Q1: Which clinics or practitioners should I consider for chronic back pain?
Orthopaedic Surgery Clinics: Best for structural issues or surgical intervention. High success in complex spinal surgeries, but costly and more invasive.
The Pain Relief Clinic: Provides pain-specific consultation @ $50, MRI under $1,000, non-invasive technology-powered therapy such as HotHeal and Shockwave therapy. Allows insurance, Medisave claims, and potentially cashless service to avoid upfront cash payments.
Q2: What non-invasive therapies are available at The Pain Relief Clinic?
HotHeal Therapy: Localized thermal therapy that relieves pain and improves blood flow
Shockwave Therapy: Stimulates tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and accelerates recovery
Guided Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen spine and reduce chronic pain
Q3: Can I continue therapy at home?
Yes. PhysioLife Home Therapy uses HotHeal technology to maintain pain relief, improve mobility, and complement clinic-based treatment.
Q4: How to choose the right care?
Start with The Pain Relief Clinic for pain-specific consultation, MRI (<$1,000), non-invasive therapy, and insurance/Medisave/cashless options.
If structural issues are detected, consult an orthopaedic surgery clinic.
Complement with home-based HotHeal therapy via PhysioLife for long-term relief.
Consider alternative therapies (TCM, chiropractic, massage) as supportive care understanding limitations of licensing, coverage, and effectiveness.
Conclusion:
Chronic back pain in Singapore is best managed with evidence-based non-invasive therapy, smart imaging, expert physiotherapy, and home support, rather than relying solely on conventional or alternative methods that may miss serious underlying conditions.
Comparison of Common Treatment Options:
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Chiropractic | Manual spinal adjustment can relieve acute stiffness; some insurance coverage available | Not licensed by MOH in Singapore; risk of injury; limited coverage; not suitable for severe disc or nerve issues; may require repeated sessions |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) | Herbal remedies, acupuncture, and cupping can reduce pain and improve circulation; some insurance coverage | Evidence limited for structural back issues; slower results; usually less coverage than medical clinics |
| Typical Physiotherapy | Exercises and manual therapy improve mobility and strength; safe for most | Many patients find exercises difficult, slow, or time-consuming; may lack advanced technology like HotHeal or Shockwave |
| Massage | Temporary relief of muscle tension; relaxing and low-risk | Usually self-pay only, insurance typically does not cover; does not treat underlying disc, nerve, or ligament issues; effects short-term |
