Discover Back Pain Treatment Options in Singapore: Your Path to Relief

Man suffering from back pain at workplace. Bad posture problem
an acupuncture treatment in progress

Back pain affects a significant number of adults in Singapore, impacting daily life and overall well-being. Approximately 8 out of 10 Singaporean adults experience lower back pain, which can range from dull aches to sharp sensations. There’s no need to minimise or hide your back pain from colleagues, friends, and family. Discover the available treatment options for back pain relief in the following sections.

How is Back Pain Diagnosed?

The diagnostic process works as follow:

Initial Assessment

To accurately diagnose back pain, a back pain Circle of Healing specialist will start with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. During this stage, you’ll be asked about your back pain’s characteristics, such as:

  • Duration
  • Intensity
  • Location
  • Factors that improve or worsen the discomfort

The physical exam involves assessing your mobility and pinpointing the pain source.

Imaging Tests

To accurately diagnose back pain, a back pain Circle of Healing specialist will start with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. During this stage, you’ll be asked about your back pain’s characteristics, such as:

  • Duration
  • Intensity
  • Location
  • Factors that improve or worsen the discomfort

The physical exam involves assessing your mobility and pinpointing the pain source.

Further Testing

Sometimes, your doctor may need additional tests such as:

  • Blood tests: To rule out infections or other conditions that might cause pain.
  • Nerve studies: These include electromyography (EMG) to test the electrical impulses of the nerves and the response of your muscles.

Reasons for Testing

The primary goal of testing is to determine the cause of your back pain and rule out serious conditions such as:

  • Infections
  • Fractures
  • Tumours
  • Nerve compression

By accurately diagnosing the source of your pain, your doctor can develop the most effective treatment plan.

Treatments for Back Pain

Explore the myriad of treatments available for back pain. Each modality offers unique benefits, aiming to alleviate discomfort, improve mobility, and enhance your overall quality of life.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic not only focuses on spinal adjustments but also promotes making ergonomic adjustments in daily life to enhance posture and reduce back pain. It involves a comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment by chiropractors. Try our chiropractic trial for a special price of $45 today.

TCM

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats back pain holistically, combining acupuncture, herbal remedies, and tuina massage to restore energy balance, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Chiropractic adjustments, TCM, including tuina massage and acupuncture, are thought to provide pain relief by restoring the body’s balance, improving blood flow, and alleviating nerve pressure. Our TCM trial targets both symptoms and underlying causes, offering a natural path to recovery and overall health.

Muscle Optimal Therapy (MOT)

Muscle Optimal Therapy (MOT) offers a tailored solution for back pain, combining specialised manual techniques with advanced robotic technology to improve spine health, alleviate pain, enhance flexibility, and promote overall well-being.

Acupuncture

an acupuncture treatment in progress

Acupuncture offers targeted pain relief and relaxation through precise needle insertion, based on a detailed health assessment. This ancient practice improves mobility and well-being, with benefits that accumulate over multiple sessions.

Functional Wellness

Functional wellness addresses back pain through targeted assessments and interventions, emphasising back pain prevention with exercises tailored to each individual’s needs.. It emphasises ergonomic practices and proper posture for long-term health.

Cupping

cupping-client-with-suction-cup-process

Cupping therapy employs suction to enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote tissue repair, which may alleviate various types of back pain. It is often used alongside other treatments to provide a holistic approach to pain management and muscle relaxation.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Non-surgical treatments for back pain offer a spectrum of options from medication and physiotherapy to neuromodulatory agents, providing relief and improving quality of life without the need for surgery.

