- Experiencing back pain that radiates down your leg?
- Looking for accurate diagnosis & reliable treatment?
Slipped Disc Specialist With More Than 30 Years of Experience
Dr Paul Thng Leong Keng 
MBBS (Singapore)
FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)
FRCS (Glas)
What is a Slipped Disc?
A slipped disc is when the soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out and presses on one of the spinal nerves that make up the sciatic nerve, resulting in pain along the course of the nerve, known as sciatica. You may have a slipped disc if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:
- Pain in the neck or back
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness in the muscles of the arms or legs
- Pain that worsens with certain movements (bending or twisting)
- Pain that improves when lying down or changing positions
- Pain that radiates down the arms or legs
- Difficulty standing or sitting for extended periods of time
- Muscle spasms in the neck or back
In some cases, you may not know that you have a slipped disc because not all slipped discs cause symptoms.
What is a Slipped Disc?
A slipped disc is when the soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out and presses on one of the spinal nerves that make up the sciatic nerve, resulting in pain along the course of the nerve, known as sciatica. You may have a slipped disc if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:
- Pain in the neck or back
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness in the muscles of the arms or legs
- Pain that worsens with certain movements (bending or twisting)
- Pain that improves when lying down or changing positions
- Pain that radiates down the arms or legs
- Difficulty standing or sitting for extended periods of time
- Muscle spasms in the neck or back
In some cases, you may not know that you have a slipped disc because not all slipped discs cause symptoms.
Slipped Disc Treatments
Treatment
Brief Description:
Recovery Timeline
Medications
Upon submission of your appointment request, we will contact you to confirm your appointment.
- Pain in the neck or back
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness in the muscles of the arms or legs
Upon submission of your appointment request, we will contact you to confirm your appointment.
Physiotherapy
Our doctor will go through your history and conduct a thorough assessment and diagnosis.
Our doctor will go through your history and conduct a thorough assessment and diagnosis.
Pain Intervention Treatments
Corticosteroid medication directly into the space around the spinal cord and nerve roots to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Diagnostic tests like MRI will be arranged for you if necessary.
Surgical Treatment Options
Discectomy: This surgical procedure involves removing the portion of the slipped disc that is pressing on the nerve root or spinal cord. The procedure can be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
Microdiscectomy: This is a minimally invasive version of discectomy, which involves making a small incision and using a microscope or an endoscope to remove the portion of the disc that is causing pressure on the nerve.
Laminotomy: This procedure involves removing a portion of the bony arch (lamina) of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Spinal fusion: In some cases, spinal fusion may be recommended to stabilize the spine after a discectomy. This involves fusing the adjacent vertebrae using bone grafts or implants.
Our doctor will come up with a treatment plan that’s tailored to your preferences and needs.
Symptoms Of A Slipped Disc
Slipped discs can occur as a result of an injury carrying a heavy object or a strain, but often there’s no obvious cause. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Sudden or gradually progressive pain in the lower back
- Pain radiating from the lower back or buttock, down to the leg or even the foot
- Numbness or tingling sensations throughout your leg
- Weakness of the leg in severe cases
- Disturbance of the bowel and bladder control in severe cases
In some cases, the symptoms may worsen in specific postures, such as sitting or trying to stand up, twisting the spine or bending forward. Some form of relief is often achieved with rest and gentle exercises. In cases with severe symptoms, proper diagnosis and treatment are generally recommended.
| Age (Years) | % heard of osteoporosis (n=797) | % who have not heard of osteoporosis (n=579) |
| 45-54 | 69% | 31% |
| 55-64 | 58% | 42% |
| ≥65 | 30% | 70% |
Slipped Disc Treatment Cost In Singapore
The average cost of Microdiscectomy in Singapore starts from USD 20000 and upwards. Microdiscectomy cost in Singapore is much less as compared to the Western countries despite the fact that the quality of services remains uncompromising. This is one of the major reasons why Singapore has emerged as one of the major medical tourism hubs in the world. The total cost of discectomy in Singapore, however, depends on the hospital charges, the total duration of hospital stay, the fees charged by the surgeons, and the cost associated with any side procedures if conducted. It may also depend on the rate of recovery and the rehabilitation required after the procedure.
|
Slipped Disc Treatment
|
Public Hospital
SGD $5,000-12,000 |
Private Hospital
SGD $30,000+ |
|---|
The estimated waiting time for non-emergency orthopedic surgeries is around 16 weeks.
