Spine Specialist in Singapore

Dr Seng Chusheng

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

A doctor in a white coat uses a pen to point at the lower lumbar vertebrae on a plastic spine and pelvis model.

Dr Seng Chusheng is a fellowship-trained senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon with experience performing more than 1,000 procedures. He has a special interest in spinal conditions, nerve compression disorders and minimally invasive procedures, with experience managing conditions ranging from slipped discs and sciatica to spinal stenosis and other degenerative spine disorders affecting comfort, mobility and daily function.

Assessment and Treatment for Common Spine Conditions
Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures & Nerve Decompression
Care for Neck Pain, Back Pain and Radiating Symptoms

Meet Our Spine Specialist in Singapore

Dr Seng Chusheng

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Sports & Exercise Medicine)

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

As a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Seng Chusheng provides assessment and treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the spine. He is committed to helping patients make informed treatment decisions through clear communication, detailed evaluation and evidence-based care.

Dr Seng's practice combines non-surgical management, minimally invasive techniques and advanced surgical procedures where appropriate. Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient's diagnosis, functional requirements and long-term goals.

Having performed more than 1,000 orthopaedic procedures, Dr Seng brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the management of complex orthopaedic conditions.

How Spine Conditions Affect Daily Life

Spine conditions can affect far more than the back or neck alone. Problems affecting the spine may cause pain that radiates into the arms, buttocks or legs, as well as numbness, tingling, weakness and difficulty sitting, standing or walking comfortably for extended periods.

Many people initially dismiss these symptoms as ordinary aches and pains. However, conditions affecting the spinal discs, joints and nerves can gradually interfere with work, sleep, exercise and everyday activities. As symptoms progress, even routine movements such as getting out of bed, driving or remaining seated for long periods may become increasingly difficult.

Early assessment can help identify the cause of symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment approach before spinal problems begin to have a greater impact on daily life.

What Can Cause Spine Injuries and Conditions?

Spine conditions can develop as a result of degeneration, injury, structural abnormalities or medical conditions affecting the spine. Common causes include:

Congenital Disorders and Abnormal Development
Some spinal conditions are present from birth or develop due to abnormalities affecting the structure and alignment of the spine.
Age-Related Wear and Tear
The discs, joints and other structures of the spine naturally undergo degeneration over time, which may contribute to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.
Injuries, Falls and Accidents
Falls, sporting injuries, workplace accidents and other forms of trauma may damage the bones, discs, joints or ligaments of the spine.
Medical Conditions and Diseases
Certain conditions affecting the bones, joints, nerves and connective tissues may increase the risk of developing spinal problems.
Infection and Inflammation
Infections or inflammatory conditions affecting the muscles, ligaments, joints or other spinal structures can contribute to pain and impaired function.
Repetitive Motions and Physical Activities
Repeated bending, lifting, twisting or other physically demanding activities can place ongoing stress on the spine and surrounding structures.

A woman in athletic wear holding her painful lower back, with a digital graphic overlay showing her spine and a red glow indicating injury.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Spine Conditions?

Spine conditions can affect people of all ages. However, certain occupations, activities and medical conditions may increase the likelihood of developing spinal problems.

You may be more likely to experience spine conditions if you:

Perform physically demanding work involving frequent lifting, bending or twisting
Spend long hours sitting at a desk or driving
Frequently maintain poor posture during work or daily activities
Participate in sports or activities that place repeated stress on the spine
Have previously injured your neck or back
Have a congenital spinal condition or abnormal spinal alignment
Have arthritis or other conditions affecting the joints and spine
Are experiencing age-related degeneration affecting the discs and joints of the spine

Understanding these factors can help identify potential contributors to symptoms and support earlier assessment when problems arise.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Spine Problems

Spine conditions can affect far more than the neck or back alone. Depending on the structures involved, symptoms may interfere with sitting, standing, walking, sleeping and other everyday activities. Common symptoms include:

Neck or Back Pain

Pain may develop in the neck, upper back or lower back and can range from occasional discomfort to persistent symptoms that affect daily activities.

Pain Radiating into the Arms or Legs

Some spinal conditions may cause pain that travels from the spine into the shoulders, arms, buttocks or legs when nearby nerves become irritated or compressed.

Numbness and Tingling

Pins and needles or altered sensation affecting the arms, hands, legs or feet may occur when spinal nerves are affected.

Weakness in the Arms or Legs

Certain spine conditions can affect nerve function and lead to weakness that makes lifting, walking or other activities more difficult.

Stiffness and Reduced Mobility

Pain and inflammation may make it difficult to bend, turn, stand upright or move comfortably.

Difficulty Sitting or Standing for Long Periods

Some patients find that symptoms worsen when remaining in the same position for extended periods.

When Should You See a Spine Specialist?

While minor neck or back discomfort may improve with rest and activity modification, some symptoms may indicate an underlying spinal condition requiring further assessment.

A medical professional holding up a spine X-ray film next to an anatomical human vertebrae and pelvis model on a desk.

You should consider consulting a spine specialist if:

Symptoms have not improved after several weeks
Neck or back pain repeatedly returns
Pain is affecting your ability to work, exercise or perform daily activities
Symptoms are spreading into the arms or legs
Numbness or tingling occurs regularly
Weakness develops in the arms or legs
Previous treatments have not provided lasting relief
You are concerned that your condition is becoming more severe
A recent injury continues to affect your neck or back function

Early assessment can help identify the cause of symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment options before they begin to have a greater impact on mobility and quality of life.

