry
Ask About Disc-Related Pain
Contact Dr. Sançmış's team about non-surgical herniated disc treatment in Turkey. Describe your symptoms, their duration and any previous treatment or imaging.
1
Send your enquiry
Tell the team what you would like to discuss.
2
The team gets in touch
They explain the next steps and whether any reports or images are needed.
3
Orthopaedic assessment
Options are discussed with Dr. Sançmış once the relevant information is available.
