Understanding Pain & Pain Management

Pain—whether sharp and short-lived or dull and persistent—can be disruptive, distressing, and life-altering. Acute pain is usually a temporary response to injury, surgery or inflammation, and often resolves with healing. Chronic pain, however, lingers for months or even years, often long after the initial cause has healed. It can stem from conditions such as arthritis, nerve damage, spinal disorders, or post-surgical complications.

Effective pain management goes beyond masking discomfort. It involves a multidisciplinary approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and emotional dimensions of pain. From lifestyle changes and physiotherapy to interventional procedures, modern pain management offers a spectrum of solutions to improve quality of life.

What Is a Pain Specialist?

A pain specialist is a highly trained medical doctor–typically an anaesthesiologist–who diagnoses and treats complex pain conditions using a combination of medical, procedural, and rehabilitative methods. Their toolkit includes advanced techniques such as nerve blocks, spinal injections, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, and regenerative therapies. The goal isn’t just temporary relief, but long-term improvement in function and well-being.

Who Is Dr Thor Timothy?

Dr Thor Timothy is an experienced consultant pain specialist and anaesthesiologist in Singapore. He is based at the Novena Pain Management Centre which has branches at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital and Farrer Park Hospital. With a patient-first philosophy and two decades of clinical experience, Dr Thor is recognised for his holistic, minimally invasive, and evidence-based approach to pain care.

Dr Thor Timothy’s Accolades, Experience & Expertise

Dr Thor’s credentials highlight his expertise and commitment in pain medicine:

• MBBS (Singapore) and Master of Medicine (Anaesthesiology)

• Fellow of the Faculty of Pain Medicine (Australia & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists)

• Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice (USA)

• European Diploma in Pain Medicine

• Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore

He previously served as Director of Acute Pain Services at Singapore General Hospital and was a Visiting Consultant at various public hospitals and medical institutions. His training includes a rigorous MOH-sponsored fellowship in chronic and cancer pain in Sydney, Australia, where he gained expertise in spinal interventions, neuromodulation (spinal cord stimulation), and intrathecal drug delivery systems.

Dr Thor also serves as an educator, mentor, and speaker, delivering lectures and workshops to both medical professionals and the general public.

Conditions Dr Thor Timothy Treats

At Novena Pain Management Centre, Dr Thor manages a wide spectrum of acute and chronic pain conditions using advanced diagnostics and interventions:

• Lower Back Pain

  Includes disc degeneration, slipped discs (herniated discs), facet joint arthritis, spinal stenosis, muscle strain, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Treatments may involve image-guided epidural injections and facet joint blocks.

• Neck Pain & Cervical Disorders

  From cervical spondylosis and whiplash injuries to nerve root compression, Dr Thor tailors treatments to relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and restore mobility.

• Sciatica & Radiculopathy

  Caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, often due to lumbar disc herniation. Patients experience shooting pain down the leg. Treatment may include transforaminal epidural steroid injections, nerve root blocks, and in severe cases, pulsed radiofrequency ablation.

• Trigeminal Neuralgia

  A severe, stabbing facial pain disorder that is often misdiagnosed. Dr Thor offers pharmacological therapy and minimally invasive procedures or radiofrequency to target the affected cranial nerve.

• Post-Surgical Pain Syndromes

  Persistent pain following surgery (e.g. joint replacement, hernia repair, or spinal surgery) can stem from nerve damage or scar tissue. Advanced techniques like neuromodulation may be used to break pain cycles.

• Cancer-Related Pain

  Cancer pain may arise from tumours compressing nerves or treatment side effects. Dr Thor provides effective care with options such as nerve blocks and intrathecal pump placement for drug delivery.

• Joint Pain (Knees, Shoulders, Hips)

  Includes osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injuries, and bursitis. Dr Thor offers viscosupplementation, corticosteroid injections, and biologic therapies to relieve inflammation and delay joint surgery.

• Neuropathic Pain

  This includes diabetic neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and phantom limb pain. These cases are challenging but can often be managed with nerve stimulation techniques and medications targeting nerve dysfunction.

Specialised Services at Novena Pain Management Centre

Dr Thor Timothy delivers individualised, multi-modal pain therapies at his clinic, combining modern interventional techniques with evidence-based rehabilitation. Key services include:

• Trigger Point Injections

  Used for muscle knots (myofascial pain) that don’t respond to physiotherapy. Quick and effective in reducing muscle spasms and referred pain.

• Nerve Blocks

  Image-guided injections that deliver anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly around nerves to stop pain signals. Used for spinal, facial, and peripheral nerve conditions.

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

  This technique uses thermal energy to deactivate nerves transmitting pain. Especially effective for facet joint arthritis, sacroiliac joint pain, and chronic back or neck pain.

• Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

  For patients with chronic nerve-related pain (like failed back surgery syndrome), SCS implants deliver mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, blocking pain signals to the brain.

• Regenerative Medicine Therapies

  Includes Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) to stimulate tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and restore joint function—particularly in athletes and active individuals with tendon injuries or early arthritis.

• Minimally Invasive Disc Procedures

  Treats disc bulges and herniations using techniques like nucleoplasty and annuloplasty, offering quicker recovery than open surgery.

• Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

  Target nerves involved in CRPS, vascular pain, and certain cancer pains. Reduces pain and improves circulation in affected limbs.

• Intrathecal Drug Delivery Systems

  For severe chronic or cancer pain, a pump implanted under the skin delivers medication directly to the spinal fluid, enabling lower doses and fewer side effects compared to oral painkillers.

All procedures are performed in a safe, sterile environment using real-time imaging guidance for precision and safety.

When Should You See a Pain Specialist Like Dr Thor?

You should consider consulting a pain specialist if:

• Pain lasts longer than 3 months, despite medication or physiotherapy

• You experience radiating, burning, or electric shock-like pain suggestive of nerve involvement

• Pain is interfering with sleep, work, movement, or emotional health

• You're told surgery is your only option, but want to explore less invasive treatments

• You're dependent on painkillers and want safer alternatives

• You have cancer or palliative care needs and require better pain control

Pain doesn’t have to define your life. Dr Thor Timothy provides a blend of experience, skill, and compassion to help you manage pain without unnecessary surgery or medication dependence. Whether you're suffering from back pain, facial pain, cancer-related discomfort, or nerve-related issues, reach out to Dr Thor Timothy at the Novena Pain Management Centre today.

For more information or to book a consultation, visit www.thepainspecialist.sg.