  • Over-the-Counter Medication: Offers a convenient way to alleviate discomfort with drugs that can reduce inflammation, ease pain, and relax muscles.
    • Pain Relievers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin reduce inflammation and pain, offering quick relief for mild to moderate back discomfort.
    • Neuromodulatory Agents: These agents, such as gabapentinoids, are used off-label to treat nerve pain associated with back conditions, helping to modulate pain signals.
    • Neuromodulatory Agents: These agents, such as gabapentinoids, are used off-label to treat nerve pain associated with back conditions, helping to modulate pain signals by altering pain perception and reducing inflammation. This mechanism provides relief in a manner similar to how narcotics and antidepressants work. ; narcotics offer powerful pain relief by influencing the brain’s perception of pain, while certain antidepressants, by adjusting neurotransmitter levels, can also mitigate chronic back pain, underscoring their selection for back pain management.
    • Narcotics: Prescription opioids like hydrocodone and oxycodone are used for severe back pain under close medical supervision, offering powerful pain relief but with a risk of dependency.
    • Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline) can be effective in managing chronic back pain by influencing neurotransmitters related to pain perception, even in the absence of depression.
    • Muscle Relaxants: OTC muscle relaxants alleviate back pain by relaxing tight muscles and reducing spasms, providing comfort and aiding in recovery.
    • Topical Pain Relievers: Applied directly to the skin, these products offer localised relief from back pain through heating or cooling effects, ideal for targeting specific areas.
  • Physiotherapy: Among the non-surgical treatment options, physiotherapy stands out by including back pain exercises designed to strengthen the back and alleviate discomfort.
  • Hot/Cold Therapy: Hot/Cold Therapy for back pain involves alternating heat and ice applications to reduce inflammation, ease muscle tension, and stimulate circulation, providing relief for both acute and chronic discomfort.

Medical Injections

Medical injections, such as cortisone and spinal injections, offer targeted relief and are an integral part of maintaining long-term spinal health by reducing inflammation and alleviating back pain.

  • Cortisone Injections: These injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the spinal area, offering relief from severe back pain and reducing inflammation around nerve roots.
  • Spinal Injections: These encompass a variety of injections, including epidurals, which can provide pain relief by delivering steroids or anaesthetics directly into the spinal area.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Minimally invasive procedures offer advanced solutions for back pain, utilising cutting-edge technologies like radiofrequency energy, laser, and electrical stimulation to target and alleviate pain with minimal surgical intervention.

  • Radiofrequency Discal Nucleoplasty: A minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to decompress and relieve pain from bulging spinal discs without significant surgery.
  • Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET): This procedure heats the affected spinal disc through a catheter to strengthen the collagen fibres and reduce pain from cracked or bulging discs.
  • Laser Surgery: Uses laser technology to remove soft tissue overgrowth and relieve spinal nerve pressure.
  • Diskectomy/Microdiscectomy: Involves the removal of a damaged portion of a herniated disk to relieve nerve pressure. Microdiscectomy is a specific, minimally invasive form of diskectomy.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Utilises radio waves to heat and disable nerve tissue, reducing chronic pain.
  • Rhizotomy: Severs nerve roots in the spinal cord to disrupt pain signals.
  • Foraminotomy: Enlarges the vertebral foramen to relieve nerve compression.
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation: Implants a device to send electrical pulses to the spinal cord, masking pain signals.
  • Implanted Nerve Stimulators: Similar to Spinal Cord Stimulation but targets specific nerves.

Surgical Options

For chronic or severe cases, surgical treatments may be necessary. Surgery is often reserved as a last resort, following the assessment by a Circle of Healing specialist.

  • Disc Replacement Surgery: Replaces a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one to restore mobility and relieve pain without spinal fusion.
  • Laminectomy: Removes part of the vertebral bone to relieve nerve or spinal cord pressure.
  • Spinal Fusion: Joins two or more vertebrae to eliminate pain caused by abnormal motion by immobilising them.

If you suffer an injury, the symptoms could include swelling or intense pain at the site of injury. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve with rest, contact your healthcare provider for advice and possible treatment options.

Important Considerations Before Starting Acupuncture Treatment

Before embarking on acupuncture, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional, especially for those with critical conditions like severe heart diseases, hypertension, or if you are pregnant. Acupuncture should also be approached with caution or rescheduled if you’re experiencing severe fatigue, excessive sweating, or are in the postprandial (after eating) period.

Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, looking to manage stress, or exploring holistic health solutions, Natrahea offers a welcoming and professional environment for your acupuncture journey.  Contact Natrahea today to learn more about how acupuncture can benefit you. Let us be your partner in health and wellness.

