Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Hi there,
I've got arthritis at the bottom of my spine, which means I can't walk more than a couple of hundred yards without the pain stopping me. I've decided that perhaps physio might be helpful in enabling me to walk without pain, but I do need to know if any kibkom member has had this treatment, and has it enabled them to be able to walk properly, without a stick?
I know I could have an operation for this complaint, but to be honest I'm reluctant to have an operation on my back as it could have serious repercussions.
So I really really would appreciate the help of anyone who has dealt with this problem, either by physio or operation, so I would like to thank anyone who is willing to give me their advice. Thank you!

Helendj. Try Dr Turk at Primed he has Orthopaedic Doctors there.. Surgery is by the little garden shop in Girne near the Courts.
Good luck

Yes at Primemed, a very good orthopaedic doctor. Very impressed, hubby seen almost immediately for consultation, very reasonable, very happy so far. Good luck

Hi Helen, yes do only consider surgery as a last resort option when you've nothing to lose, as you say because of potential repercussions. I have had Sciatica since age 9. Being diagnosed in the early 90's, a twisted pelvis, 25ml difference in legs length, 2 paper rounds a day and a milk round plus unloading 3 or 4 40ft trucks a day at Toys R Us on my own without any manual handling aides for 12 years in the 90's have all taken their toll.

I had been offered surgery in the early 00's if I wanted it but to avoid for as long as possible. I know of 2 people who have had surgery for Sciatica and since wished they hadn't. I've also been offered surgery more recently following Spondylosis diagnosis in my upper spine.

So I'm not sure when you ask "treatment" if you mean surgery or Physio, but if it helps, the only physical treatment I've ever had had is Physio as and when needed. For my Sciatica it is mostly manageable and the last Physio session I had, "touch wood", was in the late 90's before I quit TRU and got a desk job in publishing.

With the Spondylosis I had Physio and Pilates this time last year and since then I've no real problems until about a month ago when I started waking up in the mornings with painful neck and shoulders and numb arms and hands, literally and it is gradually getting worse. Will Physio and Pilates work again and if so how long for? I won't know that until after treatment, but I'm certainly not contemplating intervention at this stage, I'm only 57 this year after all. Certainly I would seriously consider a regular "cracking" physio or massage session. Even if it's just once a month it will help and potentially Pilates as well, perhaps spaced 2 weeks apart.

I have been offered Neuropathic medicine but I will leave this until the second to last minute so that a, I don't suffer any potential side effects longer than necessary and b) my body doesn't get used to it. I do however go through a few large tubes of 12hr Voltarol a month which helps and also 1 Tramadol as and when needed which might be every day for a week or so and nothing for a few months. Oh I also have an Infra-Red heat lamp which I would definitely recommend. I have a massage wand as well but using it just causes pain and further numbness in my arms.

Of course, everyone is different, but I do feel for you and I hope the above helps.

Thank you both, i am with dr turk, had spinal injections for pain, made no difference im afraid

Mnm thank you so much, youve gone through a horiffic time as well, im so sorry
Ill give physio a go and see what happens, i do not want to end up in a wheelchair!!!

Absolutely not that's the last thing you want until failing all else, then consider surgery. As I said, everyone is different and what works for one may not for another. I had 2 Steroid Epidurals years ago. The first worked ok for many months but the second one had no effect, so I wasn't offered a third and was discharged, but that was mainly to do with reducing patients and waiting lists. Whilst I appreciate you can't try these things for ever, a third one may have also had no effect, however it could have lasted longer lasting than the first one.

Get a second opinion before any operation ,preferable in Uk .I had a friend who was advised to have a operation on his back when living in North Cyprus, they wanted to fuse it ,fortunately he did not go ahead .He has been back in UK for a while and had treatment and was told if the back had been fused he would have been in trouble.

I always go to Voronica s she really good

Isn't she the one who virtually break peoples backs cos she works so firm. How old is she now? she's lived here for years.

benjaminbutton wrote: ↑

Mon 05 May 2025 1:55 pm

Isn't she the one who virtually break peoples backs cos she works so firm. How old is she now? she's lived here for years.

She climbed on top & tried to pull my arms and legs off!

I have to say it felt wonderful when she stopped!

Gary and I both went to Vasili after he was told He has sever spinal stenosis at Lumbar 3-4-5 plus 2 disk herniations. I have osteoarthritis, my hips suffering the most. After sessions we felt good, with the exercises he recommended we have not been back for a couple of years.
He helped but it was a very painful experience at first but got better, the more mobile we became.

Veronica is hard but it’s the only way. I went to her when I got here years ago. In Uk they tried to sort
my shoulder out for years doctor said it will never heal. Went to her 2 visits all better could turn my head for first time in 5 years. She was tough but it has worked and for other things

where is veronicas and telephone number please?

05338591697 the turning opposite the hospital turn there sign saying Voronica

Lookup Dr Can Cobanoglu. His a magician with bone issues. Has treated many family members with very positive results without surgery needed,

Thank you all so so much, I can't believe that I've had such a brilliant response from people. I will definitely look up Dr can Cobanoglu and see what his response is. I really am grateful for all your help - hopefully in the not too distant future I may be able to walk, what a bonus! Thank you all

helendj wrote: ↑

Sat 10 May 2025 6:21 am

Thank you all so so much, I can't believe that I've had such a brilliant response from people.Thank you all

I think the majority know the pain and frustration you are in. Plus the fear if an operation is the only recommendation. Gary for over 30 years has put his 'off" through manual manipulation.

Good luck