Paya Lebar Chiropractors — Helping You
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Frequently Asked Questions
What You Need to Know
New to chiropractic? Start here. Understand how it works, what to expect from your first visit, and how it can help relieve common issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and more.
At its heart, chiropractic is a natural, drug‑free healthcare approach that focuses on the spine and nervous system to help your body function at its best.
Your nervous system—your brain and spinal cord—controls every cell, tissue, and organ. Your brain is protected by your skull, but your spinal cord is surrounded by 24 moving vertebrae that can become misaligned or stiff from daily stress, poor posture, an old injury, or simply sitting at a desk for hours. When spinal joints lose their normal motion or position, they can irritate or block the nerves they’re meant to protect. We call this a vertebral subluxation (a spinal joint dysfunction that disrupts nerve flow).
Think of a subluxation as “static” on your body’s communication lines. It can lead to back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, and even affect how well your organs and tissues function.
A chiropractor is trained to find these areas of spinal misalignment and nerve interference, then gently correct them using specific spinal adjustments. By restoring proper motion and alignment, chiropractic care relieves pressure on the nerves, reduces pain, and helps your body shift away from degeneration and poor function back toward healing, regeneration, and better overall health.
It’s a hands‑on, non‑invasive way to tackle not just symptoms but also the root cause of many common musculoskeletal and nerve‑related problems. Whether you’re dealing with a stiff neck, chronic low back pain, or simply want to move and feel better, chiropractic works with your body’s own ability to heal.
Chiropractic works by tapping into your body’s own incredible ability to heal and regulate itself—an ability controlled entirely by your nervous system.
Every second, millions of signals travel from your brain, down your spinal cord, and out to every organ, muscle, and tissue. At the same time, messages travel back to the brain to report on how your body is doing. This constant, two-way communication keeps you alive, healthy, and functioning.
When the moving bones of your spine (vertebrae) lose their normal motion or shift out of alignment, it can create what we call a subluxation—a spinal joint problem that interferes with this vital nerve exchange. The pressure or irritation on nearby nerves acts like static on a phone line, distorting the messages between your brain and body. This can lead to pain (like back pain, neck pain, or sciatica), stiffness, and even reduced function in the organs and tissues those nerves supply.
Chiropractors are trained to locate these subluxations and correct them using specific, gentle spinal adjustments. By restoring proper movement and alignment, we clear the nerve interference so your brain and body can communicate clearly again. When that communication improves, your body’s natural ability to heal and self-regulate kicks in, and better health often follows.
In short, chiropractic doesn’t “add” anything to your body—it simply removes what’s blocking your own healing power.
Your first visit includes a detailed health history, a physical and postural examination, and — where clinically indicated — spinal X-rays. Your chiropractor will explain their findings clearly and recommend a care plan tailored to your needs. Most patients receive their first adjustment on the same visit. The entire process is thorough, unhurried, and patient-focused.
Chiropractic adjustments are widely considered safe when performed by a qualified, registered chiropractor. Serious adverse events are rare. Some patients experience mild soreness after their first few sessions — similar to how muscles feel after exercise — which typically resolves within 24 hours. Your chiropractor will always discuss your health history before proceeding and tailor the approach to your individual needs.
Many headaches originate from tension in the upper neck and cervical spine. Chiropractic adjustments help by improving spinal alignment and reducing nerve irritation, which are frequent triggers for both tension headaches and migraines.
Yes. In Singapore, “Tech Neck” (cervical kyphosis) is common due to prolonged screen use.
Our chiropractors use spinal adjustments to restore the natural curve of your neck and provide ergonomic advice to prevent future strain. Correcting your posture early can prevent chronic headaches and shoulder tension.
Your Recovery & Treatment Timeline: What to Expect
Wondering how long healing takes or when you’ll feel results? Here’s what a typical chiropractic recovery journey looks like—for acute injuries, chronic conditions, and everything in between.
Although it varies by individual, many of our patients see improvement within 6-12 visits.