Back Pain Treatment Procedure

Back pain treatment begins with a proper diagnosis by your doctor to determine the underlying cause. Following diagnosis, a tailored treatment plan is developed.

Before the Procedure

  • In preparation for back pain treatment, consult with your GP to understand your options and any necessary pre-procedure steps.
  • Fasting may be required, especially if sedation is involved. Your clinic will provide specific instructions based on the treatment plan.
  • Medication adjustments could be necessary. Inform your healthcare provider about all current medications.
  • Arrange transportation as some treatments may impair your ability to drive post-procedure.
  • Ensure you have aftercare in place, such as assistance at home if needed.

Remember, these are general guidelines; adhere to the advice given by your healthcare professional.

During the Procedure

  • Remain still: It’s crucial you stay as motionless as possible to ensure the treatment is effective and safe.
  • Communicate discomfort: If you feel pain or discomfort, inform the clinician immediately.
  • Breathe normally: Even, regular breathing helps reduce tension and aids in pain management.
  • Follow instructions: The clinician will guide you through each step; adherence is key for the best outcome.

After the Procedure

  • Immediately after treatment, rest is crucial. Limit activities for the first few days to promote healing.
  • You might experience discomfort, swelling, or bruising, which are common reactions. Use ice packs to reduce swelling.
  • Follow all post-procedure instructions provided specifically for your treatment type.
  • Take any prescribed medications, including pain relievers, as directed by your healthcare professional.
  • Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper recovery and assess the success of the treatment.
  • Follow prescribed physiotherapy or exercises if included in your rehabilitation plan; these aid in regaining strength and flexibility.
  • Monitor your condition and contact your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual symptoms or if your pain escalates.

Types of Back Pain

Back pain can be classified by the portion of the back, duration of symptoms, and number of areas affected, with backache symptoms varying widely among individuals. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for diagnosing and treating spine pain effectively.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a common condition that can arise from various factors such as poor posture, muscle strain, or disk issues (e.g. slipped discs). You may find relief through a range of treatments:

  • Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
  • Physical Therapy: Engaging in strengthening and stretching exercises.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Emphasising regular physical activity and posture improvement.
  • Chiropractic: Adjustments and manipulations to improve spinal alignment and reduce pain.
  • Muscle Optimal Therapy (MOT): Combining manual techniques with robotic technology to enhance muscle and spine health.
  • Acupuncture: Targeted needle placement to relieve pain and improve function.
  • Functional Wellness: Tailoring exercises and ergonomic adjustments to support spine health.
  • Cupping: Using suction to stimulate blood flow and relieve muscle tension.

Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain may arise from various causes such as muscle strain, poor posture, or underlying medical conditions. It’s essential to address the discomfort effectively.

Medical Treatments:

  • Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers may help reduce inflammation.
  • Consultation: See a healthcare professional for persistent pain.

Common Remedies:

  • Rest: Limit aggravating activities.
  • Heat Therapy: Warm compresses to ease muscle stiffness.
  • Exercise: Gentle stretching to enhance flexibility.
  • Chiropractic and Acupuncture: Non-invasive methods to address pain and promote healing.

Middle Back Pain

Middle back pain can stem from various factors such as muscle strain, poor posture, or underlying medical conditions. It’s crucial to identify the cause to seek appropriate treatment.

Treatment options:

  • Physical Therapy: Aims to boost flexibility and muscle strength.
  • Pain Relief Medication: Paracetamol or NSAIDs.
  • Hot/Cold Therapy: Alternating heat and ice to lessen inflammation.
  • TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Incorporates herbal medicine, acupuncture, and tuina massage for a holistic approach.
  • Functional Wellness: Focuses on improving posture and lifestyle for long-term relief.

Acute vs Chronic Back Pain

Here’s how you can differentiate between acute and chronic back pain.

