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

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

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

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

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

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

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