SERVICES


Advanced Pain Therapies

  • Biacuplasty, Annuloplasty & Nucleoplasty
  • Radiofrequency Ablation
  • Sympathetic Blocks or Neurolysis

Explore Our Services

Discover our specialised services for pain relief

Biacuplasty, Annuloplasty & Nucleoplasty

Biacuplasty, Annuloplasty & Nucleoplasty

Radiofrequency Ablation

Sympathetic Blocks or Neurolysis

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Biacuplasty, Annuloplasty,
& Nucleoplasty Treatments

What are the Available Treatments for Spinal Disc Problems?

Spinal pain, especially in the lower back or due to conditions like a herniated disc, is a significant health concern. When conventional pain management strategies are inadequate, minimally invasive treatment methods such as biacuplasty, annuloplasty, and nucleoplasty are often considered.

Biacuplasty:

Targets discs causing pain, using cooled radiofrequency technology to inactivate pain-transmitting nerves within the disc. Ideal for treating chronic discogenic back pain.

Annuloplasty:

Focuses on the annulus fibrosus, the disc’s outer layer, when it is the source of pain. It employs radiofrequency energy to alter pain pathways, potentially easing discomfort.

Nucleoplasty:

A targeted approach for issues in the nucleus pulposus, the disc’s centre. It involves removing part of the disc material to reduce pressure on nerves, especially beneficial for bulging or contained herniated discs.

Conditions Suitable for Biacuplasty, Annuloplasty & Nucleoplasty

  • Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc): Individuals with herniated discs, where the disc material protrudes and compresses the nerve, can benefit from these procedures. By precisely removing the problematic disc material by disc decompression (nucleoplasty), the pressure on the nerve will be relieved, leading to pain reduction and improved functionality.
  • Sciatica: Sciatica, often due to a pinched sciatic nerve from lumbar spine disorders, manifests as pain or numbness along the nerve path. Treatment focuses on easing this nerve compression, aiming to reduce pain and improve functionality.
  • Discogenic Pain: Discogenic pain, stemming from neck or low back issues related to intervertebral discs, can be addressed through biacuplasty or annuloplasty.

Spinal Disc Treatment

Potential advantages of disc decompression or ablation include:

  • Minimally Invasive Approach: Smaller incisions typically lead to potentially faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
  • Pain Relief: These methods aim to alleviate pain of the spine by addressing its root causes, such as reducing nerve compression or targeting pain-signalling pathways, though results can vary.
  • Quicker Recovery: The less invasive nature of these treatments often allows for a quicker return to daily activities, but recovery time can differ from patient to patient.
  • Reduced Risk of Complications: Generally, these techniques have a lower risk of complications and less scarring than more invasive surgeries, but like all medical procedures, they carry some risk.
  • Improved Functionality and Mobility: While many patients experience improved mobility and functionality, the extent of improvement depends on individual circumstances.
  • Potential for Reduced Long-Term Medication Use: Effective management of spinal issues may decrease the need for ongoing pain medication, but this varies based on the specific treatment and patient response.

What Happens During a Disc Treatment?

Disc decompression such as nucleoplasty, and disc ablation such as biacuplasty or annuloplasty, involve the following steps:

  • Diagnosis and Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment to determine the suitability of the procedure based on one’s condition and medical history.
  • Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia or sedation is administered to ensure comfort.
  • Disc Material Removal: Specialised needles are used to remove problematic disc material, reducing pressure on the affected nerve.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation: If the disc is a source of pain, radiofrequency ablation is performed to destroy pain-signalling nerves.
  • Recovery and Follow-Up: Monitored in a recovery area with specific post-procedure instructions and scheduled follow-up appointments.

Am I a Candidate for Disc Decompression or Ablation Treatment?

  • Response to Non-Surgical Treatments: An assessment of how your condition has reacted to less invasive approaches, such as medications, steroid injections, or physical therapy.
  • Symptom Severity: The extent of persistent symptoms like pain, numbness, or tingling, especially if these have not improved with conservative treatments.
  • Diagnostic Confirmation: The use of MRI or CT scans to identify specific conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, or discogenic pain that might benefit from these procedures.
  • Medical History Review: An examination of your overall health history, focusing on any potential risks or contraindications, like active infections or bleeding disorders.
  • Specialist Consultation: Engaging with a pain medicine specialist or a spine surgeon to discuss the potential benefits and risks, tailored to your specific case.

Post-Procedure Expectations

After undergoing a disc decompression or ablation treatment, patients typically encounter the following:

  • Mild Discomfort: It’s common to feel some soreness at the puncture site.
  • Activity Restrictions: Limiting strenuous physical activities for a period, usually a few weeks, is often recommended.
  • Pain Assessment and Medication Adjustment: Pain relief and recovery progress are regularly assessed, potentially leading to changes in medication.
  • Follow-Up Appointments: These are crucial for monitoring recovery and adjusting treatment plans.
  • Physiotherapy: Engaging in specialised exercises may be advised to enhance mobility and strength in affected areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About Disc Decompression

What is disc decompression?