Aspect Acute Pain Chronic Pain
Duration
Less than 3 to 6 months
3 months or longer
Cause
Specific event or injury
May follow an initial injury or arise from an ongoing cause such as illness
Symptoms
Severe but typically improve with treatment
Continuous or intermittent, persists beyond healing
Response to Injury
Body’s natural response to injury or tissue damage
Ongoing discomfort, not necessarily tied to acute damage
Treatment
Rest, pain relief medication, physical therapy
Immediate measures like rest and medication. Long-term strategies including chiropractic care, functional wellness, and Muscle Optimal Therapy (MOT) to address underlying conditions.

Local vs Radiating Back Pain

Local Pain:

  • Felt in one area
  • Consistent intensity
  • May result from an injury

Radiating Pain:

  • Travels along nerves
  • May vary in intensity
  • Often linked to nerve issues

Treatment Options: Includes TCM, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and physical therapy to target the pain’s source, whether it’s a localised injury or a nerve-related issue.

Understanding the nature of your back pain is a step towards effective treatment. If you experience persistent back pain, consult a healthcare professional for a tailored management plan. Whatsapp Natrahea at +6581386088 for better back health today!

Back Pain Symptoms

When you experience discomfort in your back, it’s important to identify the symptoms to understand the severity of your condition. Common signs of back pain include:

Pain: You may feel a persistent ache or sharp pain.

Numbness: Sometimes there’s a loss of feeling in your back or limbs.

Tingling sensations: You might notice a ‘pins and needles’ feeling.

Weakness: Muscles in your back, legs, or arms might feel weaker than usual.

Chronic back pain: Pain persisting for more than three months is considered chronic.

Muscle spasms: Sudden, involuntary muscle contractions can occur.

Lower Back Pain Causes

  • Injury: Sudden movements or improper lifting can strain spinal ligaments and discs.
  • Herniated Discs: When the disc’s inner gel-like core bulges out, pressing on a nerve.
  • Arthritis: Joint cartilage wears down, leading to osteoarthritis in the spine.
  • Pressure: Prolonged sitting or standing increases pressure on spinal discs.
  • Facet Arthropathies: Joint inflammation and degeneration in the spine.
  • Spondylolisthesis: Occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it. 
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis: A form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing inflammation of the spinal joints and can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort.
  • Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it due to degeneration of joints and ligaments.
  • Intervertebral Disk Degeneration: The discs in the spine lose their cushioning, leading to pain.
  • Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Pain in the lower back and buttocks caused by abnormal motion in the sacroiliac joints.
  • Spinal Disk Degeneration: Aging of the spinal discs, reducing their ability to cushion the vertebrae.
  • Trauma/Injury: Direct impact causing acute or chronic pain.
  • Localised in Tissues: Includes ligament sprains, muscle strains, and muscle tightness.
  • Radiculopathy: Nerve pain caused by compression, inflammation, or injury to a spinal nerve, often leading to pain radiating down the legs.
  • Sciatica: A specific form of radiculopathy where the sciatic nerve is affected, causing sharp, shooting pain through the buttocks and down the legs.
  • Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine, often leading to pain in the lower back.
  • Radiating Pain Causes: Includes kidney infections and stones, pelvic inflammatory diseases, urinary tract infections. For women/AFAB: pregnancy and uterine fibroids. For men/AMAB: testicular injury or torsion.

Upper Back Pain Causes

    • Muscle Strain: Caused by overuse, poor posture, or direct injury.
    • Herniated Discs: Discs in the thoracic area bulge, pressing on nerves.
    • Arthritis: Affects the spine’s upper joints, leading to pain.
    • Spinal Degeneration: Conditions like scoliosis impacting the upper back.
  • Radiating Pain Causes:
    • Fibromyalgia: A condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues.
    • Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Chronic pain disorder in muscle tissues.
    • Liver Problems: Can cause referred pain in the upper back.
    • Gallbladder Inflammation: Also known as cholecystitis, can cause pain in the upper back.
    • Tumour: Very rare but can cause back pain if a tumour presses on the spinal cord or nerves.

