Back Pain Specialist Singapore

Dr Bryan Tan, orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore.
Dr. Bryan Tan

MBBS (SINGAPORE) MMED (ORTHO) FRCS ED (ORTH)

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems amongst people of all ages and typically occurs due to poor posture, injury, structural abnormalities or underlying medical conditions. While back pain can bring significant pain and discomfort, it can generally be treated via non-surgical methods. However, more severe cases may require surgery to alleviate symptoms. It is vital to understand your symptoms and seek medical treatment from a back pain specialist in Singapore as soon as possible, as early diagnosis and management can reduce back pain complications.

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back pain specialist in Singapore

What Is Back Pain?

The back is composed of a complex structure of muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs and bones, which work together to provide stability and flexibility to the back. 

Back pain is pain anywhere in the back and may sometimes radiate to the hips, buttocks and legs.

Back pain can affect people of all ages and typically occurs due to direct trauma to the back or spine, structural abnormalities in the spine or underlying medical conditions. 

What Causes Back Pain?​

Common causes of back pain include:

  • Poor sitting posture
  • Muscle strains or overuse of back muscles
  • Injuries or direct blows to the back
  • Slipping and falling hard on the buttocks
  • Ruptured or bulging discs (cushions between the bones or vertebrae in the spine)
  • Diseases and medical conditions such as pancreatitis and kidney problems 

What Are the Symptoms of Back Pain?

Common symptoms of back pain include:

  • Sharp pain that can radiate down the leg
  • A dull, aching sensation in the lower back
  • Muscle stiffness or tightness
  • Inability to stand up straight without pain
  • Decreased mobility

Types of Back Pain

Back pain can feel different depending on which part of the spine is affected. Some may go away on their own, while others might need medical attention, especially if the pain doesn’t improve or affects your daily routine.

Neck Pain

Neck pain can feel like a dull ache, a sharp stab, or a tight cramp.

  • After an accident or fall: Strong pain after a car crash or bad fall could mean there is a bone injury.
  • Pain spreading to the arms: If you feel pain moving to your shoulders or arms, or notice tingling or numbness in your fingers, a nerve may be irritated.
  • Serious signs: Weakness in the arms or legs, trouble walking, or changes in bladder or bowel function may indicate a spinal cord problem and should be evaluated promptly.

Lower Back Pain

This is one of the most common types of back pain and can range from mild to very uncomfortable.

  • Pain in the lower back: Often caused by bad posture, overuse, or lifting something heavy.
  • Pain spreading to the legs: Pain moving down to the thighs, calves or feet may be a sign of nerve pressure.
  • Other symptoms: You may also feel stiffness, reduced movement, or weakness in the legs.
  • Urgent symptoms: Numbness between the legs or loss of bladder/bowel control can be a medical emergency.

Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia)

This pain is felt at the very bottom of your spine, in the tailbone area.

  • Pain when sitting: Pain often gets worse when you sit for long periods or lean back.
  • After a fall or injury: A fall onto your bottom can bruise or injure the tailbone.
  • During bowel movements: Some people experience pain when using the toilet due to pressure on the area.

Slipped Disc (Herniated Disc)

A disc is a cushion between the bones of your spine. When it slips out of place, it can press on a nerve.

  • If it happens in the lower back: You might feel pain in your buttocks, legs, or feet.
  • If it happens in the neck: You may feel pain in your shoulders or arms, and it might get worse when you cough or move your head.
  • Other signs: Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness may also occur.

Whiplash

This often happens when your head is suddenly thrown forward and back, such as during a car accident.

  • Neck pain and stiffness: These may appear a few hours or days after the incident.
  • Headaches and reduced movement: You may find it hard to turn your head or feel soreness at the base of the skull.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis refers to the spine curving sideways, typically during the growth years.

  • Visible signs: One shoulder or hip may look higher than the other.
  • Back pain or fatigue: Some individuals with scoliosis may experience fatigue or discomfort after prolonged periods of standing or walking.

