Living with spine issues can be physically taxing and emotionally draining, as pain and discomfort often disrupt daily routines and limit mobility.  The first step toward relief is finding the right spine specialist for your needs. Here’s what you should look out for:

1. Check For Qualifications

The initial step in finding the right spine specialist is to check their qualifications and certifications, which helps confirm specialised training in treating spine conditions and surgery.

Here are some important certifications to look for:
 

• Certification in Spine Surgery: A specialist with certification in a relevant field of surgery has undergone rigorous training and successfully passed advanced examinations, demonstrating a high level of expertise in the field.
   
• Fellowship Training in Spine Surgery: To add, specialists with fellowship training indicate advanced, specialised expertise in spine care that goes beyond general orthopaedics.
   
• Specialist Accreditation by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC): Having an SMC accreditation confirms that the specialist is officially recognised and licensed to practise in Singapore.
   
• Membership in Professional Associations: Membership in relevant professional organisations reflects a doctor’s commitment to staying connected with reputable medical organisations that uphold rigorous standards of care and continuous professional development.

2. Check Expertise in Pain Management

The best spine specialist should have experience in managing various types of spine pain, allowing for accurate assessment and a targeted treatment plan. These may include:
 

• Diagnostic Skills: Identifying whether pain stems from nerves, muscles, discs or joints to guide proper treatment.
   
• Non-Surgical Pain Management: Knowledge of non-surgical interventions (or working with other medical professionals in a multidisciplinary approach) so that surgery is only considered if conservative methods do not suffice. 

3. Use of Advanced Medical Tools and Technology

The use of modern medical technology can transform spine treatment, making it quicker, safer and more precise, while improving recovery outcomes. Here are some of the key technologies that they may use:
 

• Intraoperative Navigation Systems: During surgery, intraoperative navigation acts like a GPS for the surgeon, guiding every movement. This allows for precise, minimally invasive procedures, which can significantly reduce surgical risks and lead to better overall results.
• Robotic-Assisted Surgery Tools: Robotic technology brings steady, unmatched precision to delicate spine surgeries. Enhancing the surgeon’s accuracy often results in smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times for patients.
• Fluoroscopy Machines: Fluoroscopy offers real-time moving images during procedures such as injections or minor spine treatments. This ensures that treatments are delivered exactly where they are needed, improving both effectiveness and patient comfort.
• Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies: These diagnostic tests evaluate how well the nerves and muscles are functioning. By pinpointing whether pain stems from nerve compression, damage or other causes, specialists can develop a more targeted and effective treatment plan.
• Endoscopic Spine Surgery Equipment: Endoscopic tools allow surgeons to treat spine conditions using tiny incisions. This approach helps minimise scarring, reduce pain and speed up the healing process, offering patients a gentler path to recovery.

Other Things to Consider Before Choosing a Spine Specialist

To ensure the best experience and outcome, consider these other factors too:
 

• Check Patient Reviews: Gain insights into the quality of care and patient experience to help you compare specialists with confidence.
   
• Look for Personalised Care: Choose a specialist who offers thorough consultations, clear communication and tailored treatment plans with consistent follow-ups.
   
• Consider Accessibility: A clinic with flexible hours and a convenient location makes follow-ups easier and ensures timely care, especially during emergencies.

Meet Dr Colum Nolan—Singapore Spine Specialist

Dr Colum Nolan is a senior consultant neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience treating a wide range of spine conditions. His advanced training, including a fellowship at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, and rotations in orthopaedic spine units, has equipped him to manage both routine and complex cases.

He specialises in minimally invasive surgery, motion preservation and the use of advanced image-guided and robotic tools, making treatment safer and recovery smoother. Alongside patient care, Dr Nolan serves as a consultant at NNI and NUH, leading national spine programs and contributing to research and teaching. His expertise and compassionate approach ensure patients feel confident and supported throughout their spine care journey.
 

• Minimally invasive spine surgery (“keyhole” surgery)
• Motion preservation surgery (e.g. cervical disc replacement)
• Use of spinal navigation and robotic technologies
• Treatment of degenerative spine disorders
• Spinal tumours & fractures
• Complex cervical spine surgery
   

Clinic Locations

• Mt Elizabeth Novena Hospital
• Mt Elizabeth Hospital (Orchard)
• Mt Alvernia Hospital
   

For enquiries and to book an appointment, you may visit Dr Colum Nolan’s website at https://oxfordspineneuro.sg/.