What Can a Spine Scan Reveal?

Understanding the Role of Scans in Diagnosing Spine and Brain Issues

Spine problems can cause Back pain and Neck Pain, but certain spine problems can lead to nerve damage with consequent Weakness, Increased Pain, and Numbness, including in the Body, Arms, and Legs; Bladder and Bowel loss of control, and even Paralysis. Damage or injury to Spine Nerves beyond a certain level results in chronic problems, and we don’t have the technology yet to reliably replace and repair these Spine Nerves.

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Many people treat their Back Pains and Neck Pains with Pain Medications and Patches, TCM, Chiro, Osteo, Yoga, Pilates, Physio, and Massage therapy but don’t find out the root of their problems in the Spine. Not all problems are from muscle strains around the Spine. In general, if your Back Pain and Neck Pain cannot be relieved by at least 2-3 sessions of therapy, you should get your Spine checked by a real Medical Spine Specialist at a Spine Center. A proper Spine Check with Scans can allow an accurate Diagnosis of your Spine problem.

Spine problems include:

• Spine Disc injury and disease

• Spine bone injury and disease

• Spine joint injury and disease

• Spine Tumors including Spine Cancer

• Spine Infections

• Spine Arthritis and Degeneration, including Spondylosis, Spine Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, Disc Degeneration, and Facet Arthropathy

  
  

This is not an exhaustive list.

Earlier Diagnosis can lead to better and less invasive Spine treatments and reduce the chance of future serious problems as described above. A Healthy Spine allows better Mobility, less Pain, and an improved quality of Work Life, Home Life, and Recreational Life.

WHAT IS A SPINE CHECK?

A Proper Spine Check is a Medical Specialist Spine Assessment and Examination.

Medical Spine Specialists are specially Qualified, Trained, and Accredited (by the Ministry of Health, with Recognised Medical Degrees accredited by the Medical Council and International Medical Specialist training and qualifications recognised by the Singapore Academy of Medicine, USA, Canada, UK, etc.).

This is not the same as those who have trained as non-medical Doctors and are not recognised by the Ministry of Health.

In the Spine Check, the Real Spine Specialist will collect a detailed story of your complaints (current and past), any other illnesses, medications, allergies (History), and then carry out a Clinical Physical Spine and Nerve Examination. The Spine Nerves are the most important part of your Spine, and a proper Nerve examination is essential.

During the examination, the following are assessed:

• Spine mobility

• Tender spine points

• Tense muscle areas

• Motor strength

• Sensation disturbances

• Reflexes

• Gait analysis

  
  

Based on all these, the Spine Specialist will arrive at a possible cause (Clinical Diagnosis) and suggest the necessary tests.

SPINE SCAN AND TESTS

• CT Scan (Computed Tomography) of the Spine

  Used for fine bone details, vertebral bodies, and facet joints. Also useful for calcification assessment such as Ossification of Spine Ligaments or checking Fusion success after surgery.

  
  

• MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the Spine

  Provides the clearest image of the Spine, especially the Discs and Nerves. MRI does not use radiation but magnetic waves, making it safe and effective for detecting Spine Tumors and Cancer.

  
  

• X-rays of the Spine 

  High-resolution digital scans provide clear images of the Spine bones and their alignment.

  • Can be taken for different spine sections: Cervical (Neck), Thoracic (Mid-back), and Lumbar-Sacral (Lower back).

    
    

• EMG/NCS (Electromyogram/Nerve Conduction Studies)

  Measures electrical signals from Muscles and Nerves to determine the level of spine nerve impingement or other neurological issues.

  
  

• Bone Mineral Density (DEXA Scan)

  Measures Calcium Minerals in the bones to diagnose osteopenia or osteoporosis and initiate preventive treatment early.

  
  

• Blood Tests

  Depending on the clinical and radiological diagnosis, blood tests may be ordered, including:

  
  

  • Inflammation markers (ESR, CRP)

  • White cell counts (infection screening)

  • Calcium, Phosphate, Vitamin D levels (bone health)

  • Vitamin B12 and Folate levels (nerve health)

With many years of experience in treating Spine problems and access to the latest technological advancements, Dr Prem Pillay is committed to offering patients the highest standard of care. From accurate diagnosis to tailored treatment plans, our approach aims for the best possible outcomes for individuals affected by this challenging condition.

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Take Control of Your Spine Health, Don’t Wait for It to Get Worse

If you or a loved one has been suffering from Back Pain or Neck Pain, it could be a sign of a serious spine problem. Instead of masking the pain with medications or therapy, take the proactive step of getting a Spine Check to identify the root cause.

At Singapore Brain Spine Centre, we believe in early detection and evidence-based treatments. Our Medical Imaging Services, including MRI scans, CT scans, and other advanced radiology techniques, provide clear and precise diagnoses.

📞 Don’t ignore persistent pain – book a consultation today.💡 Together, we can conduct the necessary Spine Checks and Scans for an accurate diagnosis and create a personalised treatment plan.