Istanbul University Expert Makes Important Statements on Pain Management in Turkey

Dr. Talu, Head of the Department of Algology at Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, stated in an interview with AA that pain management in Turkey is in line with European standards.

Dr. Talu reminded that a panel was organized in Samsun in collaboration with the Turkish Algology Association and the Department of Algology at Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine to discuss who can be treated with pain pumps and their areas of use. He stated that the panel was beneficial in correcting misconceptions.

“We are not a country that is very keen on improving our quality of life”

Evaluating Turkey’s pain map, Dr. Talu said, “As in other societies, chronic painful conditions are more common in women in our country as well. Among these, fibromyalgia, which is widespread muscle pain, is one of the chronic pain conditions that is commonly seen in women in our country. Turkey is a country slowly becoming aware of pain. In the light of our culture and education, we are actually a very tolerant, accepting country that is not very keen on improving our quality of life,” he stated.

Underlining that a pain-free life is everyone’s right, Dr. Talu pointed out that significant healthcare services are provided in Turkey for this purpose.

Prof. Dr. Talu emphasized that no one should have to endure any pain and stated the following:

“For certain pains, people say ‘It’s normal for my age’, ‘Growing pains are normal’, or ‘Headaches, feeling tired are normal.’ Pain is not normal. Migraines and headaches are seen in 60-70% of women. Similarly, chronic pelvic pain. It is also a newly recognized chronic pain. It is seen more in women, around 80%. Back pains related to the spine and musculoskeletal system are also seen in 60% more women. In addition to these, we have pains seen in men but in a lower percentage. There is cluster headache, which is more common in men in society and also in our country. Pains related to systems specific to men are rarer but are seen 100% in men.”

Dr. Talu emphasized that there are many misconceptions about pain that are well-known and accepted, and added that in case of new onset pain, one should consult a doctor, and in case of long-term pains, it is necessary to consult an algology specialist.