Do You Need an MRI for Back Pain in Singapore?
Most cases of back pain do not require MRI. At The Pain Relief Clinic, MRI is only recommended when clinical findings suggest nerve involvement or structural concern.
When MRI Is Recommended
- Radiating pain down the leg (possible slipped disc / sciatica)
- Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness
- Persistent pain not improving after structured rehabilitation
- Suspected disc or nerve compression
When MRI Is Not Usually Needed
- Mechanical back pain improving with movement and exercise
- Postural or muscle-related pain
- No neurological symptoms
Important Understanding
Disc bulges and degenerative changes are extremely common even in people without back pain. MRI findings must always be interpreted in context.
Our Approach
Clinical Assessment → Movement-Based Diagnosis → Selective MRI (if needed) → Exercise Rehabilitation
Core Principle
Treatment is based on functional limitation and symptoms—not imaging alone.
Our MRI Decision Philosophy
MRI is used only when it is likely to change diagnosis or treatment. The goal is to ensure imaging supports clinical decision-making—not replace it.
- Movement and function guide treatment decisions
- Imaging is supportive, not primary
- Rehabilitation remains the core treatment
What To Expect When I Visit The Pain Relief Clinic
A typical visit will involve our doctor first understanding your medical history, concerns and previous experience with other pain treatments.
For patients who have consulted many people but have yet to receive a clear diagnosis, selecting an affordable imaging scan might be recommended to confirm the cause of your pain..
Some patients have already done scans with other doctors for their pain condition but are still not clearly told what they suffer from.
Dr Terence Tan is happy to offer you a second opinion and recommend how best to manage your condition.
We also see patients who already have a confirmed diagnosis from specialist pain doctors, but are "stuck” because treatment options offered are not practical or acceptable.
We can help by discussing options that you might have potentially never been told of.
A common experience is when a patient has already consulted a specialist doctor for pain management and is told to consider orthopaedic surgery which they find too aggressive.
Or they may have seen doctors for their pain and were prescribed painkillers with potential side effects which made them feel uncomfortable.
Many of our patients have also first tried complementary treatments or acupuncture with traditional Chinese pain doctors.
They look for a second opinion after finding any relief experienced from other treatments to be temporary or requiring repetitive treatments, which add up to time and cost.
Especially in such situations, we emphasize using non-invasive medical technology you likely have not been told about .
This can make a big difference to your results.
Ask Dr Tan a Question about your problem
Find out how your pain can be more effectively treated.
For enquiries, Call +65 6732 2397
THE PAIN RELIEF CLINIC
You May Qualify For Cashless Scans & Treatments
We believe that access to medical services should be stress-free.
Singaporeans, permanent residents, and some international patients may be eligible for cashless services.
This can remove the need to pay cash upfront, solving a potential problem even for patients with insurance coverage.
You should be focused on getting answers and starting correct treatment, not worrying about large upfront bills.
To check your eligibility, send us a message.
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