Chronic Pain
In Singapore
Dr Chiam Tut Fu
MBBS (Singapore)
MSS (Sports Medicine) (USA)
MMed (OM) (Singapore)
GDOM (Singapore)
DWD (Singapore)
Overview
Chronic Pain is a type of pain that persists or progresses over a long period of time, typically more than 12 weeks. Unlike acute pain that arises suddenly in response to a specific injury and is usually treatable, chronic pain persists over time and is often resistant to medical treatments. It can affect the quality of life significantly, interfering with work, daily activities, and relationships, and can also lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety.
Causes
- Injury-related chronic pain: Can occur as a result of a past injury or surgery that has caused long-term damage to tissues or nerves. Even after the original injury has healed, the pain continues.
- Disease-related chronic pain: Certain health conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and cancer, can cause ongoing pain. This can persist even with treatment of the underlying condition.
- Nerve damage: Sometimes, damage to the nervous system itself can cause chronic pain. This can occur as a result of a traumatic injury or diseases like diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
- Idiopathic (unknown cause): In some cases, people experience chronic pain without any evident past injury or evidence of body damage. The exact cause of chronic pain without an identifiable cause remains a mystery, which can make treatment more challenging.
How To Identify Chronic Pain
- Persistent pain lasting more than 12 weeks: Chronic pain is defined by its duration, persisting for longer than the expected healing time of 12 weeks.
- Affect on sleep and mood: Can lead to sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It can also contribute to mood changes, including depression and anxiety.
- Impact on daily activities: You may find it difficult to perform daily activities, such as work tasks, household chores, and personal care. It can also limit your ability to exercise, engage in social activities, and enjoy life.
Types of Chronic Pain
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Neuropathic pain
This type of pain is caused by damage or disease affecting the nervous system. It can be associated with a range of conditions, including diabetes, shingles, and certain cancers.
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Musculoskeletal pain
Affects the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones. Common conditions causing musculoskeletal pain include back pain and arthritis.
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Inflammatory pain
Occurs when the body's immune system triggers an inflammatory response, causing increased sensitivity to pain. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease can cause inflammatory pain.
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Functional pain
This type of pain occurs without clear evidence of underlying body damage, disease, or injury. Conditions like fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome are examples of functional pain disorders.
How Is Chronic Pain Diagnosed
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Medical history and physical examination
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, any previous injuries or health conditions, and the impact of the pain on your daily life. They will also perform a physical examination to check for any signs of injury or disease.
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Pain assessment tools
These can include questionnaires and pain scales to help quantify the level of pain and its impact on function and quality of life.
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Imaging tests
X-rays and MRI scans can help identify changes in the body that might be causing pain, such as damage to bones, tissues, or nerves.
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Laboratory tests
Blood tests can help identify signs of inflammation, infection, or other markers that might suggest certain causes of pain.
Minimally Invasive Treatments We Use To Treat
Chronic Pain
An injection that alleviates pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis and joint pain.
Targeted pain relief in the administered area and reduced inflammation.
Little to no recovery time. Patients may resume their normal activities promptly.
Works well in chronically injured tissues which may have very slow recovery
Anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects
Little or no downtime and patients can walk out after the 30 min procedure
Restores the physiologic viscoelasticity in the synovial fluid (SF) in the absence of inflammation
Nonoperative and FDA-approved treatment for arthritis of the knee
Results usually last for 2 - 3 months. In some cases, the relief can last for 6 - 12 months
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 stimulate healing. Does not cause your tissues to heat up. LLLT is used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing.
Painless, Quick, Effective, and No downtime. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately after an LLLT session.
Partnered Programs & Insurance Plans
For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners.
Please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plans.
Dr Chiam Tut Fu
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.
Singapore Paincare Center
Paragon Medical Centre, #18-03
290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859
Mon to Fri: 9:00am – 1:00pm
2:00pm – 6:00pm
Sat: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sun & PH: Closed
