Neck Pain Specialist Singapore

Dr. Bryan Tan

MBBS (Singapore)

MMed (Ortho)

FRCS Ed (Orth)

Neck pain is pain in or around the spine beneath your head (cervical spine) and typically occurs due to poor posture, overuse or injury. It is vital to understand your symptoms and seek medical treatment as soon as possible, as early diagnosis and management can reduce the complications of neck pain.

Dr. Bryan Tan

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Sports have always played a big part in Dr Bryan’s life. His interest in sports and varied sporting activities give him a deep understanding of sports injuries and the mindset of an athlete.
The condition often develops gradually over time and is difficult to detect. This painful condition affects 2-5% of the general population.

Dr Bryan Tan is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, based in Singapore. He completed 2 fellowships in Orthopaedic Sports, Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Sydney, Australia and Nice, France. Prior to private practice, Dr Bryan was a consultant in the Division of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore. He is currently still a visiting consultant at NUH where he actively teaches medical students and young orthopaedic surgical trainees. In addition, he travels to regional countries to teach advanced arthroscopic surgical techniques.

    • MBBS(Singapore)

    • MMed (Ortho)

    • FRCS Ed(Orth)

Dr. Bryan has a special interest in keyhole surgery and performs most of his surgeries using advanced, modern keyhole surgical techniques. He regularly visits fellow surgeons from other countries to ensure his skills and knowledge are cutting edge.

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What Is Neck Pain?

The neck is composed of vertebrae or backbones of the spine that extend from the skull to the upper torso. Many bones, ligaments and muscles in the neck support the head, giving the neck its stability and flexibility.

Neck pain is pain in or around the spine beneath your head (cervical spine) and typically occurs due to poor posture, overuse or injury.

What Are the Symptoms of Neck Pain?

Common symptoms of neck pain include:

  • Sharp pain, especially when moving your head or neck
  • Neck stiffness/ difficulty turning head, or looking up and down
  • Aching shoulders especially near the base of the neck
  • Headache especially at back of the head
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.

How Is Neck Pain Treated?

Non-Surgical Treatment

Common treatment methods include:

  • Warm compression
  • Physical therapy
  • Taking pain relievers and muscle relaxants
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Traction, which uses weights or pulleys to gently stretch your neck
  • Short-term immobilisation by using a neck collar

Surgical Treatment

Although rarely required for neck pain, surgery may be recommended if non-surgical methods are ineffective in improving your symptoms.

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How Is Neck Pain Diagnosed?

Your doctor will first perform a physical examination of your head and neck to check for symptoms such as pain, stiffness or tenderness, as well as test your neck’s mobility. A review of your medical history and lifestyle habits may also be conducted.

In addition to a thorough history and physical examination by your doctor, you may also require one or more of the following imaging tests to further determine the cause of your neck pain:

  • Blood tests
  • X-ray
  • CT or MRI scans
  • Electromyography (allows your doctor to assess your muscle health and the nerves that control your muscles)

What Causes Neck Pain?

Common causes of neck pain include:

  • Muscle strains or overuse of neck muscles
  • Injuries or direct blows to the neck or head
  • Nerve compressions
  • Diseases and medical conditions such as heart attack, rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body) or meningitis (inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord)
What’s the first step?

Your Treatment Roadmap with Dr. Bryan

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked
Questions

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

While neck pain is typically not life-threatening, it can still bring significant pain and discomfort. Neck pain may also be a sign of an underlying medical condition which requires proper treatment.

You should seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms persist for an extended period of time or if they interfere with your daily activities. Alternatively, seek medical care if your neck pain is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands.

What increases the risks of neck pain?

  • Poor posture
  • Sedentary lifestyle or remaining in a position for too long
  • Sleeping with your neck in a bad position
  • Jerking your neck during exercise
  • Ageing
  • Smoking

How to prevent neck pain?

  • Practice good standing and sitting posture by ensuring your shoulders are in a straight line over your hips and your ears are directly over your shoulders
  • Ensure ergonomics at your workstation are good
  • Take frequent breaks and move around, especially if you are constantly standing still or sitting down for prolonged periods of time
  • Quit smoking
  • Avoid carrying heavy bags with straps over your shoulder

Take the First Step

Book An Appointment

Leave us a few details and Dr. Bryan will get back to you shortly.

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    For faster response, WhatsApp Us!+65 8044 5516

    Visit our Clinic

    Feel free to visit our clinic and get to meet our specialist.

    Orthosports@Novena

    38 Irrawaddy Road, #10-41
    Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
    Singapore 329563

    Orthosports@Connexion

    1 Farrer Park Station Road,
    #15-17 Connexion
    Singapore 217562