Have you ever experienced nagging neck or back pain that just won't go away?

For many, it is a temporary discomfort caused by poor posture, long hours at a desk or a minor injury. For others, it can become a debilitating condition that affects mobility and overall quality of life.

The spine is an interconnected structure that relies on healthy bones, discs, ligaments and muscles to function properly. When one part is affected, pain and discomfort can often extend to other parts of the body.

Unfortunately, fear of surgery often prevents patients from seeking help until their symptoms become difficult to ignore. Images of large incisions, prolonged hospital stays and lengthy rehabilitation often cause people to delay seeking treatment, sometimes for years.

“The reality, however, is very different today. Advances in spinal health care over the past 30 years have shifted the field from traditional open surgeries to highly precise, minimally invasive procedures that prioritise faster recovery and reduced trauma to surrounding tissues,” said Dr Manmohan Singh, Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon at Columbia Asia Hospital Cheras.

One of the most significant developments in recent years is endoscopic spine surgery. This minimally invasive technique allows surgeons to treat certain spinal conditions through an incision measuring just 8 to 10 millimetres.

“Unlike traditional open spine surgery, which often requires larger incisions and significant muscle dissection to reach the spine, endoscopic surgery uses a specialised camera known as an endoscope. The camera provides a high-definition, magnified view of the affected area, allowing surgeons to remove tissue compressing the nerves with exceptional precision,” said Dr Manmohan.