Lower back pain is a complicated problem affected by the interplay of several factors, including one’s lifestyle and health problems. It is one of the first things to come in people’s minds, especially those who work onsite and remote. Prolonged sitting for extended days with no physical activity in remote worksites may bring about back problems. Orthopaedic surgeons are people who make a difference in the world by trying to understand back pain and they choose the treatment based on the causes of the pain. In Singapore, you have the benefit of finding some solutions if you have persistent lower back pain.
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Lower back pain may manifest in different ways. You might not be surprised to find out that buttock discomfort can have something to do with your back. While the most frequent source of lower back pain is fatigue. Nevertheless, this can manifest as a pain in the buttock area.
More often sciatica or radiculopathy, which is the sensation of a shooting pain down the leg, is caused when the nerve channels in the spine are narrowed. Drastic narrowing that is caused either by disc degenerating or osteoarthritis in the facet joints leads to the pinched nerves which manifest itself as an electric like or lightning agony down the leg. In addition, there can be other symptoms such as fatigue and numbness in the legs or feet. On the other hand, the spinal stenosis that happens when the neural elements are compressed within the spinal canal can result in different sensations like tingling, burning, or the sensation of insects crawling on the skin. In unique instances, a serious form of disc injury known as cauda equina syndrome can develop, where the protruding disc compresses the spinal nerves that control bowel and bladder operations, leading to loss of control over these vital functions.
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Lower back and buttock pain have various causes, be it the sudden or gradual ones, that can be traumatic or non-traumatic. Injury-related pain is mainly linked with accidents like falls or car collisions. However, the pain without any injury (traumatic) can develop by doing some normal routine movements, such as bending or overstretching. Lower back pain is a symptom of some serious conditions such as spinal infections or tumors which should be considered if it’s accompanied by weight loss or fever. Frequent causes of back pain include muscle strain, pain of a herniated or bulging intervertebral disc and degenerative changes in the facet joints, which are the joints between two adjacent vertebrae of the spine.
Lower back and buttock pain need a thorough examination. First, an orthopaedic surgeon does a detailed medical history in order to establish the symptoms and possible reasons. They inquire about your overall health from the past, whether you had any medical illnesses and if you have any family history of them, and also about the current health disorders, e.g. arthritis, diabetes, which may affect treatment decisions. A detailed physical assessment includes evaluation of your range of motion, presence of edema, reflexes, and overall mobility which is crucial for the confirmation or ruling out of possible diagnoses. To acquire more information, X-rays or MRI scans are frequently performed to detect structural abnormalities or misalignments in the affected area, which aid in evaluating the condition’s current status and prospective problems. These diagnostic tools allow the surgeon to make a precise diagnosis and propose relevant treatment options based on the information gathered.
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The treatment of lower back and buttock pain focuses on the underlying issue and includes a variety of methods. These include pain-relieving medications, lifestyle changes to manage back pain, tailored physiotherapy programs to strengthen back and core muscles and improve function, pain procedures for cases that require direct intervention, and, in severe cases, surgical procedures to release pinched nerves and stabilize the spine. Treatment decisions are made in collaboration with an orthopaedic doctor committed to addressing back difficulties, ensuring a thorough and tailored approach to care.
In Singapore, orthopaedic surgeons are an important part of the medical field that treat a range of bone and muscle related illnesses and accidents. These health experts are specialists who are very important in the maintenance of health and wellbeing of people of all age groups. They specialise in treating different kinds of pain like lower back and buttock pain.
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What’s the exact reason for my lower back and buttock pain?
What are the therapy possibilities for my specific condition?
What are the risks and benefits of each treatment option?
Are there any lifestyle changes or physical therapy exercises that can help me manage my pain?
What is the estimated recuperation time, and when can I return to normal activities?
The discussion with an orthopaedic surgeon, for your lower back and buttock pain, will not be completed if you do not ask questions to gain insight into your condition and treatment options. Among others, you can request information about the insurance coverage for the treatment and other issues of importance.
Lower back and buttock pain can originate from various sources, including injuries and everyday movements, and may indicate serious conditions like infections or tumors. Understanding the distinct sources, such as muscular strain, disc-related pain, and facet joint discomfort, is essential for diagnosis and treatment.
Treating lower back and buttock pain involves addressing the underlying condition, with options ranging from medications and lifestyle adjustments to physiotherapy and surgical procedures. Collaborative decision-making with a specialized team ensures a personalized approach to care.
Before considering chiropractic treatment for lower back and buttock pain, consulting an orthopedic surgeon is crucial. An orthopaedic surgeon’s expertise in musculoskeletal conditions, ability to assess safety precautions, and capacity to identify conditions unsuitable for chiropractic care ensure appropriate and effective treatment decisions.
Diagnosing lower back and buttock pain entails a comprehensive process, starting with a detailed medical interview and physical examination. Imaging studies like X-rays or MRI scans are used to provide insight into the condition’s state, aiding in precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
In Singapore’s medical landscape, orthopedic surgeons are integral in addressing musculoskeletal issues, ensuring the well-being of individuals of all ages. Their expertise in managing conditions like arthritis, trauma, and congenital disorders plays a crucial role in maintaining mobility and overall health in a world-class healthcare environment.
Dr Yong Ren graduated from the National University of Singapore’s Medical faculty and embarked on his orthopaedic career soon after. Upon completion of his training locally, he served briefly as an orthopaedic trauma surgeon in Khoo Teck Puat hospital before embarking on sub-specialty training in Switzerland at the famed Inselspital in Bern.
He underwent sub-specialty training in pelvic and spinal surgery, and upon his return to Singapore served as head of the orthopaedic trauma team till 2019. He continues to serve as Visiting Consultant to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
Well versed in a variety of orthopaedic surgeries, he also served as a member of the country council for the local branch of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (Trauma) in Singapore. He was also involved in the training of many of the young doctors in Singapore and was appointed as an Assistant Professor by the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Prior to his entry into the private sector, he also served as core faculty for orthopaedic resident training by the National Healthcare Group.
Dr Yong Ren brings to the table his years of experience as a teacher and trainer in orthopaedic surgery. With his expertise in minimally invasive fracture surgery, pelvic reconstructive surgery, hip and knee surgery as well as spinal surgery, he is uniquely equipped with the tools and expertise necessary to help you on your road to recovery.