Disc decompression is a treatment that is used to alleviate pressure and/or pain on the spinal disc or nerve. This pressure may result from conditions such as a herniated disc, bulging disc, or degenerative disc disease. The decompression process is non-invasive and employs a negative pressure within the disc to draw back or realign the disc material causing discomfort. A device that precisely reduces the size of the disc is used in the procedure, reducing pain and fostering optimal conditions for healing.

Does the disc decompression treatment hurt?

Disc decompression treatments generally do not cause pain. Many patients experience a mild stretching sensation or minor pressure during the procedure, but not discomfort or pain. As it’s a minimally invasive procedure, there are no incisions involved, and it’s commonly performed as an outpatient procedure. The primary objective of the treatment is to alleviate pain, not to inflict it. However, experiences can vary among individuals, and any discomfort should be reported to the medical team.

What is the typical timeline for improvement after undergoing a disc decompression or ablation treatment?

The time frame to observe improvement varies widely among patients. Some individuals might start experiencing relief from symptoms within a few days or weeks post-procedure. However, for others, it may take a few months of slow and steady recovery to attain the full benefit of the procedure. The recovery time can be influenced by factors such as the severity of the disc issue, the overall health condition of the patient, and the degree of adherence to the post-procedure care plan. This care plan often encompasses physical therapy and lifestyle modifications. It’s crucial to have a detailed discussion with your pain management specialist to set realistic expectations for recovery.

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Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation, commonly referred to as RFA, is a treatment method that leverages the power of radiofrequency energy to combat chronic pain.

Whether it’s neck pain, lower back pain, or even pain in the sacroiliac joint, radiofrequency ablation could be the answer you’ve been searching for.

How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

Radiofrequency Ablation works by applying heat, generated from radiofrequency energy, to a small area of nerve tissue that is transmitting pain signals. By creating this heat lesion, the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain is significantly diminished or altogether stopped, thereby alleviating the patient’s discomfort.

Conditions Suitable for Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) has proven to be incredibly effective for managing various types of chronic pain. Some of the most common applications include:

  • Neck Pain: Chronic pain in the cervical facet joints can be effectively managed with RFA, offering relief where other treatments may have failed.
  • Low Back Pain: Whether it’s pain in the lumbar facet joints or discogenic pain resulting from herniated discs, RFA can provide lasting relief.
  • Sacroiliac Joint Pain: RFA can be used to manage the pain emanating from the sacroiliac joint, often where other pain management strategies have not yielded sufficient results.

One of the most advanced RFA techniques currently available is COOLIEF™. This innovative technique utilises a proprietary cooling mechanism to prevent overheating at the needle tip, allowing for the creation of large-volume, spherical lesions that can treat the nerves causing pain. As a result, COOLIEF™ is often more effective than conventional RFA techniques.

Dr. Ho Kok Yuen is the first doctor in Asia to perform COOLIEF™. Using this technique, he has successfully treated patients with spine, hip, knee, shoulder, back, and neck pain since 2006. Over the past 15 years, he has also trained hundreds of doctors in Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East in performing COOLIEF™.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About Radiofrequency Ablation

How does Radiofrequency Ablation work?

Radiofrequency Ablation is a treatment method that uses heat generated from radio waves to target a specific area of nerve tissue that's causing pain. By heating and subsequently destroying this area of the nerve, it prevents the nerve from sending pain signals back to the brain, thus providing pain relief.

What is the success rate of Radiofrequency Ablation?

The success rate of Radiofrequency Ablation can vary significantly depending on the specific cause, location, and severity of your pain. However, most patients experience some degree of pain relief after going through Radiofrequency Ablation. It's best to discuss the expected outcome and success rate of your procedure with your healthcare provider.

How often can you have Radiofrequency Ablation?

The frequency of Radiofrequency Ablation treatments can depend on various factors, including the specific nerve being targeted and individual response to the treatment. Some patients may find relief lasting for several years after a single treatment, and are not required to come back for further treatments. However, if the nerve regrows and pain returns, Radiofrequency Ablation can be repeated as needed, usually six to twelve months after the initial procedure. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual case.

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Sympathetic Blocks or Neurolysis

The sympathetic nervous system has a role in neuropathic, vascular and visceral pain. Blocking the sympathetic nerves help to block nerves that carry painful signals. For vascular pain resulting from poor blood circulation, sympathetic blocks can improve blood flow and relieve pain. This procedure is also effective for chronic abdominal or pelvic pain conditions as well as cancers.

  • Suitable for:
  • Peripheral vascular disease
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (reflex sympathetic dystrophy)
  • Abdominal cancers (liver, pancreas, stomach)
  • Pelvic cancers (uterus, rectum, anus, vagina)

Insurance and Health
Network Coverage

We work with various insurance partners to assist with your hospitalisation and surgery claims. In some instances, pre-approval from your insurer allows direct billing between the hospital and insurer so that you will have peace of mind during your treatment. We are MOH-accredited so you may also utilise Medisave for your hospitalisation expenses.

The Pain Clinic