For acute, simple conditions like a recent back spasm, you might feel relief after just a few sessions. Chronic, long-standing conditions or ones involving degenerative changes often take longer—sometimes 3-6 months of consistent care.
The goal is not just pain relief but also functional correction and prevention. Your chiropractor will recommend a customized care plan with clear milestones, which might include initial intensive care, followed by a stabilization phase, and finally periodic “wellness” or maintenance visits.
Yes, lower back pain is the number one reason people visit a chiropractor in Singapore.
At Lion City Chiropractic, we focus on finding the root cause of your problem: whether it’s a joint misalignment, muscle spasm, or disc issue. Many patients feel noticeable relief within their first few sessions. Chronic, long-standing lower back pain often takes a bit longer, as we work to correct movement patterns and strengthen supportive muscles. We’ll map out a clear timeline for you after your initial assessment.
Absolutely. Many athletes in Singapore use chiropractic care for Performance Optimization.
Our chiropractors, Shara Downey and Justine Kim—who have backgrounds in sports injury and rehabilitation—understand movement, performance, and the importance of staying active.
Regular adjustments ensure that your nervous system is communicating with your muscles with zero interference. This leads to better balance, faster reaction times, and more efficient muscle firing.
Just as you see a dentist for a cleaning before you get a cavity, chiropractic care is most effective as a preventive measure.
By the time you feel pain, the underlying spinal misalignment (subluxation) has often been there for months. Regular “maintenance adjustments” ensure your nervous system stays clear of interference, improving your sleep, energy levels, and immune response.
Chiropractic vs. Physiotherapy, TCM, GP & More: Which Is Right for You?
While both help with pain, Chiropractors focus primarily on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system to restore overall body function. Physiotherapy often focuses on muscle rehabilitation and exercises.
Many patients find the best results by using chiropractic care to align the structure and physiotherapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles.
For the vast majority of cases, yes. Research shows that non-invasive, specific chiropractic adjustments can be just as effective as surgery for many sciatica sufferers.
We use targeted adjustments to take the “pinch” off the nerve, allowing the body to heal naturally without the risks or downtime associated with spinal surgery.
While Physiotherapy often focuses on strengthening muscles and stretching the piriformis (which can irritate the nerve), Chiropractic focuses on the spinal structure itself.
If a misaligned vertebra is the root cause of the nerve compression, stretching the muscle may only provide temporary relief. We address the structural cause to provide a long-term solution.
Yes, absolutely. Many patients in Singapore benefit from a combined approach. Chiropractic care and physiotherapy are complementary, not competitive.
A chiropractor focuses primarily on joint alignment and nervous system function through adjustments, while a physiotherapist works more on muscle strengthening, flexibility, and movement re-education through exercises. They often collaborate to get you the best possible outcome. It’s a team effort for your health.
Most people visit a GP as their first port of call for pain. A GP’s approach is typically chemical and symptomatic. They may prescribe muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, or painkillers to manage the discomfort. While this might be helpful for short-term relief, it doesn’t address why the pain started.
Chiropractors take a holistic and structural approach. Instead of masking the pain with medication, we look for the physical misalignment (subluxation) causing the nerve irritation.
If you prefer a drug-free, non-invasive path that address the root cause rather than just the “alarm bell,” a Chiropractor is the appropriate specialist. However, for infections, fractures, or systemic illnesses, your GP remains essential.
Yes, and many of our patients in Singapore do exactly that. TCM often focuses on the flow of “Qi” (energy) and blood through meridians, using acupuncture or herbs to reduce internal inflammation and improve circulation. Chiropractic focuses on the nervous system and spinal alignment.
Think of it this way: Chiropractic ensures the “electrical wiring” (nerves) of the house is clear and positioned correctly, while TCM helps the “plumbing” (blood and energy) flow better. Because a misaligned spine can physically impede the effectiveness of other therapies, we often recommend getting adjusted first to ensure your nervous system is ready to receive the benefits of TCM treatments.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and chiropractic take fundamentally different approaches, though both aim to relieve pain naturally without drugs or surgery.
