Many people still believe that chronic pain is simply part of growing older. The truth is, while ageing may bring wear and tear to the body, persistent pain is not something anyone should accept as inevitable. As Dr Bernard Lee, Founder and CEO of Singapore Paincare Holdings, explains: “Nobody should live in pain.”
By addressing chronic pain early, with the right diagnosis and minimally invasive treatments, it is possible to maintain mobility, independence, and quality of life well into later years.
Chronic Pain and Ageing: Debunking the Myth
Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting longer than three months, and it is one of the most common reasons older adults seek medical care. However, equating pain with age is a dangerous misconception.
Dr Lee often compares the human body to a car engine: “After many years of use, it may smoke or overheat, but that does not mean you need to replace the entire engine. With proper maintenance, it can continue to run well.” Similarly, with timely treatment and preventive care, joints and nerves can continue functioning effectively without pain.
The Hidden Risks of Delaying Treatment
Ignoring persistent pain often leads to more serious complications. Pain can be a sign of arthritis, ligament strain, bursitis, or nerve-related issues. When left untreated, these conditions can worsen, resulting in:
- Greater joint or tissue damage
- Reduced mobility and independence
- Emotional consequences such as frustration, anxiety, and depression
Dr Lee emphasises that “pain is a symptom. If it lasts more than three months, it is a signal that something deeper needs attention.”
Most Common Chronic Pain Conditions in Singapore
At Singapore Paincare, the most frequently seen conditions include:
- Back pain
- Knee pain
- Foot and ankle pain
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Chronic headaches
While these conditions are not necessarily increasing in prevalence, more people today seek help earlier. Modern lifestyles, marked by long hours at desks, weaker core muscles, and high stress, also contribute to pain becoming more widespread.
Consequences of Leaving Chronic Pain Untreated
Untreated chronic pain gradually reduces a person’s independence. Mobility declines, sleep quality deteriorates, and mental well-being suffers.
Fibromyalgia is one example. Patients experience widespread pain, fatigue, dizziness, and poor sleep. Without treatment, these symptoms can become overwhelming. Many sufferers spend years trying various therapies with little improvement, which often leads to hopelessness.
As Dr Lee notes, “Pain is the body’s way of saying something is wrong. If there is a way of stopping it, please do that. If there is not, there must be a resolution somewhere.”
Modern Pain Management: Minimally Invasive Treatments Guided by Painostic® Methodology
Historically, treatment options for persistent pain were limited to painkillers or open surgery. Both approaches come with significant drawbacks. Painkillers only provide temporary relief, and surgery comes with risk and may not always fully resolve pain.
At Singapore Paincare, treatment is guided by the Painostic® methodology, a proprietary diagnostic approach that goes beyond scans to consider medical history, posture, pain patterns, perception, and psychology. This ensures a clearer understanding of whether pain is structural, caused by damage, or functional, linked to nerves, muscles, and movement.
Based on this comprehensive diagnosis, minimally invasive treatments are tailored to each patient:
- Myospan treatments: Including PRP (platelet-rich plasma), Coreflex, and intra-articular injections to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
- Neurospan treatments: Using techniques such as radiofrequency ablation, endoscopic laser decompression, and nerve modulation to relieve spinal and nerve pain.
Unlike traditional surgery, these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, involve minimal downtime, and are designed to target the root cause of pain. Results show that 70 to 90 per cent of patients report meaningful relief after just one minimally invasive treatment.
Proactive Steps to Prevent and Manage Chronic Pain
While advanced treatments are available, prevention remains the best strategy. Dr Lee and his team recommend:
- Maintaining a healthy weight and diet
- Staying active with regular exercise
- Managing stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques
- Ensuring adequate rest and good sleep habits
And most importantly, do not ignore pain. If discomfort lasts beyond three months, consult a pain specialist early.
Conclusion
Chronic pain is not an unavoidable part of ageing. With the right care, patients can reduce or even eliminate persistent pain, avoiding long-term reliance on painkillers or unnecessary surgery. Through methods like the Painostic® approach and minimally invasive treatments, Singapore Paincare empowers patients to regain control of their health and live pain-free.
About the Expert: Dr. Bernard Lee
Dr. Bernard Lee (李文鉴医生), known as “Dr. Pain”, is the Founder and CEO of Singapore Paincare Holdings and Senior Consultant Pain Specialist. With over 25 years of experience, he pioneered minimally invasive pain treatments and champions the belief that “Nobody should live in pain.”
