Slipped Disc (Disc Herniation): When Is an MRI Needed in Singapore?

Uncategorized | 2025 Dec

FAQ: MRI for Slipped Disc (Disc Herniation)

What is a slipped disc?

A slipped disc—also known as a disc herniation—occurs when the soft inner portion of an intervertebral disc pushes out through its outer layer. This can irritate or compress nearby nerves, leading to back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness.

It commonly affects the lumbar spine (lower back) but can also occur in the neck.

Does a suspected slipped disc always need an MRI?

Not always.

An MRI is usually considered when:

  • Symptoms are persistent or worsening

  • Pain radiates down the arm or leg

  • There is numbness, tingling, or weakness

  • Conservative treatment has not helped

  • Decisions depend on knowing which disc and nerve are involved

MRI is the most accurate imaging method for confirming a slipped disc.

Why is MRI preferred over X-ray for a slipped disc?

X-rays show bones and alignment but cannot visualise discs or nerves.

MRI can clearly show:

  • The exact disc involved

  • Degree of disc bulge or herniation

  • Whether a nerve is compressed

  • Associated inflammation or degeneration

This level of detail is critical for guiding next steps.

When should an MRI be done for suspected disc herniation?

An MRI is commonly recommended when:

  • Pain lasts more than 4–6 weeks

  • There is leg pain (sciatica) or arm pain

  • Symptoms worsen instead of improving

  • There is weakness or altered sensation

  • Pain affects work, sleep, or daily activities

  • Treatment decisions depend on imaging clarity

How long does it take to get an MRI in Singapore?

Waiting time depends on the care pathway:

  • Public hospitals:
    Non-urgent outpatient MRIs may involve waiting weeks or more, depending on demand.

  • Private or clinic-based options:
    MRI scans are often arranged much faster.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, MRI scans for suspected slipped discs can typically be arranged within one working day, subject to clinical assessment.

How much does an MRI for a slipped disc cost in Singapore?

Costs vary by provider and scan complexity:

  • Public hospitals:
    Lower out-of-pocket cost due to subsidies, but longer waiting times.

  • Private hospitals / imaging centres:
    Higher and sometimes unpredictable pricing.

  • The Pain Relief Clinic:

    • Clear upfront pricing, typically under S$1,000 for common outpatient disc-related MRI scans

    • Costs are explained before the scan, helping patients plan financially

Do I need to go to a hospital or imaging centre separately?

In many cases, yes—patients may need to:

  • See a doctor at one location

  • Travel to a separate imaging centre

  • Return later for review

At The Pain Relief Clinic, MRI coordination is handled within the same clinic system, meaning:

  • No off-site imaging travel

  • Reduced administrative delays

  • Faster review of results in context

Can Medisave be used for a slipped disc MRI?

Yes. Medisave can be used for outpatient MRI scans, subject to prevailing outpatient diagnostic limits.

The clinic can advise:

  • Whether your scan qualifies

  • Expected out-of-pocket cost before proceeding

Are insurance claims or flexible payment options available?

Yes, depending on your coverage.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, patients may access:

  • Insurance claim support (corporate and personal plans, subject to insurer rules)

  • Cashless arrangements where applicable

  • Interest-free instalment options

  • Cash and card payments

This flexibility helps reduce financial strain, especially for unexpected imaging needs.

What happens after the MRI confirms a slipped disc?

Once imaging is completed:

  • Findings are reviewed alongside your symptoms

  • The degree and location of disc herniation are explained

  • Next steps may include targeted conservative care, further evaluation, or referral if needed

Having clear imaging helps avoid unnecessary delays or ineffective treatments.

Key Takeaway

A slipped disc cannot be reliably diagnosed on symptoms or X-rays alone. MRI provides the clarity needed to guide safe, informed decisions.

In Singapore:

  • Public hospitals offer subsidised scans but may involve waiting weeks or more

  • Private hospitals offer faster access with variable pricing

  • The Pain Relief Clinic offers a practical alternative with:

    • Clear upfront pricing under S$1,000

    • Fast MRI arrangement

    • No off-site imaging

    • Flexible payment options, including Medisave, insurance, cashless and instalments

Tags: , , , ,
No   Comments

                

Lower Back Pain (Lumbar Spine Pain): When Is an MRI Needed in Singapore?