TCM acupuncture works on the principle of restoring the flow of Qi (energy) along meridians by inserting fine needles at specific points. It’s very effective at releasing muscle tightness, promoting circulation, and reducing inflammation. Tui na is a form of Chinese massage that targets muscles and soft tissues.
Chiropractic, by contrast, is rooted in Western biomechanics and neurology. It directly addresses the structural alignment and movement of the spinal joints themselves.
If your pain is caused by a joint that is fixed, misaligned, or compressing a nerve, a chiropractic adjustment provides a specific mechanical correction that acupuncture or massage alone cannot accomplish. Many patients in Singapore combine both. They might use acupuncture to calm painful muscle spasms and chiropractic to correct the underlying joint dysfunction that caused the spasm in the first place.
While both are manual therapies that address the musculoskeletal system, their primary focus and technique differ. Osteopaths tend to focus on “Global Biomechanics.” They look at how the whole body—including muscles, joints, and even internal organs—functions together. Their sessions are often longer and involve more rhythmic stretching and soft-tissue massage.
Chiropractors focus specifically on “Neurological Integrity.” We zoom in on the relationship between the vertebrae and the nervous system. Our adjustments are highly specific and high-velocity, aimed at “resetting” a specific joint to restore nerve communication instantly.
If you feel your issue is a general “body stiffness,” Osteopathy might be an option. If you have specific discomfort, pain, numbness, or postural issues, the specificity of Chiropractic is more effective.
A sports massage focuses on the soft tissue (muscles and fascia) to reduce soreness. A sports adjustment focuses on joint mechanics.
If a joint is stuck or misaligned, the muscle will stay tight no matter how much you massage it. For the best results, we recommend using chiropractic care to re-align the structure and massage to flush the tissues.
Pregnancy, Babies & Kids Chiropractic: Safe Care for Your Whole Family
It may surprise some parents, but the birthing process, even a natural delivery, can place significant physical stress on a baby’s delicate spine and nervous system. Interventions like forceps, vacuum extraction, or prolonged labour can add to that strain. This early stress can contribute to common infant issues like colic, reflux, trouble latching, and sleep disturbances.
In Singapore, more parents are turning to pediatric chiropractic care as a gentle, drug‑free way to support their newborn’s health from day one. Our approach for infants is nothing like adult adjustments. The pressure we use is extremely light—comparable to the force you’d use to check the ripeness of a tomato. There’s no popping, twisting, or discomfort.
The goal is simply to release any subtle tension or misalignment in the spine that might be irritating the nervous system. When the nervous system functions without interference, many babies feed better, settle more easily, and show improvements in colic and reflux. It’s about giving your child the best possible start in life, with a healthy spine and a calm, well‑regulated body.
With the high academic pressure in Singapore, many children and teenagers spend long hours hunched over screens or lugging heavy school bags. Over time, this can lead to “Tech Neck” (forward head posture), rounded shoulders, chronic neck and back pain, and even early signs of spinal curvature.
Chiropractic care offers a safe, gentle, and drug‑free way to address these issues early. We provide posture correction and spinal screenings specifically tailored for children and teens. Through gentle adjustments, we restore proper spinal alignment and mobility, relieving the strain caused by poor study ergonomics and overloaded backpacks.
We also teach simple stretches and daily habits to help your child maintain good posture on their own.
Catching these problems young can prevent long-term complications like early‑onset scoliosis, tension headaches, and persistent back pain that could follow them into adulthood. Think of it as an investment in your child’s lasting spinal health and overall well‑being.
Early detection is key. Parents should look for the following “red flags” during growth spurts:
One shoulder appears higher than the other.
One shoulder blade sticking out more prominently.
An uneven waistline or one hip leaning to one side.
A visible curve in the spine when the child bends forward (known as the Adam’s Forward Bend Test).
