Best Spinal Pain Doctors Abroad for Australian Patients

Dr Celal Salcini co-authored the textbook chapter on spinal cord diseases for Merrit's Neurology, a definitive resource used by medical specialists worldwide.

• Specialises in clinical neurophysiology to accurately diagnose the root cause of chronic spinal pain
• Focuses on the complex organisation of the spine, specifically studying restless legs and nerve conduction
• Expert in electrophysiology, using electrical activity tests to assess nerve and muscle function
• Practises at NP Istanbul Brain Hospital, a centre dedicated to neurological and spinal disorders

Dr. Pongwat Polpong is a neurosurgeon at EDNA Wellness in Bangkok. He performed the first endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery at Bangkok Hospital Chanthaburi. This minimally invasive procedure treats pituitary tumors through the nasal pathway. He trained at the International Neuroscience Institute in Germany and major Thai hospitals.

• Has performed 2,000+ operations throughout his surgical career.
• Leads regenerative medicine programs as Chief Physician at EDNA Wellness.
• Treats brain tumors, spinal disorders, and stroke complications.
• Authored multiple peer-reviewed studies on lumbar discectomy and spinal pathology.

Dr Thongrong is a board-certified physiatrist and the Head of Rehabilitation at King Mongkut Chaokhunthahan Hospital, specialising in non-invasive spinal pain relief.

• Uses ultrasound-guided hydrodissection to release trapped nerves and soothe chronic musculoskeletal pain
• Specialises in radio-frequency and advanced laser therapy for targeted, surgery-free pain management
• Presented research on surgical and anatomical skills at the 17th Ottawa Conference in Perth, Australia
• Instructor of Musculoskeletal System and Body Movement at the KMITL Faculty of Medicine

Dr. Yasef Özsarfati is a neurologist at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital. He has over 40 years of expertise in neurology. He spent a year in the United States researching dementia and behavioral neurology. Dr. Özsarfati earned his professorship at Istanbul University.

• Specializes in the treatment of dementia, epilepsy, and severe headaches.
• Treats complex conditions like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
• Practices at a JCI-accredited facility and Turkey's first Smart-and-Green hospital.
• Uses advanced diagnostics including video-EEG monitoring and brain MRI.

With over 25 years of clinical and academic experience, the doctor is a highly accomplished specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology. Clinical expertise encompasses hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, arthroplasty, orthopedic oncology, and trauma surgery. The doctor has held significant positions at various training and research hospitals, including serving as a founding specialist at the Hand Surgery Clinic of Baltalimanı Bone Diseases Training and Research Hospital.

The doctor has pursued international professional development, including an observership at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago. After being appointed Associate Professor in 2018, the doctor attained the rank of Professor in 2024 and currently practices as a specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology.

Dr. Ebru Altindag is an associate professor and neurologist at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital. She specializes in epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology. Dr. Altindag has won multiple first prizes at National Epilepsy Congresses for her research publications. She also treats Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative conditions.

• Expertise in video-EEG monitoring and electroencephalography (EEG).
• Member of the Association of Child Neurology and Neuroimmunology.
• Winner of the Kenan Tükel publishing award for research on seizure semiology.
• Recipient of a scientific research support award from the Turkish Epilepsy Association.

Dr. Suwit Tangcharoenwathanakul is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine disorders. He has subspecialty training in spine surgery.

Doctor of Medicine (MD), Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University (2010). Diploma in Orthopedic Surgery, Hatyai Hospital (2015). Fellowship in Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Center of Excellence, Lerdsin Hospital (2020).

Dr Ali Osman Mucuoglu is a neurosurgery specialist at Atlas University Hospital, where he focuses on resolving complex spinal pain through surgical intervention.

• Completed the prestigious Mehmet Zileli Advanced Spinal Surgery Course twice to master complex back and neck procedures
• Specialises in treating cervical extradural schwannomas – nerve sheath tumours that cause significant spinal pain
• Trained in functional neurosurgery with the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies to improve patient nerve function
• Uses minimally invasive surgery techniques to reduce recovery times and postoperative discomfort for spinal patients
• Active member of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society and the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies

Dr Alireza Soltanzadeh is a specialist in algology – the field of medicine dedicated to relieving chronic pain through advanced targeted treatments.

• Specialises in pain management at Istanbul Okan University Hospital
• Completed a fellowship in cardiac anaesthesia at Istanbul's Çapa Medical Faculty
• International research focus on ozone therapy for pain relief and patient safety
• Active member of several international anaesthesiology and medical societies
• Fluent in multiple languages including English, German, and Turkish

Dr Tara Rak-areekul achieved first place in the National Formative Neurological Examination and serves at PYONG Rehabilitation Group with a focus on comprehensive neuro-recovery.

• Specialises in managing complex nerve pain and headache disorders linked to spinal health
• Trained at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in cognitive and clinical neurology
• Won the national Epilepsy Quiz Tournament for her diagnostic expertise in neurological cases
• Certified in international stroke treatment and movement disorder principles
• Contributes to the Chula Neuroscience Series on behavioral management in neuro-disorders