1 Farrer Park Station Road, #08-14, Farrer Park Hospital (Connexion), Singapore 217562
Welcome to Chiropractor of Losangle !
Call for help: (+1800) 456 7890
ALLEVIATE PAIN CLINIC
We see patients with a variety of Pain-related conditions.
Nucleoplasty & Annuloplasty Treatment for Back & Spine in Singapore
When chronic back or neck pain is caused by a damaged spinal disc, minimally invasive procedures can offer a powerful solution without the need for major surgery. Annuloplasty and Nucleoplasty are two such treatments designed to target specific types of disc problems. As one of the leading non-surgical back pain treatments available at our pain clinic in Singapore, these procedures can effectively reduce pain and restore function for suitable candidates, offering a path to a better quality of life.
What Is Nucleoplasty?
Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat pain caused by a contained (bulging) disc. It’s a type of percutaneous discectomy that reduces pressure inside the disc, which in turn relieves pressure on the nearby spinal nerves. The primary goal of Nucleoplasty is to alleviate radiating leg pain (sciatica) or arm pain caused by a mildly herniated disc that has not responded to conservative treatments.
How Is Nucleoplasty Performed?
The procedure begins with a local anaesthetic to numb the area, ensuring your comfort. At our pain clinic, our specialist performs the nucleoplasty by using advanced imaging guidance to carefully direct a very fine needle into the exact centre of the bulging disc.
Once the needle is perfectly positioned, a small radiofrequency device is inserted. It gently dissolves a tiny amount of disc tissue to relieve the internal pressure. The device is then removed and a small bandage is applied, with the entire process typically lasting less than an hour. For patients considering nucleoplasty in Singapore, the cost will depend on factors such as the complexity of the condition and the type of anaesthesia required.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nucleoplasty?
Nucleoplasty is a targeted treatment for a very specific type of patient. It is considered an excellent option for individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Have a contained disc bulge (a mild or 'protruding' disc where the outer wall is intact).
- Experience radiating nerve pain, such as sciatica in the leg or similar pain down the arm.
- Have not found sufficient relief from conservative care, including physiotherapy and medication.
- Have had a thorough diagnosis (including an MRI) to confirm their specific disc condition is suitable.
What Is the Annuloplasty Procedure?
Annuloplasty literally means "repair of the annulus," which is the tough outer wall of the spinal disc. Historically, this term was associated with procedures like IDET, which used heat to try and seal painful tears in the disc wall and deaden nerve endings. While these specific heat-based procedures are performed less frequently today, the principle of treating the annulus remains a key concept in managing discogenic pain.
How Is an Annuloplasty Performed?
An annuloplasty is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed under local anaesthesia and mild sedation. When performing an annuloplasty spine in Singapore, our specialist uses X-ray guidance to direct a fine needle and a flexible catheter to the damaged outer wall of the spinal disc. Controlled thermal energy is then applied through the catheter to heat the tissue, which is intended to seal painful tears and desensitise nerve endings, thereby reducing chronic back pain.
An MRI scan is a non-ionising imaging technique useful for detecting soft-tissue pathology (such as disc abnormalities).
Who Is a Good Candidate for Annuloplasty?
The ideal candidate for an Annuloplasty procedure is very specific. This treatment is only considered for patients who have:
- Chronic, disc-related back pain (discogenic pain) that has lasted for more than six months.
- Confirmed annular tears shown on an MRI and confirmed with a diagnostic test like a discography.
- No significant disc herniation or loss of disc height.
- Failed to find relief from comprehensive conservative treatments like physiotherapy and medication.
Our pain specialist can assess your condition and advise whether annuloplasty is a suitable option for you.
Key Differences: Nucleoplasty vs. Annuloplasty
| Aspects | Nucleoplasty | Annuloplasty |
| Primary Goal | Decompress the disc from the inside | Seal tears in the disc’s outer wall |
| Target Area | The soft nucleus at the disc’s centre | The tough annulus (outer wall) |
| Mechanism | Removes a small amount of tissue | Heats tissue to shrink it |
Why Choose Our Clinic for Your Disc Treatment?
An accurate diagnosis is the key to effectively treating your disc pain. Our clinic is led by Dr Christopher Liu, a leading neck and shoulder pain specialist who creates personalised care plans for a range of spinal conditions. His expertise covers everything from advanced slipped disc treatment to comprehensive sciatica treatment in Singapore, ensuring you receive a targeted and effective solution. Our commitment is to find the best evidence-based path to restore your long-term health and improve your quality of life.
FAQ
What is the difference between nucleoplasty and annuloplasty?
Nucleoplasty reduces pressure inside a bulging disc, while annuloplasty seals tears in the outer wall of the disc. Both are minimally invasive and do not require major surgery.
Is nucleoplasty a painful procedure?
Nucleoplasty is done under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Some mild soreness afterwards is normal and usually settles within a few days.
How much does nucleoplasty cost in Singapore?
The cost of nucleoplasty in Singapore depends on factors such as the complexity of your disc condition and the type of anaesthesia used. Contact our clinic for a detailed breakdown.
Do I need a referral to see a pain specialist for annuloplasty or nucleoplasty?
A referral is not always required. You can contact our pain clinic in Singapore directly to arrange a consultation for annuloplasty or nucleoplasty.
Can annuloplasty and nucleoplasty be done together?
In some cases, both procedures may be recommended depending on the type and extent of disc damage. Our pain specialist will advise based on your diagnosis.
If you believe you may have an annular tear or suffer from chronic low back pain, schedule an appointment with the specialists at Alleviate Pain Clinic, located at Farrer Park Hospital, Singapore. Our Doctors can provide a comprehensive evaluation and tailor a treatment plan to help you manage and overcome your pain effectively.