Expert Insights on Pain Conditions That We Treat

Diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in evaluating back pain, helping doctors to identify underlying conditions and formulate appropriate treatment plans. In Singapore, various imaging modalities are available, each with different costs. Below is an overview of the common types of diagnostic imaging used for back pain and their associated costs. Types of Diagnostic Imaging for Back Pain X-rays: Typically the first imaging test performed to rule out fractures or structural

Cancer treatment has advanced significantly, but pain can remain one of the most challenging symptoms for patients living with cancer. For some people, cancer pain improves with appropriate medication, radiotherapy, surgery or treatment directed at the cancer itself. For others, however, pain may remain severe despite carefully adjusted medications. Side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, nausea or confusion can also make it difficult to increase medication doses enoug

An osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture can cause sudden and severe back pain, particularly in older adults with weakened bones. While many fractures improve with conservative treatment, some patients continue to experience significant or disabling pain. When pain persists despite medication, rest, bracing or physiotherapy, it may be appropriate to seek further assessment from a pain or spine specialist to prevent complications related to immobility and deconditioning.

Sciatica can be more than just an occasional ache in your lower back. For some individuals, the pain travels from the lower back or buttock down the leg. It may also be associated with numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or weakness. If you have been managing sciatica for weeks and it is not getting better, you may be wondering, "Is this normal?" or "Do I need to see a specialist?" The answer depends on the cause of your symptoms, how long they have lasted, their severity

Buttock pain during pregnancy in Singapore is common but that does not mean it should be dismissed. The same pattern of pain can come from the sacroiliac joint, a lumbar disc, irritated nerves, overworked muscles, or the hip and pelvis. Good treatment starts with finding the most likely source, not just treating the area that hurts. This article explains why pregnancy buttock pain happens, when to seek urgent care, how doctors assess it, and what treatment options may help, f

A sore arm for a day or two after a vaccine is common. Pain that persists for more than a week, worsens, or limits shoulder movement is different. For some patients, the issue is not the vaccine itself, but irritation or injury around the shoulder caused by where or how the injection entered the upper arm. In such cases, you might be dealing with SIRVA or Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration, which is an uncommon complication of vaccine administration. Persistent

Living with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in Singapore can feel intensely isolating. Often described as one of the most excruciating chronic pain conditions known, the sudden, electric shock-like facial pain can severely disrupt daily life—from eating and talking to simply stepping out into the tropical heat. While many patients initially rely on medications like carbamazepine to manage symptoms, what happens when these drugs no longer provide relief or cause intolerable side eff

Does a sharp, pinching pain shoot through your arm every time you try to reach for an overhead shelf, wash your hair, or zip up a jacket? Does that nagging shoulder pain when sleeping on your side wake you up night after night? If you are suffering from rotator cuff tendinopathy, rotator cuff injury or subacromial bursitis, you are likely exhausted. You’ve probably tried resting your arm, taking over-the-counter NSAIDs, and maybe even doing basic stretches—only for the ache t

Waking up with a stiff shoulder or neck is common—maybe you slept at an awkward angle or spent too long hunched over your laptop. But when that "stiffness" starts creeping from your neck into your shoulder, limits your range of motion, and refuses to go away after a few days, you might be dealing with something different. If you are struggling to reach for your seatbelt, brush your hair, or zip up a dress, you may be experiencing the early signs of Frozen Shoulder (adhesive c

Knee pain affects millions of people worldwide, severely limiting mobility and reducing overall quality of life. Whether your knee pain is caused by injury, arthritis, or overuse, effectively managing knee pain is essential for maintaining an active lifestyle. Fortunately, simple habits and practical strategies can protect your knees and significantly reduce discomfort. Understand the Common Causes of Knee Pain Understanding the root causes of your knee pain is crucial for ta

For office workers and residents across Singapore spending long hours at desks or dealing with sudden mobility strain, persistent neck pain radiating down the arm is an increasingly common complaint. While basic stretching or posture changes help initially, a persistent ache often signals a pinched nerve in the neck. At Alleviate Pain Clinic in Farrer Park Hospital, Dr. Christopher Liu evaluates these symptoms locally to prevent further complications without requiring major s

Shingrix is a vaccine is given to protect adults from shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. In addition to preventing shingles, Shingrix significantly reduces the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a debilitating condition that can occur after shingles. Shingrix vaccine is a recombinant, adjuvanted zoster vaccine for individuals aged 50 and above. Who Should Get Shingrix Vaccine in Singapore? Shin

Back mouse or an episcleral lipoma is a treatable cause of back pain. It is often under-recognized as a cause of back pain If you have ever reached around to rub a sore lower back and felt a small, rubbery lump that slips around under your fingers, you might have met a "back mouse." It sounds strange—and perhaps a bit alarming—to discover a small, firm knot moving around near your lower back or hip. But despite its quirky nickname, a back mouse isn't a parasite or a sign of a

Chronic pain and acute pain affect millions worldwide, often limiting daily activities and reducing quality of life. Interventional pain management offers targeted solutions by using minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat pain at its source. This approach focuses on precise targeting of the pain generator, helping patients regain function and comfort without relying solely on medications. Interventional Spine Procedure performed under X-ray guidance What is Inter

Did you recently experience a sudden, sharp pain in your lower back that shoots all the way down your buttock, thigh, or leg? Does coughing, sneezing, or sitting down make the pain worse? If so, you may be dealing with an acute lumbar disc herniation (commonly known as a slipped disc). When a spinal disc bulges or ruptures suddenly, it pinches nearby spinal nerves—causing severe, radiating sciatica pain. The good news? Over 90% of herniated disc symptoms in the lower back rec

Knee arthritis causes pain and stiffness that can limit daily activities and reduce quality of life. The good news - having knee arthritis does not automatically mean you need a knee replacement surgery. The ideal treatment depends on your age, severity of your arthritis, medical condition and your functional status. In this post, we explore commonly performed minimally invasive interventions for knee arthritis - namely injections (steroid and platelet-rich plasma or PRP) and

Welcoming a new baby brings joy and challenges. Among the unexpected difficulties many new parents face is wrist pain. If your wrist hurts when lifting baby, or you notice wrist pain while breastfeeding or holding your baby's head, you are not alone. Many parents experience discomfort or even weakness in their wrists during the postpartum period. This pain can make everyday tasks like holding a bottle or lifting your child more difficult and frustrating. This post explores co

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and weakness over the hand and wrist. If you experience these symptoms, you might be wondering whether carpal tunnel injections could help you. This carpal tunnel treatment option offers relief for many, but it is not suitable for everyone. Understanding who benefits most from carpal tunnel injections can help you make an informed decision about your care. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often a result o

Migraines affect millions worldwide, causing intense pain and disrupting daily life. Prior the 2010s, the prevention of migraine headaches typically depended on off-label medications (or medications that were not designed specifically for the treatment of migraines but were found to be helpful subsequently). Examples of these medications include anti-seizure medications and blood pressure medications. In the last 10 years, our understanding of migraine has evolved significant

Experiencing a sharp pain in front of shoulder when lifting arm past my head can be frustrating. It can affect your daily activities like reaching for items on a high shelf or putting on a shirt. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical advice helps you take control of your shoulder health and avoid worsening the condition. Shoulder pain, a common condition that affects 7 to 26% of the general population Common Causes of Sharp Front Shoulder Pain When Rea