Schedule An Appointment Within 24 Hours
If you're suffering from a slipped disc, we're here to help.
Contact us to start your journey towards recovery.
Schedule An Appointment Within 24 Hours
If you're suffering from a slipped disc, we're here to help.
Contact us to start your journey towards recovery.
Your Recovery Timeline After a Minimally Invasive Surgery
Dr Paul Thng Leong Keng
Senior Consultant Orthopaedics Surgeon / Spine Specialist
MBBS (Singapore) ∙ FRCS (Edin) ∙ FRCS (Glas)
Dr Thng’s work has been duly acknowledged by his fellow surgeons both internationally and locally.
- MBBS (S’pore) 1988; National University of Singapore
- FRCS (Edin) 1995; Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- FRCS (Glas) 1995; Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
- Specialist accreditation in orthopaedics, Singapore 1999 Specialist Accreditation Board Singapore
- United States Medical Licensing Examination 1997
Dr Paul Thng Leong Keng, an alumnus of Catholic High, Anglo Chinese Secondary School and Anglo Chinese Junior College, did sufficiently well in school to be awarded the prestigious Singapore’s Public Service Commission (PSC) Local Merit Scholarship to study Medicine in the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 1983, only 1 of the 8 in his medical class.
Preparing for Surgery
Your gallbladder specialist will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. These may include:
Fasting
You may need to fast for several hours before the surgery to ensure that your stomach is empty.
Medications
Your specialist may ask you to stop taking certain medications, including blood-thinning medications, in the days leading up to the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Transportation
You will likely need to arrange for transportation to and from the hospital on the day of the surgery, as you will not be able to drive yourself home.
Understanding Patients
Dr Chiam’s key interests lie in the non-surgical treatment of sports injuries and degenerative conditions, as well as the use of nutraceuticals for healthy ageing and exercise performance.
As a former athlete and a personal fitness enthusiast, he understands the needs of those who engage in an active lifestyle.
His previous support for the Singapore Olympic Foundation – Peter Lim Scholarship recipients demonstrates his personal investment in the Singapore sporting community. His care extended to national athletes, he sought to provide non-invasive treatments to aid the healing of musculoskeletal injuries and reduce the likelihood of a recurrence. He believes that these considerations are those of any athlete in need of recovery, and he hopes to provide that for his patients.
Understanding Patients 2
Dr Chiam’s key interests lie in the non-surgical treatment of sports injuries and degenerative conditions, as well as the use of nutraceuticals for healthy ageing and exercise performance.
As a former athlete and a personal fitness enthusiast, he understands the needs of those who engage in an active lifestyle.
His previous support for the Singapore Olympic Foundation – Peter Lim Scholarship recipients demonstrates his personal investment in the Singapore sporting community. His care extended to national athletes, he sought to provide non-invasive treatments to aid the healing of musculoskeletal injuries and reduce the likelihood of a recurrence. He believes that these considerations are those of any athlete in need of recovery, and he hopes to provide that for his patients.
Private and Corporate Insurance
For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners. Please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plans.
PTL Spine & Orthopaedics
Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
38 Irrawaddy Road #07-34
Singapore 329563
+65 6734 5574 (Fax)
Make An Appointment
For enquiries or feedback, please fill the following form below and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
slipPED disc surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
What Modes Of Payments Do You Accept?
We accept the following modes of payment:
- Cash
- PayNow & PayLah
- All major Credit Cards
If you are insured and would like to use a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) from the major insurers in Singapore, please contact us and our friendly clinic staff will assist you and provide more information if required.
What Can I Expect at My First Visit?
We accept the following modes of payment:
- Cash
- PayNow & PayLah
- All major Credit Cards
If you are insured and would like to use a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) from the major insurers in Singapore, please contact us and our friendly clinic staff will assist you and provide more information if required.
Can I Continue My Sporting Activities If I Am Experiencing Pain (e.g. Shoulder, Knee or Hip Pain)?
We accept the following modes of payment:
- Cash
- PayNow & PayLah
- All major Credit Cards
If you are insured and would like to use a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) from the major insurers in Singapore, please contact us and our friendly clinic staff will assist you and provide more information if required.
Trusted
Thorough Diagnosis with Personalised Treatment
Skilful
Surgical Expertise with High Standards of Patient Care
Experienced
Senior Consultant with
Over 30 Years of Experience
Full Width FAQ Section
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