Middle Back Pain Causes

    • Muscle Strain: From overuse or injury.
    • Herniated Discs: Less common but can occur in the thoracic spine.
    • Arthritis: Joint degeneration in the mid-back area.
    • Trauma/Injury: Direct impact to the middle back.
    • Spinal Stenosis: The narrowing of the spinal canal in the thoracic region can compress nerves.
    • Infection: Such as discitis or osteomyelitis in the thoracic spine.
    • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: An enlarged area in the lower part of the aorta, the major blood vessel that supplies blood to the body, can cause pain that radiates to the back.
    • Appendicitis: In some cases, can cause back pain if the appendix is positioned posteriorly.
    • Osteoporosis: A condition characterised by weakened bones, increasing the risk of sudden and unexpected fractures. Osteoporosis can lead to fractures in the vertebrae of the spine, causing severe back pain.
    • Cancers: Very rare but can cause back pain if cancer affects the spine or causes a mass that presses on the spinal cord or nerves.
    • Infections: Rare but spinal infections can cause middle back pain.
    • Perforating Stomach Ulcers: Can cause referred pain to the back.
    • Endometriosis: In women or AFAB (assigned female at birth), where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it, can cause radiating back pain.
  • Radiating Pain Causes:
    • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas that can cause referred pain to the middle back.
    • Kidney Infection and Stones: Can cause pain that radiates to the mid-back.

There are many possible causes of back pain. For advice and treatment tailored to your condition, we recommend seeking the help of a professional. Reach out to Natrahea today!

Benefits of Back Pain Treatment

Back pain treatment offers several benefits, including:

  • Alleviates pain and discomfort
  • Improves mobility and flexibility
  • Enhances muscle strength and posture
  • Reduces the need for pain medication
  • Prevents chronic conditions from developing
  • Promotes better sleep patterns
  • Increases overall quality of life
  • Facilitates a quicker return to daily activities
  • Minimises the risk of future back injuries
  • Offers personalised treatment plans tailored to individual needs

When to Consider Surgery

If you suffer from severe back pain that persists despite conservative treatments such as medication and physiotherapy, surgery may be an option.

Indications for Surgery:

  • Persistent pain: If your pain doesn’t improve with non-surgical treatments and significantly disrupts your daily activities, surgical intervention may be considered.
  • Neurological symptoms: The presence of numbness, weakness, or paralysis in your legs, indicating spinal cord involvement, can necessitate surgery.
  • Spinal Stenosis: For those experiencing worsening symptoms from this condition, which narrows the spinal canal and compresses the spinal cord, surgery might relieve pressure.
  • Herniated Discs: If a disc fragment is pressing on a nerve or the spinal cord and causing significant pain, weakness or numbness, surgery could be advised.

Back Pain Treatment Risks

  • Surgical risks: infections, blood clots, nerve damage.
  • Medication side effects: constipation, nausea, addiction.
  • Non-surgical treatment risks: temporary soreness, increased pain.

Back Pain Treatment Complications

  • Post-surgical complications: prolonged pain, failed back surgery syndrome, reduced mobility.
  • Invasive procedures: scar tissue development, impacting flexibility and persistent discomfort.
  • Physical therapy: potential for incorrect exercise execution, exacerbating conditions, longer recovery periods.

Back Pain Treatment Costs in Singapore

In Singapore, back pain treatment costs vary by healthcare setting. Public hospitals offer lower fees with subsidies for locals, while private services are more expensive.

  • Consultations range from SGD 20 to SGD 300

  • Physiotherapy costs SGD 50 to SGD 200 per session

  • More intensive treatments like spinal injections and surgery can cost up to SGD 20,000

  • Costs for pain relief medication and muscle relaxants range from SGD 10 to SGD 70

To receive an accurate treatment cost, consult directly with a healthcare provider for a tailored quote based on your specific back pain condition.

Are There Subsidies For Back Pain Treatment in Singapore?

In Singapore, public hospitals and polyclinics offer subsidies for citizens and permanent residents which can substantially reduce costs.

Public Healthcare Providers: For example, you might receive up to 80% subsidy for consultations and treatments at public institutions.

MediSave: Additionally, Singapore citizens and permanent residents with MediSave accounts can use these funds for certain treatments under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), which includes back pain.

