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Spine Specialist in Singapore
Our team of specialists & surgeons offer a range of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, including minimally invasive procedures to provide effective treatment for various spinal conditions.
Experiencing spinal, neck, or back symptoms that affect your daily life? Our spine specialist can offer thorough diagnostic evaluations and personalised treatment plans to address your unique needs.
Dr. Ambrose Yung
Common Spine Conditions
Spine conditions can vary greatly in severity and type, affecting individuals in different ways. Some of the most common conditions include:
- Whiplash Injury - Often resulting from motor vehicle accidents, whiplash injury occurs when the neck and head are suddenly and forcefully moved.
- Back Pain - Back pain can arise from various causes including muscle or ligament strain, disc problems, arthritis, or skeletal irregularities.
- Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia) - This condition involves pain at the base of the spine, caused by trauma, prolonged sitting, or other factors.
- Scoliosis - A progressive condition characterised by a sideways curvature of the spine.
- Compression Fracture - Typically associated with osteoporosis, compression fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the spine weaken and collapse.
- Herniated Disc - This condition occurs when a disc in the spine ruptures or bulges, potentially pressing on the spinal nerves.
- Degenerative Disc Disease - A condition related to ageing, where one or more of the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column deteriorates or breaks down.
- Spinal Stenosis - Characterised by the narrowing of spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves.
- Osteoarthritis of the Spine - This involves the breakdown of the cartilage in the joints and discs in the neck and lower back.
- Cervical Radiculopathy - A condition resulting from compression or irritation of a nerve in the neck.
- Spinal Infections - Though less common, infections can affect the spine, including the vertebrae (osteomyelitis), intervertebral discs (discitis), or the spinal canal (epidural abscess).
- Spinal Tumours - These can be either benign or malignant growths that develop in or near the spinal cord or within the bones of the spine.
Common Causes Of Spine Conditions
Common causes of spine conditions include:
- Repetitive Strain or Overuse
Activities that involve repetitive motion or prolonged postures, such as sitting for extended periods or heavy lifting, can cause strain on the spine, leading to conditions like muscle strain and degenerative disc disease. - Physical Trauma
Accidents, falls, and sports injuries are contributors to spine conditions. They can lead to conditions like whiplash, fractures, and herniated discs. - Age-Related Wear and Tear
Natural wear and tear of the spine occur with ageing, often leading to conditions like osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. - Poor Posture
Maintaining poor posture over time, especially during activities like using a computer or lifting, can contribute to spinal stress. - Genetic Predisposition
Some individuals are genetically predisposed to certain spine conditions, such as scoliosis or degenerative disc disease. - Infections and Tumours
Though less common, infections and tumours can affect the spine, leading to pain, structural damage, or neurological complications. - Unhealthy Lifestyle Factors
Obesity, lack of physical activity, and smoking can contribute to the weakening of the spine and the development of related conditions.
Symptoms and Signs
Common symptoms associated with spine disorders include:
- Pain: This is the most common symptom. Pain can be acute or chronic, and localised or radiate to other parts of the body.
- Stiffness and Reduced Flexibility: Difficulty in moving the neck or back, or a decreased range of motion, often indicates an underlying spine condition.
- Numbness or Tingling Sensations: These symptoms, particularly in the arms or legs, can be indicative of nerve compression or damage.
- Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness in the limbs can be a sign of nerve involvement due to a spine condition.
- Unnatural Posture: Unusual posture adaptations, such as leaning to one side, can be a sign of spine disorders like scoliosis.
- Difficulty Walking or Balance Issues: Spinal conditions can affect coordination and gait, leading to difficulty in walking or maintaining balance.
- Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: In severe cases, spine conditions can affect the nerves controlling bladder and bowel functions.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing spine conditions involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tools.
- Patient History and Physical Examination: The initial step involves a detailed patient history to understand symptoms, lifestyle factors, and any prior injuries. A physical examination assesses the patient’s movement, strength, and nerve function.
- Imaging Tests: These are necessary to visualise the spine’s condition. Common imaging tests include X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans, which can help provide detailed images of bones, discs, and nerves.
- Nerve Tests: Tests like electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) can evaluate nerve function and detect nerve damage.
- Blood Tests: These can help identify underlying conditions that might contribute to spine problems, such as infections or inflammatory diseases.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
For many spine conditions, non-surgical treatment options can be effective in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Common non-surgical approaches may include:
- Medications - This includes a range of options like over-the-counter pain relievers for mild pain, prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for more severe inflammation, and muscle relaxants for muscle spasms. In some cases, stronger pain medication may be prescribed for short-term relief.
- Epidural Steroid Injections - These injections deliver steroids directly into the epidural space in the spine, reducing inflammation and providing relief from pain caused by nerve irritation or inflammation. They are often used for conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
- Supportive Devices - The use of foam collars, customised pillows, and braces can help stabilise and support the spine, alleviate pain, and promote proper alignment. For example, a foam collar can be beneficial for neck conditions like whiplash by providing support and limiting motion during the healing process.