Other Common Spine Conditions

  • Spondylolisthesis: One of the bones in your back slides out of place, which can lead to lower back pain.
  • Sciatica: Pain that runs from your lower back through your buttocks and down your leg, caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve.
  • Cervical spondylosis: Age-related wear and tear in the neck that may cause pain or stiffness.
  • Cervical radiculopathy: A pinched nerve in the neck that may lead to pain or numbness in the arm.
A doctor attending a patient undergoing frozen shoulder treatment

How Is Back Pain Diagnosed?

Your doctor will first perform a physical examination of your back to check for symptoms such as pain or stiffness, as well as test your back and spine’s mobility. A review of your medical history and lifestyle habits may also be conducted. If you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort, seeing a back specialist in Singapore can help determine the possible cause and next steps.

 

In addition, your doctor may also perform one or more of the following imaging tests to further determine the cause of your back pain:

  • Blood test
  • Urine test
  • X-ray (show the alignment of bones and check for fractures)
  • CT or MRI scans (assess the discs, muscles, nerves and blood vessels)
  • Bone scan (detect abnormalities in the bone tissue)
  • Nerve conduction studies (test nerve signals)

 

These tests are often used by a lower back pain specialist in Singapore to support diagnosis and guide treatment.

Is back pain affecting your quality of life, and your ability to perform everyday activities such as working, playing sports and wearing your clothes?
Dr. Tan will assess your symptoms in detail before recommending the right surgical option for your specific injury.
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How Is Back Pain Treated?​

Many cases of back pain can be managed without surgery, depending on the severity and cause. Common non-surgical options include physical therapy, the use of warm compresses, and medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen or ibuprofen. Muscle relaxants and sedatives may be prescribed to ease tension and support rest. In some situations, corticosteroid injections are used to help manage inflammation, while opioids such as oxycodone may be considered for short-term use under supervision.

A back pain specialist in Singapore can help identify which combination of these treatments may be appropriate, especially when pain continues despite self-care efforts. Regular follow-up may be needed to review progress and make adjustments as needed.

Surgery is typically considered when non-surgical methods have not provided relief, particularly in cases involving structural changes to the spine. These may include disc problems, narrowed spaces affecting the nerves, or other conditions that affect the spine’s alignment or stability. Individuals experiencing ongoing pain, weakness, or numbness associated with nerve compression may be referred for further evaluation.

A back specialist in Singapore typically assesses physical symptoms in conjunction with imaging findings to determine if surgery is a suitable option. While surgery is not always necessary, it may be offered when symptoms interfere with daily activity or do not improve over time.

Surgery to treat back pain is generally recommended for those with structural abnormalities that have not responded well to non-surgical treatment such as medication or therapy. Alternatively, surgery is also effective for people with severe and constant back pain due to nerve compressions, spinal cord compression or identifiable structural abnormalities.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is back pain serious? When should I visit a doctor?

What increases the risks of back pain?

What types of conditions do back specialists in Singapore treat?

What happens during a consultation with a back specialist?

Can I see a back specialist without a referral in Singapore?

What’s the difference between a back specialist and a GP?

Will a lower back pain specialist always recommend surgery?

Billing & Payment

Medisave & Insurance Claims

The following are accredited For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners. If your insurance is not listed, you will still be able to make claims for eligible procedures! We have experience processing claims from many other various insurance providers. Please contact us if you have any queries.

WHAT’S THE FIRST STEP?

Embark on Your Road to Recovery With Dr Bryan Tan

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STEP 1

Book An Appointment
With Dr. Bryan

Our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your registration, ensuring an efficient and hassle-free process for you. Fill up this form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bryan.

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STEP 2

Initial Consultation & Diagnosis of your Condition

During your consultation, Dr. Bryan will evaluate your medical history and the pain you are experiencing. You may also ask Dr. Bryan any questions you may have about your condition.

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STEP 3

Treatment & Follow Up Visits With Dr. Bryan

After your consultation with Dr. Bryan, our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your follow-up appointment, and provide you with instructions/information for any prescribed treatment plans from Dr. Bryan.

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