Expertise & Treatments

What is spinal injury?

Spinal injuries involve damages to any part(s) of the spine, including injuries occurred to spinal cord, nerve endings or muscle groups. It can result from traumatic causes like fractures, dislocations, compression of vertebrae, or non-traumatic causes such as tumour, degeneration or infections. Symptoms vary based on the injury’s location and severity, including loss of movement, sensation changes, bladder or bowel control issues, and pain.

Why use TCM?

TCM complements conventional care of spinal injuries by promoting overall health, reducing inflammation, and supporting rehabilitation.

How do we help?

At Pinewell Chinese Medicine, we specialise in the treatment of variety of spinal injuries by providing personalised treatment plan based on one’s symptoms and conditions:

Slipped discs
Slipped discs, also known as herniated or ruptured discs, are often caused either by wear and tear due to aging or activities that put stress onto the spine. Common symptoms include different degrees of pain, numbness, or weakness in muscles in affected areas. Sometimes, it may also affect other body functions such as bowel movement and urination.

Spine degeneration
Spinal disks act as rubbery cushions between your vertebrae (bones in your spinal column). They serve as shock absorbers and allow comfortable movement, bending, and twisting. Over time, everyone’s spinal disks naturally degenerate due to aging. When these cushions wear away, the bones can start to rub together, causing pain and other issues. Common symptoms often include neck or back pain, numbness and tingling.

Curved spine (Scoliosis and kyphosis)
Curved spine often refers to scoliosis or kyphosis.
For Scoliosis, it refers to sideways curvature of the spine, often forming an S or C shape. It is commonly seen in adolescents and tends to run in families. Causes remain unclear but may involve genetic factors, diseases, injuries, or birth defects.
For Kyphosis,  it is characterized by an abnormally rounded upper back (more than 50 degrees of curvature). Possible causes include abnormal vertebrae development, poor posture, Scheuermann’s disease, arthritis, or osteoporosis.

Chronic spine pain
Chronic spine pain refers to pain experienced in the spine / back area for more than 3 months. Causes and corresponding treatments depend on the area of pain – upper, mid or lower back, but most commonly associate with poor posture, strains and injuries.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by weakened and brittle bones. Osteoporosis occurs when the body loses bone mass faster than it can replace it. Factors include aging, hormonal changes (especially during menopause), lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and certain medications.
Bones become fragile and prone to fractures, even from minor stresses like coughing or bending over.
Early stages often have no noticeable symptoms. Fractures (especially in the hip, spine, or wrist) may be the first sign. Stooped posture, back pain, and lost height are common.

Relevant TCM treatments:

• Acupuncture – help reduce pain, improve blood circulation, and promote healing. Some studies suggest that acupuncture can alleviate neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injuries
• Acupressure – as part of rehabilitation, acupressure can reduce muscle tension and improve circulation by targeting specific points and meridians on the body
• Herbal Prescription – various herbal formulations might be prescribed to address inflammation, boost immune function, and support tissue repair

What is stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is disrupted. It can happen due to a blocked artery or bleeding in the brain. Symptoms vary based on the affected brain area and the extend of damages, with patients commonly experience numbness, confusion, headache with vomiting, troubled vision, impaired coordination and more.

Relevant TCM treatments:

• Acupuncture: enhance blood flow to injured areas during stroke recovery
• Herbal prescriptions: reduce inflammation, enhance neurological recovery and improve immune function

What is reproduction health?

Reproductive health refers to the holistic care and balance of the body’s reproductive system, encompassing both physical and emotional well-being. Fertility issues refer to difficulties in conceiving a child naturally. These challenges can arise from various factors, such as hormonal imbalances, structure abnormalities, or health conditions affecting either parents. Common fertility issues include conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and low sperm count.

Why use TCM?

TCM considers the body as a whole, aiming to create optimal conditions for natural conception by addressing both physical and energetic aspects.

How do we help?

We have decades of experience helping couples in their fertility journey to manage various conditions and challenges, including personalised treatment plans for:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

TCM treatments, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, can regulate hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS, improving ovulation and increasing the chances of conception.

Endometriosis

TCM aims to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and enhance blood circulation in cases of endometriosis. Acupuncture and herbal remedies may contribute to better reproductive health.

Blocked Fallopian Tubes

TCM therapies focus on restoring energy flow and balancing organ systems, potentially aiding in unblocking fallopian tubes and improving fertility.

High Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

TCM practitioners work to harmonize the Kidney, Liver, and Spleen systems, which play a crucial role in fertility. By addressing energy imbalances, TCM can positively impact FSH levels.

What is pain management?

Chronic pain generally refers to pain experienced in one’s body for longer than 3 months. Such persistent discomfort that lasts beyond the usual recovery period can be continuous or intermittent, impacting daily life, work, and overall well-being. Common chronic pain includes back pain, stiff neck, frozen shoulders, arthritis, keen pain, heel pain etc.

Why use TCM?

TCM offers an integrative approach to managing chronic pain by considering both the physiological (e.g. pain area, pain level, other symptoms) and psychological factors (e.g. dietary modification, herbal medications).

How do we help?

At Pinewell Chinese Medicine, our highly experienced and professional physicians specialise in an array of pain management methodologies to provide an integrative approach in managing pain.

Relevant TCM treatments:

• Acupuncture: TCM involves inserting fine needles into specific acupoints. This stimulates the release of endorphins (natural pain-killing chemicals) and affects brain areas related to mood, providing relief
• Acupressure: Applying pressure to specific areas of the body stimulates nerves, which can help reduce pain and swelling, improve circulation and overall recovery. Additionally, acupressure has been found to lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels
• Cupping: sucking cups are placed on areas of pain or discomfort to improve circulation, release tightness and reduce pain