- Non-surgical approach to pain management, for sustained long-lasting pain relief.
- Comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment for back conditions.
Back Pain Specialist In Singapore With 30+ Years Of Experience
Dr Chiam Tut Fu 
MBBS (Singapore)
MSS (Sports Medicine) (USA)
MMed (OM) (Singapore)
GDOM (Singapore)
DWD (Singapore)
Common Causes of Back Pain
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Strains and Sprains
Heavy lifting or sudden movements like sneezing or bending can strain muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
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Disk Problems
Intervertebral disks cushion vertebrae but can bulge or wear out, pressing on nerves and causing pain, especially with age.
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Osteoarthritis
This common arthritis type leads to lower back pain due to joint cartilage inflammation and deterioration, often from ageing or injuries.
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Fractures
Injuries like car crashes or falls can cause fractures. Conditions like osteoporosis increase fracture risk.
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Spondylolisthesis
A vertebra slips out of place, compressing nerves and causing pain, numbness, or leg weakness.
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Scoliosis
An abnormal curvature of the spine leads to uneven weight distribution and muscle strain, resulting in pain.
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Spinal Stenosis
The narrowing of spinal spaces compresses nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the back and legs.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing back pain starts with a thorough medical history and physical examination. The process may involve:
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Medical History
The doctor will inquire about the circumstances of the injury and any previous similar injuries.
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Physical Exam
The doctor will assess your ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift your legs, as well as test your reflexes, to help pinpoint the source of your pain.
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Imaging Tests
X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and ultrasounds can provide detailed views of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs in the back, helping to identify any structural causes of pain.
Common Conditions That We Treat
When To See A Back Pain Specialist
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Pain Getting Worse
If you have been experiencing back pain that worsens over time without improvement, consult a back pain specialist.
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Disruptive Pain
If the pain interferes with daily activities, such as missing work, preventing exercise, or causing discomfort when getting out of bed, see a back pain specialist.
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Weakness or Numbness
If you experience foot or leg weakness or numbness, with or without bladder or bowel issues, this may indicate a compressed nerve or disc herniation.
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Limited Range of Motion
If you have difficulty bending over, twisting sideways, or standing up straight without pain, consult a back pain specialist.
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Severe Symptoms
Seek urgent medical care if you have fever associated with back pain, back pain after trauma, loss of bladder or bowel control, loss of strength in your arms and legs, or unexplained weight loss with back pain.
Minimally Invasive Treatments We Use
To Treat Back Pain
Treatment
Benefits & Recovery
Alleviates pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis and joint pain. Little to no recovery time. Patients may resume their normal activities promptly.
Treats flare-ups of OA pain and swelling with fluid buildup in the knee. Reduces inflammation in the joint. Can quickly relieve these symptoms, usually within 1- 3 days.
Uses low-level light to reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing. Painless, Quick, Effective, and No downtime. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately after a session.
Results usually last for 2 - 3 months. In some cases, the relief can last for 6 - 12 months.
Are Your Symptoms Or Injury Affecting Your Quality Of Life?
Regain your ability to bend over, lie down, and exercise with ease
Preventing Back Pain
Preventing back pain and its potential complications involves several strategies that focus on maintaining a healthy spine and supporting structures. Here are key preventive measures:
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Maintain Proper Posture At Work
Ensure your chair and desk setup supports your back. Adjust your chair so that your feet are flat on the floor and your computer is at eye level.
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Maintain Proper Posture While Standing
Keep your weight balanced on your feet. Avoid slouching or leaning to one side, especially when standing for long periods.
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Exercise Regularly
Engage in exercises that strengthen your core muscles, which in turn support your spine.
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Stretches
Incorporate stretching into your daily routine to improve the flexibility of your spine and muscles, reducing the risk of injuries.
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Aerobic Activity
Participate in aerobic activities that are low-impact such as swimming or walking to increase blood flow to the spine and help maintain hydration in the discs.
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Proper Lift Technique
Always bend at the knees, not the waist, when lifting heavy objects. Keep the load close to your body and avoid twisting.
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Healthy Diet
Eat a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight, especially around the midsection, can strain back muscles and spinal discs.
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Adjust Your Sleep Position
Use a mattress and pillows that support a natural spine alignment. Sleep in a position that ideally reduces the stress on your back.
Can I Use Medisave For Treatment?
Yes, you can use medisave for certain treatments.Reach out to us today to learn more about payment options.
Dr Chiam Tut Fu
(詹达夫医生)
MBBS (Singapore)
MSS (Sports Medicine) (USA)
MMed (OM) (Singapore)
GDOM (Singapore)
DWD (Singapore)
Dr Chiam is a MOH accredited Specialist in Sports Medicine and has practised medicine for over 30 years.
Dr Chiam Tut Fu obtained his MBBS from National University of Singapore in 1990. He went on to obtain his Masters in Sports Science (Sports Medicine) from the United States Sports Academy, graduating as the year’s outstanding student, and Masters of Medicine (Occupational Medicine) from the National University of Singapore.
Key Interests:
- Non-surgical treatment of sports injuries
- Non-surgical treatment of degenerative conditions
- Nutraceuticals for healthy ageing and exercise performance
Need Advice On Your Condition?
Do you have an enquiry about your sports injury or body joint condition? Please leave us a message and we will be in touch with you shortly.
Mon to Fri: 9:00am – 1:00pm
2:00pm – 6:00pm
Sat: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sun & PH: Closed
For Quicker Response, Call Us At
+65 8218 7971
Singapore Paincare Center
Paragon Medical Centre, #18-03
290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of back pain?
Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle or ligament strains, disc degeneration, joint issues, or nerve compression. It can also be a symptom of more serious conditions such as fractures, infections, or cancer in the spine.
Does back pain go away on its own?
The duration of back pain can vary greatly depending on its cause. Acute back pain related to strains and sprains often lasts a few days to a couple of weeks and can resolve with rest and self-care.
Chronic back pain, on the other hand, persists for longer than three months and may require specialised treatments.
Do I need surgery for my back pain condition?
While surgery can be a solution for certain back pain conditions, it is generally considered as a last resort after all non-surgical treatments have been explored.
Most back pain, especially lower back pain, can be treated effectively with non-surgical methods, medication, lifestyle changes, and other conservative treatments.
What to expect during my visit to the clinic?
During your visit there will be a thorough review of the history of your back pain, medical examination & accurate diagnostic tests as well as the prescription of more targeted evidence-based treatment.