Uncategorized | 2025 Dec

FAQ: MRI for Lower Back Pain

What is lower back (lumbar spine) pain?

Lower back pain refers to pain arising from the lumbar spine, which includes vertebrae, intervertebral discs, facet joints, ligaments, muscles, and nearby nerves. It is one of the most common reasons adults in Singapore seek medical care, especially among office workers, manual workers, and active adults.

Do all cases of lower back pain need an MRI?

No. Many episodes of acute lower back pain improve with rest, activity modification, and time.

However, an MRI becomes important when:

  • Pain persists beyond a few weeks

  • Symptoms worsen or keep recurring

  • There is leg pain, numbness, or weakness

  • X-rays are normal but pain remains unexplained

  • Treatment decisions depend on knowing the exact cause

What can an MRI show that X-rays cannot?

An MRI provides detailed views of soft tissues, including:

  • Slipped or bulging discs

  • Nerve compression or irritation

  • Disc degeneration

  • Spinal canal narrowing (stenosis)

  • Ligament or muscle injury

  • Inflammatory or structural causes of pain

X-rays mainly show bone alignment and fractures, but cannot visualise discs or nerves clearly.

When is an MRI especially useful for lower back pain?

An MRI is commonly considered when:

  • Pain lasts more than 4–6 weeks

  • Pain radiates down the leg (sciatica-type symptoms)

  • Pain follows a fall or accident

  • Pain interferes with work or sleep

  • Symptoms persist despite physiotherapy or medication

  • There is concern about nerve involvement

How long does it take to get an MRI in Singapore?

This depends on where you go:

  • Public hospitals:
    Non-urgent outpatient MRIs may involve waiting weeks or more, depending on demand and prioritisation.

  • Private and clinic-based options:
    MRI scans can often be arranged much faster, sometimes within days.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, lumbar spine MRI scans can typically be arranged within one working day, subject to clinical suitability.

How much does a lumbar spine MRI cost in Singapore?

Costs vary depending on provider, complexity, and whether contrast is required.

  • Public hospitals:
    Lower out-of-pocket cost with subsidies, but longer wait times.

  • Private hospitals and imaging centres:
    Costs are higher and may vary significantly.

  • The Pain Relief Clinic:
    MRI scans are offered with clear upfront pricing, typically under S$1,000 for common outpatient lumbar spine scans.
    Patients are informed of the cost before proceeding, reducing uncertainty.

Do I need to go to a hospital or another imaging centre for the MRI?

Not necessarily.

Some pathways require:

  • Seeing a doctor at one location

  • Travelling to a separate hospital or imaging centre

  • Returning again for review

At The Pain Relief Clinic, MRI coordination is handled within the same clinic system, meaning:

  • No off-site travel for imaging

  • Reduced administrative delays

  • Faster clinical review once results are available

Can I use Medisave for a lumbar spine MRI?

Yes, Medisave can be used for outpatient MRI scans, subject to prevailing outpatient diagnostic limits.

The exact claimable amount depends on:

  • Current Medisave rules

  • Scan indication

  • Whether contrast is used

The clinic team can advise on eligibility and expected out-of-pocket costs before the scan.

Are insurance claims or cashless options available?

Yes, depending on your coverage.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, patients may access:

  • Insurance claim support (corporate and personal plans, subject to insurer rules)

  • Cashless arrangements where applicable

  • Interest-free instalment options, helping manage cash flow

  • Cash and card payments

This flexibility is particularly useful for unexpected or urgent scans.

What happens after the MRI?

Once the MRI is completed:

  • Images and reports are reviewed in the clinical context

  • Findings are explained in clear, practical terms

  • Next steps may include targeted treatment, further conservative care, or referral if needed

Having imaging and clinical review aligned helps avoid unnecessary delays or repeat scans.

Key Takeaway

For persistent or unexplained lower back pain, an MRI can provide clarity that guides effective decision-making.

