Types Of Back Pain Specialists In Singapore
Statistics show that 80% of people suffer from back pain at some point in their lifetime. In Singapore, back pain is prevalent, especially since we spend most of our day working, glued to our seats in front of our computers. Most back pain usually goes away within a week or two. But for some, the pain is chronic or recurring, which is a definitive sign to consult a specialist immediately.
Back pain could be due to a strained muscle or ligament in the posterior area, a slipped or herniated disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis, or spondylosis. Any of these may lead to poor joint movement — an essential body function as it encourages healthy fluids, nutrients, and waste release.
There are various health professionals in Singapore who can help resolve and manage your back pain. These specialists differ in how they treat and manage back pain or injury. But, while they differ in some ways, they are allies in treating your overall spine health.
This blog will help you discern the differences between orthopaedists, chiropractors, and physiotherapists and decide whom to consult for your back pain.
When To See An Orthopaedic Doctor
Orthopaedic surgeons are board-certified and fellowship-trained experts in treating the musculoskeletal system. Our muscular system comprises bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues.
Orthopaedic doctors also sub-specialize in specific areas such as hips, legs, hands or spine. In making a diagnosis, they often use X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. In addition, these doctors are qualified to order tests, interpret results, and treat the root cause of your back pain through prescription medications, surgery, or referrals to a physical therapist or chiropractor.
These are the signs you need to consult an orthopaedic doctor:
- when your physician recommends orthopaedic surgery
- when you have sustained broken bones and fractures
- when conservative treatment does not help
When To See A Physiotherapist
Also called physical therapists, physiotherapists help patients manage pain, balance, mobility, and motor functions. They develop customised programs to restore the patient’s functional ability and movement.
Their field of study is collaborative with orthopaedic medicine. An orthopaedic doctor evaluates and treats a back injury. On the other hand, the physiotherapist develops individualised strengthening and flexibility exercises for the patient based on the doctor’s diagnosis. What’s more, physiotherapists provide feedback to orthopaedic doctors on the patient’s progress.
It’s time to visit a physiotherapist:
- when your physician recommends physical therapy
- you want to learn how to move your back in ways that will not cause further harm or pain
- you want to learn therapeutic exercises and stretching that will prevent you from undergoing surgery or help you mobilise quickly, post-surgery
When To See A Chiropractor
Chiropractors are primary health practitioners who function like general practitioners (GPs), focusing on spine treatment using their hands and applied pressure. They are concerned with conservative management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, through natural therapy and not resorting to drugs or surgery.
Using spinal manipulation or adjustments, chiropractors relieve pain in the patient’s joints and muscles by increasing blood flow and decreasing pressure around the joints, nerves, and muscles. Chiropractors do not prescribe medication but instead leverage the body’s ability to self-heal.
People who experience chiropractic adjustments feel an overwhelming sense of relief after a chiropractic adjustment as it promotes the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural response to combat pain and stress.
Consider going to a chiropractor when:
- you want a natural, non-surgical treatment option for your back pain
- the prescribed pain relief medications are not working
- your pain does not improve even after applying heat pads or ice packs
- you want a spinal and joint alignment for increased mobility, energy, and immunity
- you have chronic pain that prevents you from living a full life
What To Expect From A Chiropractic Consultation
Chiropractic care is a good option for safely and naturally treating neuromusculoskeletal system disorders. Conditions may include neck, shoulder, and back pain, scoliosis, sciatica, migraines, and more. Its focus is to keep the spine and nervous system healthy and functioning correctly. Here’s what you can expect from booking a consultation with a chiropractor.
1. Initial Consultation
Expect a thorough discussion about the reason for the visit, and full disclosure of medical history, including pre-existing conditions, past trauma, accidents, surgeries, or medical treatments. Mention your occupation and lifestyle too, so the chiropractor can accurately diagnose and assess the chronicity of your condition or injury.
2. Physical Examination
The chiropractor will conduct a detailed physical examination, manual spinal check, and range of motion tests. A referral to a radiology clinic for spinal x-rays is necessary for some instances.
3. Report of Findings
During the first or second visit, the chiropractor will comprehensively explain the diagnosis based on the consultation, examination, and imaging test results. Then, they will recommend a treatment program to correct the underlying issues of your pain.
4. Chiropractic Treatment
Manual adjustments, Soft Tissue, Diversified, Gonstead, Thompson/Drop Table, and Activator are some of the chiropractic techniques used by our team at Kissun Chiropractic.
We also provide patient education, therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, nutritional and lifestyle advice, cold and heat therapy, ergonomic and postural assessment, sleep posture assessment, and foot orthotic therapy.
Our multidisciplinary approach has been observed to deliver results in resolving pain — thus, restoring and maintaining long-term health for our patients.
In addition, our treatment and management plans are customised to fit every patient’s needs and preferences.
Kissun Chiropractic’s treatments and services are offered at mid-range cost. We want chiropractic care to be accessible and affordable to everyone in Singapore because we believe that quality healthcare should be within everyone’s reach.
At Kissun Chiropractic, we strive to deliver exceptional yet affordable service within a comfortable and caring environment.
Kissun Chiropractic is a trusted and leading Chiropractic clinic in Singapore offering affordable and effective treatments for all ages in the community. We are experienced in treating routine and complex neuromusculoskeletal conditions such as headaches, neck, shoulder and backaches, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, sciatica, pregnancy aches and pains, sports injuries, performing ergonomic assessments and postural checks. Patients’ conditions are managed through natural, safe, non-invasive, drug and surgery free treatments, relying on the bodies’ inherent recuperative functions. Treatment plans are customised to patients’ specific needs and preferences.