Spinal osteoarthritis

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Stem cells offer hope for recovery and symptom management

Lower spine and intervertebral discs — illustration
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Spinal osteoarthritis

Stem cell treatment for Spinal osteoarthritis

Spinal osteoarthritis is a condition in which the joints in the spine deteriorate. This degeneration can be the result of several factors, such as natural aging, overuse or injury. Spinal osteoarthritis can cause pain and discomfort and affects people of different ages. Our stem cell treatment for spinal osteoarthritis involves direct administration of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells to promote the repair of damaged joints in the spine and improve spinal health. This can lead to an improvement in the recovery process and an increased quality of life.

How is our stem cell transplant for Spinal osteoarthritis performed in Istanbul?

Spinal osteoarthritis has no cure, but various treatments can provide relief from symptoms. Certain diets are known to be helpful in the treatment of spinal osteoarthritis, as certain foods possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce symptoms.

Pain-relieving medication may be prescribed, and similar to osteoarthritis, specific exercises, including swimming, can be beneficial. The joints affected by spinal osteoarthritis are individually addressed with stem cell therapy and other medications. Joint replacement is a surgical intervention that may be considered.

Expert stem cell treatment led by Uzm. Dr. Cihan Bolat, MD

Under the leadership of Uzm. Dr. Cihan Bolat, MD, Specialist in Anaesthesiology and Reanimation · Regenerative Medicine, we provide expert treatments tailored to the unique needs of our patients. With our extensive experience and mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue and Wharton’s jelly, and exosomes at our disposal, we offer an integrated approach to the treatment of Spinal Osteoarthritis. In our clinic we do not use performance-enhancing substances or components, and we strive for a relaxing atmosphere with a friendly and professional team to help you enjoy your stay.

A closer look

Spinal osteoarthritis

Explore your topic. Discuss your questions and personal circumstances with us.

Discuss your situation
Spinal osteoarthritis

How does our stem cell treatment for spinal osteoarthritis work?

All our stem cell treatments in Istanbul are assessed and administered by specialists in the field, trained in the United States and Turkey, and not solely by general practitioners. We do this to ensure the highest level of precision, understanding of the condition and quality of treatment for our patients. We are 100% open and honest with our patients. Not everyone is eligible for our stem cell treatments.

We decline treatment for many patients after our specialist reviews their current health and medical history and determines that treatment is unsuitable. This avoids false promises or expectations when the risks outweigh the benefits. For this reason, and to ensure patient safety in all our treatments, each patient is assessed by the specialist before they can plan their treatment.

  1. Step 1.

    Specialist assessment

    For patients with Spinal Osteoarthritis, our specialist will need to know the patient's age and previous medical treatments. In addition, he will need to review the test results you will be asked to provide.

  2. Step 2.

    Free telephone consultation with the specialist

    Once the specialist has reviewed the medical records and confirmed your suitability, we will present treatment options and pricing. We also offer a free telephone consultation to discuss your questions and concerns.

  3. Step 3.

    Stem cell preparation

    Once you decide to undergo our treatment, we will send a deposit invoice to begin the process of stem cell preparation so that it is ready for your scheduled treatment. This process can take 5-10 days, depending on current demand and availability.

  4. Step 4.

    Treatment day

    On the day of treatment you can choose to come to our hospital location or use our free transportation to and from our clinic in Istanbul. Our driver will pick you up at your desired location and accompany you to our clinic, where the specialist will administer the treatment, and then take you safely back.

  5. Step 5.

    Follow-up care

    Our follow-up specialist will contact you according to our follow-up schedule to ensure you have all the resources you need for maximum benefits. Your well-being and satisfaction are our top priority.

Your life comes first

What moves you? Our conversation starts there.

Your questions, your wishes and your everyday life. That is where our conversation begins.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does treatment cost, and what is included?

Costs depend on your assessment and the proposed treatment plan. Request an itemised quotation before making a decision.

The existing treatment information includes transport to and from the clinic, specialist treatment, a personal contact and follow-up. Confirm the exact arrangements in your quotation.

Before booking, request a written quotation covering treatment, tests, transport and follow-up. Confirm whether travel, accommodation, extra sessions and additional care are included. Insurance reimbursement is not automatic; check this with your insurer in advance.

Can stem cell therapy cure my osteoarthritis of the spine?

An improvement in symptoms is different from a cure. Whether stem cell therapy is a reasonable option for you depends on your diagnosis, previous treatment and the evidence for the proposed protocol. Discuss realistic goals and how progress would be measured; an individual outcome cannot be guaranteed.

Discuss pain, mobility and activity tolerance separately. Less pain does not automatically mean that cartilage, a tendon or other tissue has demonstrably regenerated.

How is my suitability assessed?

Medical assessment comes before treatment planning. Share your diagnosis, current symptoms, medication, previous treatments and available test results. The specialist considers potential benefits, risks and alternatives. Further assessment may be needed, and treatment may not be appropriate.

Which risks and side effects should I discuss?

Risks depend on the cell product, the administration method and your health. Ask the doctor to explain possible side effects and complications, how they would be managed and whom to contact after returning home. Injections and infusions are not risk-free.

Research & insight

The science behind the possibilities.

Selected publications for Spinal osteoarthritis

Research on knee osteoarthritis and spinal discs is related, but does not establish an effect on spinal osteoarthritis.

Randomized trial2019

Repeated MSC injections for knee osteoarthritis

In this small trial, two injections reduced pain more than hyaluronic acid at twelve months. MRI scores did not differ; cartilage restoration was not demonstrated.

Umbilical cord tissue MSCs

Read on PubMedPMID 30592390
Study details
Reference
Matas J et al. Stem Cells Transl Med, 2019.
DOI: 10.1002/sctm.18-0053
Material studied
Umbilical cord tissue MSCs
Preclinical · animal research2025

Exosomes in a hydrogel for spinal discs

Exosomes from hypoxia-cultured MSCs reduced degeneration in a rat model. The experimental hydrogel and preparation are not equivalent to a standard injection.

Exosomes from hypoxia-cultured cord MSCs, with hydrogel

Read on PubMedPMID 40620323
Study details
Reference
Zhao X et al. Regen Biomater, 2025.
DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbaf039
Material studied
Exosomes from hypoxia-cultured cord MSCs, with hydrogel
How should you read these studies?

We select research by condition, cell source and administration, prioritising cord tissue and Wharton’s jelly. This is not a systematic review. A matching cell source does not mean preparation, dose or protocol matches our treatment. Extracellular vesicles, isolated exosomes and secretome are different preparations. Animal and laboratory research explores possible mechanisms; a trial protocol contains no results yet. PubMed inclusion is not treatment approval.

Sources checked: .

Relevance to your situation depends on diagnosis, product and treatment plan.

Discuss the research at your consultation

A personal journey. Support at every step.

From your first question to your return home. Explore the consultation, preparation and follow-up.

Understanding your situation
Understanding your situation
Step 01 — Getting to know you

It starts with your story.

Discuss your questions and the information needed for your evaluation. Your medical history and expectations are our starting point.

Start with your question
From proposal to travel
From proposal to travel
Step 02 — Preparing together

Plan your next step.

Discuss the treatment proposal, travel, accommodation and transfers. Agree on the practical arrangements before your visit.

Discuss your preparation
After your return
After your return
Step 03 — Care & follow-up

Attention that goes further.

Agree on treatment and follow-up arrangements, including whom to contact after you return home and which information to take with you.

Ask about follow-up care

Your first question is enough.

Ask about the treatment, costs or your journey. We can discuss what your next step might be.

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