In Singapore:

  • Public hospitals offer subsidised care but may involve waiting weeks or more

  • Private hospitals provide faster access but with variable pricing

  • The Pain Relief Clinic offers a practical alternative with:

    • Clear upfront pricing under S$1,000

    • Fast MRI arrangement

    • No off-site imaging

    • Flexible payment options, including Medisave, insurance, cashless and instalments

Tags: , , , ,
No   Comments

                

Slipped Disc, Sciatica & Nerve Compression: Trusted Doctors and Treatment Options in Singapore

Back Pain, Neck Pain | 2025 May

Have you been feeling sharp pain that travels down your leg or arm? Or maybe numbness, weakness, or tingling from the neck or lower back? These symptoms may be caused by a slipped disc, sciatica, or a condition called radiculopathy — where a nerve is pinched by a bulging spinal disc.

In Singapore, there are several highly recommended doctors and clinics that can help. Whether you’re looking for surgery, a second opinion, or prefer to try non-surgical methods first, this guide will help you explore your best options.

???? Recommended Spine & Nerve Doctors in Singapore

These 3 specialists are trusted by many Indonesian and local patients for back and neck nerve pain:

1. Dr. James Tan Siah Heng – Neurosurgeon, Gleneagles Hospital

Dr. James Tan is a senior neurosurgeon with many years of experience treating cervical and lumbar slipped discs, nerve compression, and spinal instability. He is known for minimally invasive surgery such as discectomy and nerve decompression — with faster recovery and lower risk.

2. Dr. Teo Kejia – Neurosurgeon, Precision Neurosurgery

Dr. Teo is the founder of Precision Neurosurgery, where he helps patients with sciatica, cervical radiculopathy, and spinal disc problems. He offers clear advice and personalised surgery planning, and is often consulted for second opinions when patients are unsure about surgery.

3. Dr. Huang Yilun – Spine Orthopaedic Surgeon, Total Orthopaedic Surgery

Dr. Huang is an orthopaedic specialist who focuses on spine and disc conditions. He is known for using motion-preserving techniques like disc replacement instead of fusion surgery, especially helpful for younger or active patients.

? Looking for Non-Surgical Relief?

? The Pain Relief Clinic – Non-Surgical Treatment for Slipped Disc & Nerve Pain

If you’re not ready for surgery — or prefer to try alternatives first — The Pain Relief Clinic offers advanced medical treatments without injections or operations.

Led by Dr. Terence Tan, the clinic uses technologies such as:

  • Shockwave Therapy for disc inflammation

  • Radiofrequency Therapy (HotHeal) to calm nerve irritation

  • Spinal Decompression Therapy to relieve pressure from the disc on the nerve

These treatments are comfortable, safe, and often recommended as the first step before surgery — especially for conditions like:

  • Slipped disc (protrusion or herniation)

  • Nerve pain from the neck or lower back

  • Sciatica and tingling in the legs or arms

  • Stiffness and pain due to posture or old injuries

? “Dr. Terence Tan focuses on helping patients recover using non-surgical methods — reducing pain, improving mobility, and helping them avoid unnecessary operations.”

? Had Surgery Already? Recover Faster with Rehab

? The Pain Relief Practice – Post-Op Recovery & Physiotherapy

After spine surgery, your recovery journey is just beginning. The Pain Relief Practice provides professional rehab care to help patients heal faster and move better.

With medical-grade therapies like:

  • TECAR Therapy

  • Electro-stimulation for muscle balance

  • Guided physiotherapy & strengthening exercises

The team supports patients who’ve had discectomy, decompression, or disc replacement — helping you return to daily activities with less pain and better function.

? Summary for Indonesian Patients Visiting Singapore

Slipped discs, sciatica, and nerve compression can be painful and stressful — but you don’t have to face them alone. In Singapore, you can find:

? Trusted doctors for spine and nerve care
? Clear explanations and second opinions
? Non-surgical options to try first
? Professional rehab after surgery

Start by consulting with a recommended doctor, or book an assessment with a clinic like The Pain Relief Clinic to see if non-invasive care could help.

Tags: , ,
Comments Off on Slipped Disc, Sciatica & Nerve Compression: Trusted Doctors and Treatment Options in Singapore   Comments

                
1