Spine Conditions We Specialise in Treating

At Axis Orthopaedic Centre, we provide treatment for a range of spinal conditions that can affect mobility, comfort and nerve function. These include:

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer. This can place pressure on nearby nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling or weakness affecting the neck, back, arms or legs.

Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed, often due to a spinal condition affecting the lower back. Symptoms typically include pain, numbness or tingling that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and leg.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine that can place pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This may lead to pain, numbness, weakness or difficulty walking and standing for prolonged periods.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck becomes irritated or compressed. Symptoms may include neck pain, numbness, tingling or weakness that radiates into the shoulder, arm or hand.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward relative to the vertebra below it. This may lead to back pain, nerve compression, stiffness and difficulty standing or walking for prolonged periods.

Spondylosis

Spondylosis refers to age-related degeneration affecting the discs, joints and bones of the spine. As these structures undergo wear and tear, patients may experience stiffness, pain and reduced mobility.

If neck pain, back pain or radiating symptoms are affecting your daily activities, a specialist assessment can help clarify the diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Speak to a Specialist

Spine Treatments We Offer

Our specialist, Dr Seng Chusheng, provides a range of treatment options tailored to the specific diagnosis, severity of symptoms and impact on daily function. Depending on the condition, treatment may involve conservative management, minimally invasive procedures or surgical intervention where appropriate.

Available treatments include:

Minimally Invasive Spinal Decompression
Minimally Invasive Fusion and Instrumentation
Minimally Invasive Spinal Injections

What Happens During a Spine Consultation?

A spine specialist consultation focuses on identifying the source of symptoms and determining whether the spinal discs, joints, nerves or surrounding structures may be contributing to the problem. Dr Seng will discuss your symptoms, how they have progressed over time and the impact they have on your daily activities, work and mobility.

A physical examination may be performed to assess posture, spinal movement, areas of tenderness, nerve function and any signs of weakness, altered sensation or restricted mobility. Depending on the findings, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans may be recommended to provide a clearer understanding of the structures affected.

Once a diagnosis has been established, the findings will be explained in detail and treatment options discussed. Recommendations will be based on the underlying condition, severity of symptoms and the functional goals of each patient.

Why Choose Our Spine Clinic?

At Axis Orthopaedic Centre, spine care is centred on accurate diagnosis, clear communication and treatment tailored to your condition, lifestyle and recovery goals. Our dedicated approach includes:

Experience Managing Disc Disorders and Nerve Compression Conditions

Dr Seng has experience managing a wide range of spinal conditions, including age-related degeneration, disc disorders, spinal stenosis and other conditions affecting spinal function. Treatment recommendations are tailored according to the diagnosis, severity of symptoms and the patient's functional goals.

Access to Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

Where appropriate, patients may benefit from minimally invasive procedures designed to address spinal conditions while minimising disruption to surrounding tissues.

Individualised Treatment Planning

Treatment recommendations are tailored to each patient's diagnosis, symptom severity, lifestyle requirements and treatment goals rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Support Throughout Treatment and Recovery

From initial diagnosis through treatment and follow-up care, patients receive ongoing guidance to help them manage symptoms and return to their normal activities with confidence.

Dr Seng Chusheng pointing with a pen to a model of the human spine while consulting a female patient.

Addressing Spine Conditions with Dr Seng Chusheng

Many spinal conditions develop gradually. What begins as occasional discomfort while sitting, standing or walking may eventually progress into symptoms that interfere with work, sleep and everyday activities.

At Axis Orthopaedic Centre, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Seng Chusheng provides comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment plans for a range of spinal conditions. Whether symptoms are caused by disc disorders, nerve compression, spinal degeneration or injury, treatment is tailored to the underlying diagnosis, symptom severity and individual functional goals.

FAQs About Spine Pain & Conditions

What is the difference between sciatica and a slipped disc?

Sciatica describes symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, including pain, numbness or tingling that travels down the leg. A slipped or herniated disc is one possible cause of sciatica, although spinal stenosis and other conditions may produce similar symptoms.

Why does spine pain sometimes travel into the arms or legs?

The spine contains nerves that extend into the arms and legs. When these nerves become irritated or compressed, symptoms may be felt away from the spine itself, including pain, numbness, tingling or weakness affecting the limbs.

Can spine problems develop without a specific injury?

Yes. Many spine conditions develop gradually over time due to age-related degeneration, repetitive strain or other changes affecting the spinal structures. Symptoms may appear even when there is no obvious injury or traumatic event.

How do I know if my symptoms are related to a nerve problem?

Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, radiating pain or weakness in the arms or legs may indicate nerve involvement. A specialist assessment can help determine whether the nerves are contributing to your symptoms.

Why do spine symptoms often come and go?

Some spinal conditions may fluctuate depending on activity levels, posture, inflammation and the structures involved. Symptoms may improve temporarily before recurring again later.

Are minimally invasive spine procedures suitable for everyone?

Not every spinal condition requires or is suitable for minimally invasive treatment. The most appropriate treatment approach depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, imaging findings and the patient's individual circumstances.

Our Orthopaedic Clinic Locations

With three conveniently located clinics across Singapore, Dr Seng provides accessible and comprehensive orthopaedic care closer to where you live and work. Each location is equipped to deliver accurate diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Mount Elizabeth Novena Medical Centre

38 Irrawaddy Road,
#06-33
Singapore 329563

Parkway East Medical Centre

319 Joo Chiat Place,
#04-08
Singapore 427989

Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A

820 Thomson Road,
#03-08
Singapore 574623

Teleconsult Available

For foreign patients, a tele-consult on Zoom or WhatsApp can be done if pre-arranged in advance. Please email or WhatsApp first to enquire.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri

8:30am - 5:30pm

Sat