If you notice any of these signs, a professional spinal assessment is recommended to prevent the curve from progressing during the teenage years.
The goal of chiropractic care for scoliosis is not necessarily to “straighten” the spine to 0 degrees, but to stabilize the curve, reduce pain (if any), and improve mobility.
By using specific spinal adjustments and corrective exercises, we aim to stop the “C” or “S” curve from worsening, helping your child avoid invasive bracing or surgery.
International ergonomic standards suggest that a school bag should never exceed 10% to 15% of a child’s body weight. In Singapore, where textbooks and laptops add up quickly, a heavy bag can cause the spine to compensate by leaning forward, leading to rounded shoulders and chronic mid-back pain.
Yes, and it is highly recommended.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is a safe, gentle, and drug-free way to manage the common musculoskeletal discomforts that come with a changing body.
Chiropractors, like Shara Downey, who have training in prenatal care use special techniques (Webster Technique) and pregnancy pillows to ensure you and your baby are completely comfortable.
Adjustments are modified to be extremely low-force. Care can help relieve lower back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica, and some studies even suggest it can reduce labor time and help with optimal fetal positioning for birth.
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it places enormous physical demands on your body, particularly your spine and pelvis. As your baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts, your posture changes, and the hormone relaxin loosens your ligaments to prepare for birth. This can all contribute to lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, round ligament discomfort, and sciatica. Chiropractic care offers a safe, gentle, and drug‑free way to stay comfortable and support your body as it prepares for labour.
Beyond simply relieving pain, regular chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, focus on maintaining pelvic balance. When the pelvis is properly aligned, it provides the maximum amount of room for your baby to move into the optimal head‑down, face‑toward‑your‑back position (anterior presentation). This is referred to in chiropractic as the principle behind the Webster Technique, which many chiropractors like, Shara Downey, certified in prenatal care use to address pelvic misalignment and tight uterine ligaments.
A balanced pelvis and properly functioning nervous system may help:
Encourage optimal fetal positioning, potentially reducing the chance of a breech or posterior presentation
Decrease tension on the uterine supporting ligaments
Lead to a shorter, more comfortable labour and delivery
Reduce the need for interventions like forceps, vacuum extraction, or C‑section
Is it safe? Absolutely, when performed by a chiropractor trained in prenatal care. We use special pregnancy pillows and modified adjusting tables to accommodate your growing belly comfortably. Adjustments are extremely gentle—there’s no twisting, no pressure on the abdomen, and we adapt techniques to your stage of pregnancy. Many mothers report feeling immediate relief and greater ease of movement after just one visit.
Think of chiropractic care during pregnancy not just as pain relief, but as proactive support for a healthier, more natural birth experience. From managing common aches to helping your baby get into the best possible position, it’s a gentle way to nurture both you and your little one during this transformative time.
Postpartum back pain is common as your ligaments are still loose from pregnancy hormones and you’re constantly lifting and feeding a baby. We offer gentle adjustments to stabilise your pelvis and spine, combined with core and pelvic-floor-friendly exercises.
We’ll also show you correct lifting and nursing postures so you can recover comfortably without relying on painkillers.
Many new mothers in Singapore visit us within 2 to 6 weeks postpartum, once their immediate recovery is underway and they feel ready for gentle, hands-on care. In fact, some mums with uncomplicated vaginal deliveries find they can comfortably start even earlier. We’ll always tailor the timing to your unique birth experience, whether you had a natural delivery or a C‑section.
The postpartum period is a critical time for your body. Labour and delivery place significant stress on your pelvis and spine, and the pregnancy hormone relaxin can leave your ligaments loose for several weeks. This combination often leads to pelvic misalignment, nagging lower back pain, and instability in the sacroiliac joints. Postnatal chiropractic care focuses on gently realigning your pelvis and spine to help your body recover its pre‑pregnancy stability and function.
