Upper Back Pain Treatment Singapore
Regis Medical – A Holistic and Integrative Pain Management Clinic
Your Trusted Partner for Integrative Pain Management Service - Family Medicine, Acupuncture, and Physiotherapy.
Non-injection, non-surgical treatmentsIn-house Acupuncturists and Physiotherapists
Acupuncture from $100
Physiotherapy from $160
Speak with our pain management specialist today!
Non-injection, non-surgical upper back pain relief
Are you tired of persistent upper back pain affecting your daily life?
If you're experiencing the discomfort of:
- Upper Back Pain
- Mid-Back Pain
- Upper Back Muscle Strain
- Thoracic Spine Pain
We understand the challenges of living with upper back pain and injuries. At Regis Medical, we specialise in safe, non-injection, non-surgical treatments for upper back pain, addressing its root cause for holistic recovery. Prioritising your well-being, we empower you towards a pain-free life. Schedule a consultation today to start your journey to complete relief.
Common causes of upper back pain:
Upper Back Muscle Strain or Sprain
Overexertion of upper back muscles, poor posture, lifting heavy objects, or sudden awkward movements. Causes localised pain, stiffness, and sometimes muscle spasms in the upper back and shoulders.
Postural Strain
Prolonged poor posture from desk work, computer use, or forward head positioning. Causes chronic upper back tension, muscle fatigue, and stiffness, especially between the shoulder blades.
Thoracic Disc Bulge or Herniation
The soft inner portion of a thoracic disc pushes through the outer layer, often due to trauma, repetitive strain, or poor posture. Causes pain in the upper back, sometimes radiating to the chest or ribs.
Upper Back Arthritis (Thoracic Spondylosis)
Wear and tear of the thoracic spine joints over time. Causes upper back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Often due to ageing and repetitive use.
Muscle Spasms
Involuntary muscle contractions in the upper back, often due to strain, poor posture, or stress. Cause sudden and intense pain and muscle tightness.
When Upper Back Pain Needs Urgent Care
Most upper back pain can be safely assessed and managed by our GP team. However, please seek medical attention promptly – or visit an Emergency Department – if you experience:
- Severe upper back pain after a fall, direct blow, or significant trauma
- Upper back pain accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
- Pain radiating down the arms with numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, swelling, or fever in the upper back
- Severe pain with unexplained weight loss, fever, or night pain
In the above instances, it would be highly recommended by doctors to rule out serious spinal conditions, cardiac issues, or other systemic conditions through appropriate imaging and assessment. Early identification and treatment of serious upper back conditions is essential to prevent permanent damage.
Upper Back Pain Treatment and Pain Relief
Painkillers, injections, and surgery shouldn't be the only options for upper back pain relief. At Regis Medical, our doctors, acupuncturists, and physiotherapists work together – under one roof, at both our Holland Village and Katong clinics – to find and treat the root cause of your upper back pain.
GP Doctor Assessment
An evidence-based approach to diagnose, assess, and find the root cause of your upper back pain or injury. By considering your medical history, lifestyle, and any contributing factors, so that we can tailor a personalised treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
Regular Progress Reviews and Post-Recovery Follow-Up
Regis Medical doctors will actively review your recovery progress in periodic fashion and help arrange for scans if necessary.
Acupuncture for Upper Back Pain
Available in-house at both Holland Village and Katong.
Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture may help relieve upper back pain, ease muscle tension, and support the body's natural healing process – a minimally invasive, non-surgical option for pain management. Cupping therapy may also be used alongside acupuncture to improve circulation and release muscle tension in the upper back. Not every patient is suitable for acupuncture; our doctors will assess this with you first.
Physiotherapy for Upper Back Pain
Available in-house at both Holland Village and Katong.