- Physical Therapy - Tailored exercise programs focus on strengthening the muscles supporting the spine, improving posture, and increasing flexibility. Techniques such as heat therapy, ice packs, and ultrasound may also be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Physical Manipulation - This involves manually applying pressure and moving joints and soft tissues. It aims to improve mobility, relieve pain, and enhance blood flow to affected areas.
- Pilates - A form of low-impact exercise focusing on strengthening the core muscles, which play a role in supporting the spine. Pilates can improve posture, muscle tone, balance, and joint mobility, making it a beneficial practice for many with spine conditions.
Surgical Treatment Options
Surgical interventions are considered when non-surgical treatments are insufficient or when the spine condition is severe. Common surgical procedures include:
- Discectomy
This procedure involves the removal of a portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve, thereby relieving pain and nerve irritation. - Laminectomy
Commonly used for spinal stenosis, laminectomy involves removing part of the vertebra (the lamina) to create more space for the nerves and relieve pressure. - Spinal Fusion
This surgery joins two or more vertebrae together, often using bone grafts and metal rods, to stabilise the spine and reduce pain from movement. - Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
These procedures are used to treat spinal compression fractures, often due to osteoporosis. They involve the injection of a cement-like substance into the fractured vertebra to stabilise and strengthen it. - Artificial Disc Replacement
A procedure where a damaged spinal disc is replaced with an artificial one, which helps to maintain spine mobility and alleviate pain. - Coccygectomy
This surgical procedure involves the removal of the coccyx (tailbone) and is typically considered when other treatments for coccydynia have been unsuccessful. - Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
These procedures use advanced techniques and smaller incisions, leading to potentially shorter recovery times and less tissue damage compared to traditional surgery.
Rehabilitation Process
The rehabilitation process typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy to restore strength and mobility, pain management strategies, and patient education to promote long-term spine health.
Customised to each patient’s specific condition and recovery goals, the rehabilitation programme focuses on gradual and sustained improvement, ensuring patients regain their functional abilities and quality of life effectively and safely.
Preventing Spine Complications
Several preventative measures can help reduce the risk of developing spine conditions or prevent existing conditions from worsening.
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity strengthens the muscles supporting the spine, improves flexibility, and enhances overall spinal health. Activities like walking, swimming, and specific core-strengthening exercises can be beneficial.
- Maintaining a Proper Posture: Maintaining good posture, especially while sitting or standing for extended periods, reduces strain on the spine. Ergonomic furniture and mindful body mechanics during daily activities can also be effective.
- Managing a Healthy Weight: Excess body weight, particularly around the abdomen, can put additional stress on the spine. Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise for spinal health.
- Avoiding Smoking: Smoking should be avoided, as it has been linked to an increased risk of degenerative spinal conditions.
- Using Safe Lifting Techniques to Avoid Strain: When lifting heavy objects, do so safely by bending at the knees and hips, not the waist, and lifting with the legs, not the back.
- Regular Health Check-ups: Regular consultations with the spine specialist can help detect and manage spine-related conditions in a timely and effective manner.
Our Clinic Locations
Spire Hand & Upper Limb Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, #07-10
Singapore 228510
Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 6.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
Spire Orthopaedic Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre
101 Irrawaddy Road, #18-03
Singapore 329565
Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 6.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Should I Avoid Doing If I Have Spine Pain?
If you are experiencing spine pain, try to avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, such as heavy lifting, prolonged sitting or standing in one position, and high-impact activities. Also, try to avoid poor posture and repetitive motions that can strain the spine.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Spine Pain?
The recovery time from spine pain varies depending on the cause and severity of the condition, as well as the individual’s overall health and adherence to treatment plans. Some conditions may see improvement within a few weeks with proper care and physical therapy, while others might require longer management strategies. Regular follow-ups with a spine specialist can ensure optimal recovery.
What Happens If Spine Conditions Go Untreated?
Leaving spine conditions untreated can lead to worsening symptoms, decreased mobility, and potentially irreversible damage in severe cases. Chronic pain, nerve damage, and other complications can arise from neglected spine issues. Seeking timely medical evaluation and treatment can aid in preventing these adverse outcomes.
When Should I Consider Surgery for My Spine Condition?
Surgery for a spine condition is usually considered when non-surgical treatments have not provided adequate relief, or when the condition is severe and likely to worsen without surgical intervention. Decisions about surgery should be made in consultation with a spine specialist who can assess the specifics of your condition and discuss the potential benefits and risks.
How Do I Know If My Spine Pain Warrants Medical Attention?
Continuous or worsening spine pain, particularly when accompanied by symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or bladder or bowel control issues, is a sign to seek medical attention. Pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medication, or pain that affects your ability to perform daily activities, should also be evaluated by a spine specialist.