Beyond labour recovery, we also address what many mums call “mummy’s neck”: the stiffness, upper back ache, and neck strain that comes from round‑the‑clock nursing, bottle feeding, and cradling your baby. Repetitive forward‑head postures can cause chronic tension if left uncorrected, so we combine gentle adjustments with practical ergonomic advice (like better feeding positions and pillow support) to relieve your pain and prevent long‑term issues.
Our approach is always gentle, safe, and considerate of your post‑birth body. We’ll also work alongside any pelvic floor physiotherapy you may be doing, ensuring your whole musculoskeletal system heals in sync. Caring for your newborn is demanding—chiropractic care helps ensure your body is strong, aligned, and pain‑free so you can enjoy this precious time more fully.
Cost, Insurance & Clinic Info: All Your Practical Questions Answered
Ready to visit? Get all the practical details—pricing, packages, insurance claims, clinic location, and appointment hours—so you can plan your first visit with zero stress.
We understand that the best results come from ongoing, consistent care. That’s why we offer prepaid care packages that reduce the per-session cost. At your Report of Findings, we’ll discuss your recommended care plan and the available package options so you can choose what fits your budget and health goals.
Currently, chiropractic care is not claimable under MediSave or MediShield Life in Singapore, as it is classified as complementary healthcare.
However, many of our patients successfully use their personal health insurance plans. We provide detailed invoices and receipts that you can submit to insurers like AIA, Prudential, Great Eastern, and others. Check with your policy provider about “chiropractic” or “alternative therapy” coverage. We’ll help you with the paperwork.
Standard Integrated Shield Plans generally focus on hospitalization and surgery.
If your chiropractic care is part of “Pre or Post-hospitalisation” treatment for a covered injury, some plans may reimburse it. It is best to check your specific policy rider or contact your insurance agent to see if “Alternative Medicine” or “Chiropractic” is included.
Many multinational corporations and large local firms in Singapore include chiropractic care under their outpatient specialist benefits.
We frequently see patients covered by insurers like Cigna, AIA, Prudential, and AXA (HSBC Life). We recommend checking your employee benefits portal for “Chiropractic” or “Alternative Therapy” limits.
Usually, you only need an Itemised Receipt and a Doctor’s Memo/Report. During your consultation, let us know you intend to claim insurance, and our team will ensure your paperwork meets the requirements of your insurer.
This depends on your specific insurance policy. Some corporate plans require a referral from a General Practitioner (GP) first, while most Personal Accident (PA) plans do not. We suggest checking your policy’s “Letter of Referral” requirement.
Costs vary by clinic and modalities used, you can generally expect: an initial consultation to be between S$80–S$200. At Lion City Chiropractic, an initial consultation (including history, exam, digital posture picture analysis and often your first adjustment) is priced at $99 when booked HERE.
If X-rays are clinically necessary, you might be charged an additional $80–$300. We are fully transparent with all fees before proceeding and we include X-rays (when needed) in our first visit offer.
Follow-up adjustments range between $60–$150. Many clinics, like ours, offer care packages to make ongoing sessions more affordable. We’re transparent about costs and will discuss all fees before starting care.
We’re conveniently located right at Paya Lebar MRT station. The clinic is inside Paya Lebar Square mall, directly connected to the station — no need to go outside or cross any roads.
From the Green Line (East-West Line): Take Exit A.
From the Yellow Line (Circle Line): Take Exit B.
Once you exit the gantry, simply follow the signs into Paya Lebar Square. Our chiropractic care centre is on the basement level, directly opposite the food court. You’ll find us easily. If you’re arriving by bus, you can alight at the “Paya Lebar Station” bus stop, which is right in front of the mall entrance.
We understand that balancing work, family, and health can be challenging, so we’ve structured our hours to fit your schedule.
We offer evening appointments on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday until 7:30 PM, allowing you to visit after work. For those who prefer weekends, we’re also open on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. You can find our full weekly schedule on our Contact Us page.
If you prefer to speak with us directly, you can WhatsApp us to book a slot that works best for you.