The actual subsidy you receive may vary based on your income bracket and whether you have additional insurance plans such as MediShield or Integrated Shield Plans. Always check with your healthcare provider and review your eligibility for various subsidies and insurance claims.

Why Choose Natrahea For Back Pain Treatment?

natrahea kovan heartland mall

Natrahea is proud to serve the community in Singapore. Here are some tidbits about us:

  • Asia’s First Circle of Health Program: Pioneered by a team of six certified chiropractors, offering a unique approach to health and wellness.
  • Safe and Non-Invasive Treatments: Focuses on delivering treatments that are drugless and non-invasive, prioritising patient safety and comfort.
  • Recognition in the Medical Community: The program’s efficacy and integrity have been recognized and endorsed within the medical community.
  • Personalised Care: Each practitioner is committed to customising treatments for individual patients, targeting pain relief, improved mobility, and overall health restoration.

We welcome you at any of our 7 outlets across the island.

  • North: NorthPoint City in Yishun
  • South: Tiong Bahru Central Plaza
  • East: Parkway Parade and Tampines Plaza 2
  • West: Jurong East CPF Building
  • Central/Northeast: Kovan Heartland Mall and Novena Medical Center

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ)

Have Questions?

How Long Does Back Pain Last?

Back pain duration varies. Acute back pain typically lasts up to six weeks. If your pain persists beyond that, it may be considered chronic. Chronic back pain can endure for months or even longer. Factors affecting duration include:

  • Severity: Intense pain may need longer recovery.
  • Treatment: Proper management can shorten duration.
  • Activity level: Staying active within comfort can aid healing.

For personalised advice, consult a specialist for back pain.

How Many Back Pain Treatments Will I Need?

Determining the number of treatments you’ll need for back pain depends on its cause, severity, and your body’s response. After an evaluation, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan. Below are typical scenarios:

  • Mild Pain:
    • Physical therapy: 4-6 sessions
    • Medication: As prescribed
  • Chronic Pain:
    • Ongoing management: varies
    • Interventional treatments: as per doctor’s plan

Always discuss your progress and adjust the plan with your doctor.

How Long is a Back Pain Treatment Session?

The duration of your back pain treatment can vary greatly depending on the specific type of therapy you’re undergoing. At Natrahea, here’s what you can expect:

    • Chiropractic adjustments: Usually 20-30 minutes
    • TCM: 30-60 minutes
    • Muscle Optimal Therapy (MOT): 30-60 minutes
    • Acupuncture: 45-60 minutes
  • Functional Wellness: 45-60 minutes
  • Cupping: 10-30 minutes

Session length can also be influenced by the severity of your condition and your response to treatment. It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider for a tailored plan.

Does Back Muscle Pain Go Away on Its Own?

Back pain, especially muscle strain, often improves with appropriate rest and home treatments such as applying heat or ice or using over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if your pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other troubling symptoms, seek medical advice. Chronic or severe pain may require a more structured treatment approach.

How Should I Sleep With Back Pain?

For back pain, sleep in a neutral position to maintain the natural curve of your spine. Use a medium-firm mattress, place a pillow under your knees if on your back, or between your legs if side-sleeping, and avoid sleeping on your stomach.

How Can I Prevent Back Pain?

Unfortunately, back pain can return even after treatment. To prevent back pain, regularly exercise to strengthen your back and core, maintain a healthy weight, practise good posture, and lift properly. Adopting these lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of back pain.

When is Back Pain an Emergency?

Seek immediate medical attention for back pain if you experience severe pain after trauma, neurological issues (numbness, weakness), loss of bowel or bladder control, unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, decreased leg strength, or numbness in the saddle area.

How Do I Know if My Back Pain is Nerve or Muscle?

Symptoms of Nerve Pain:

  • Sharp, burning sensation
  • Pain that travels along the nerve path
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Weakness in the affected area

Symptoms of Muscle Pain:

  • Dull, aching discomfort
  • Localised soreness or stiffness
  • Pain that worsens with movement
  • Potential muscle spasms

A diagnosis often involves a physical examination and possibly imaging tests. Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to accurately identify the source of your back pain.