Physiotherapy for upper back pain may include:
- Ultrasound Therapy – stimulates healing in upper back structures, promoting tissue repair and effective management of upper back pain and injuries
- Exercise Prescriptions – prescribed exercises and stretching programmes improve upper back strength, flexibility, and mobility, providing pain relief and supporting the healing process of upper back injuries
- Electrotherapy – modalities like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) alleviate upper back pain by altering pain signals and promoting the release of endorphins
- Deep Tissue Massage – targets deeper muscle layers and connective tissue in the upper back and shoulders, relieving chronic pain, reducing muscle tension, and improving blood flow to aid in injury recovery
- Posture and Ergonomics Education – education on proper posture, workstation setup, and movement patterns minimises strain on the upper back, including recommendations for sitting, standing, and activities to prevent upper back pain and injuries
- Postural Correction and Mobility Training – guided exercises and techniques to correct forward head posture and improve thoracic spine mobility, reducing chronic upper back tension
What Sets Regis Medical Apart
Steps to getting pain care at Regis Medical
- Book an appointment to see Regis Medical GP Doctors (*Same day appointment available)
- Our Doctors will consult you and assess accordingly. (Consultation fees are waived for physiotherapy and acupuncture)
- Personalised treatment plan will be curated to start your recovery journey.
- You will receive treatment from either Acupuncturist, Physiotherapist, or both. (*For a more seamless flow, do work with our friendly staff in advance to organise an appropriate time and date)
- Regis Medical Doctors will actively review your recovery progress with you in periodic fashion.
Our Team
Dr Paul Chang
General Practitioner
9 years of experience
Amanda Chua
Acupuncturist
14 years of experience in pain and injury management
Chin Yi Khern
Physiotherapist
3 years of experience in pain & injury management, rehabilitation.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Take the first step toward a pain-free life by scheduling a consultation with our expert team at Regis Medical. Let us guide you on the path to relief and recovery.
Don't Let Upper Back Pain Hold You Back – Trust Regis Medical for Comprehensive Care!
Holland Village
255 Holland Ave, Singapore 278983
Near MRT Exit B
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
FAQ
Accessibility & Support
Regis Medical Holland Village is located at 255 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278983
Regis Medical Katong is located at 437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Click here to view our opening hoursYou can just walk in to see our Doctors. For Physiotherapy or Acupuncture sessions, they are by appointments only, please book at least one day in advance.
Appointment
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Holland Village, please call or whatsapp us 8118 5298
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Katong, please call or whatsapp us 9851 3728
You can only cancel or change your appointments up to 24 hours before your appointment. You will receive your refund within 3 working days. No refund will be issued for no shows and cancellations within 24 hours before your appointment.
Yes. You can reschedule your appointments. However, you need to reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before your actual appointment time.
Finance
We accept Visa/Mastercard/AMEX, PayNow, JCB, UnionPay and ApplePay.
Upper Back Pain Related
Prolonged desk work with poor posture causes forward head position and rounded shoulders, which strains the upper back, neck, and shoulder muscles. Over time, this creates muscle imbalances and chronic tension. Regular stretching, posture correction, and ergonomic workstation setup can significantly reduce this pain.
While upper back muscle strain typically causes localised pain, severe tension can occasionally cause referred chest discomfort. However, chest pain with shortness of breath should always be evaluated medically to rule out cardiac issues. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Recovery time varies by cause. Mild muscle strain usually improves in 2-4 weeks with physiotherapy. Postural strain and thoracic disc issues may take 6-12 weeks. Consistent adherence to your treatment plan and posture correction exercises accelerates recovery.
Acupuncture may help relieve upper back pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve mobility, particularly when used alongside physiotherapy and medical treatment. Effectiveness varies by individual and the underlying cause of pain. Our doctors assess suitability before recommending acupuncture.
Proper desk setup (monitor at eye level, chair supporting lower back), regular stretching breaks every hour, strengthening exercises for postural muscles, and maintaining neutral spine alignment all help prevent upper back pain. Our physiotherapists can assess your workstation and provide personalised recommendations.
Yes. Prolonged poor posture, especially from desk work or phone use, can contribute to muscle tightness and shoulder tendinitis over time. Our physiotherapists can guide you on posture correction as part of your treatment plan.
