Spine

What are the most common spine conditions?

There are different spine conditions in Singapore, and the most common ones are:

• Herniated disc - Also called a ruptured or slipped disc, a herniated disc happens when the soft gel-like substance of the disc between the vertebrae leaks or tears outside its outer protective layer. This can cause pain in the arm or in the neck and inflammation in the spinal cord.
• Spondylosis - One of the most common conditions of the spine in Singapore is spondylosis, which refers to the degeneration of the spine’s discs, joints and bones with age. Some patients who have spondylosis experience no pain at all, while others may have serious pain that affects other parts of the spine.
• Sciatica - This is a common spine condition in Singapore. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body running from the lower back down to each leg. Sciatica typically occurs with a herniated disc and is characterised by pain, inflammation and numbness in the lower body.
• Spinal Stenosis - This is a spine condition in which the spaces between the vertebrae begin to narrow. This occurs in the lower part of the back called the lumbar area. The narrowing can cause pressure on the nerves or on the spinal cord. Symptoms include back pain and numbness of the arms and legs. This is one of the spine conditions that requires surgery if home remedies and non-surgical treatment fail to alleviate symptoms.

What are the causes of different spine conditions?

The most common causes of spine conditions are:

• A congenital disorder or abnormal development that begins at birth
• Age-related wear and tear or degeneration
• Injuries, falls, or accidents
• Specific diseases and other medical conditions
• Infection and inflammation of the muscles, ligaments, and muscles in the spine
• Improper sleeping position
• Repetitive motions or tasks

What are the spine treatments offered by Axis Orthopaedic Centre?

We provide a wide range of spinal treatments, including:

• Minimally Invasive Spinal Decompression - This is a type of surgery that uses smaller incisions compared to standard surgery. Specifically, this procedure opens and decompresses narrow areas such as the spine or the nerves. Some orthopaedic doctors recommend this surgery because it causes less pain and less harm to muscles and tissues.
• Minimally Invasive Fusion and Instrumentation - Using a smaller incision, this surgery permanently connects 2 or more bones in the spine, preventing one or more of your vertebrae from moving. This helps in achieving spinal stability and corrects deformities.
• Minimally Invasive Spinal Injections - By injecting medication directly into the infected area, this procedure mitigates neck and back pain caused by infected or inflamed spinal nerves. This also helps in lessening the pain in the nerve roots and strengthening the body's mobility.

One of the best ways to prevent spine conditions is to keep your back muscles strong by doing stretching exercises at least 2 times a week, getting active and eating healthy. The spine must be protected and taken care of, as it plays a crucial role in terms of bodily support and mobility.