What Causes Lower Back Pain in Females?

Lower back pain in females can be caused by several factors, including:

  • Hormonal changes, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause
  • Endometriosis, where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the reproductive organs
  • Osteoporosis, leading to weakened bones and fractures
  • Stress and tension affecting back muscles
  • Improper lifting techniques or poor posture

Is Back Pain a Symptom of Pregnancy?

Yes, back pain is a frequent symptom of pregnancy, often resulting from increased strain on the back muscles as the body adjusts to carry the growing baby’s weight.

Can Back Pain be a Sign of Cancer?

Yes, but it’s highly unlikely (only 1% of cases). Consult a doctor if your back pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss or fatigue.

Medical References

Gibbs, D., et al. “Back Pain.” Neurologic Clinics, vol. 41, no. 1, 2023, pp. 61–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ncl.2022.07.002

Khodakarami, N. “Treatment of Patients with Low Back Pain: A Comparison of Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Manipulation.” Healthcare, vol. 8, no. 1, 2020, p. 44. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8010044

Urits, I., et al. “Low Back Pain, A Comprehensive Review: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” Current Pain and Headache Reports, vol. 23, no. 3, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-019-0757-1

Testimonials

Our Patient Testimonials

Michelle Lim
Michelle Lim
The team at Kovan is friendly and approachable. Asyraaf and Dr Youssef are dedicated and sincere in helping you and your body feel better. They also give you practical ways to practice through the week exercises you can do to improve your posture and strengthen your muscles.
Xi Wen
Xi Wen
Enjoy the stretching there, the schedule is more flexible and possible to get the suitable time. They do provide recommendation of packages due to adjustments take times. If you don’t want you can just let them known, they won’t do hard sale. And you also can let them known your preferred professionals.
Selwyn Lacampuenga
Selwyn Lacampuenga
*Doctors/Chiropractors where very experience on their field, give advice and informed you on whats happening in your condition
*Staff here where all friendly and give you warm welcome, very accomodating and will notify you on the incoming schedule you make.
Thanks NATRAHEA Kovan🙏🙌🏻
Yap XuanTing
Yap XuanTing
The staffs there were very friendly and helpful. Dr Jason is a very professional chiropractor and he explained very clearly to me my x-ray results and what my conditions were. After only a few chiropractic sessions with him along with physiotherapy done by Cassandra, I felt that my lower back and neck stiffness has improved significantly. My experience with them have been great so far and I highly recommend this place for chiropractic treatment !
Alvin Koh
Alvin Koh
I had a constant knee pain and my shoulders always aches due to long hours facing the computer. Dr Loo, Sherry and Cassandra have been very helpful and they have relieved me of my pain. Definitely a great experience here where the staff are always very friendly and accommodating.

NATRAHEA Clinic Locations in Singapore

Book Chiropractic Trial Appointment

If you’ve been neglecting dull pain for some time now or have a strong sense that your body is imbalanced, don’t sit on it.
You deserve to be comfortable all the time.

  • Valid for first-time customers or customers who have not visited NATRAHEA for the past 6 months.
  • Date and Time selections are only tentative, on a first-come-first-serve basis. A member of our team will be in touch with you to confirm your selections or advise an alternative appointment subject to availability.
  • Only valid for Singaporeans, PR, LTVP or Work Pass Holders. Not available for tourists.
  • You may select a tentative appointment date at the payment page. Appointments are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Our customer service team will be in touch within the day to confirm your appointment date.
  • Muscle work will only be done if clinically allowed and recommended by our Circle of Healing specialist. Please bring along your past X-ray if you have any pre-existing condition.
  • X-Ray may be recommended by the Circle of Healing specialist if condition is assessed to require one before performing any treatment.
  • Do bring along any health referrals forms, relevant medical reports (X-rays, MRI, etc) for your first visit. Alternatively, you can reply to the order confirmation email with the reports prior to your first appointment.
  • In case you run into difficulties making online payment, feel free to contact us via Whatsapp at 81386088
Select a tentative date and time at least 24 hours in advance or contact our outlets directly here.

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