Dr. Mathew Tung (Spine Specialist)

Why consult a Spine Specialist?

A spine specialist is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the spine. The spine, also known as the vertebral column or backbone, is a crucial part of the human body that consists of a series of bones (vertebrae) that protect the spinal cord and provide support for the body. A Spine specialist has specialized training and expertise in addressing a wide range of spinal conditions, including:

Spinal disorders: Diagnosing and treating various spinal conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis.
Spinal injuries: Spine specialist is trained to manage traumatic spinal injuries resulting from accidents or falls.
Chronic back and neck pain: This involves looking at and treating long-lasting pain in the back and neck. This pain can come from many causes, like degenerative disc disease and arthritis.

MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Surgical Neurology UK), FAMS

Dr. Mathew Tung Yu Yee specializes in treating disorders of the brain and spine with particular focus on back pain and neck pain, nerve pain and headaches. As a back pain specialist doctor, he believes in prioritizing non-invasive treatment options before considering open surgery, aiming to minimize morbidity and promote a swift return to optimal function. Dr. Mathew Tung has been practicing medicine since 1984 and specializing in neurology since 1991.

In managing spinal disorders as a backbone specialist, Dr. Tung emphasizes motion preservation and prefers reversible treatments over fusion whenever possible. In the last 33 years he has performed operations using non-invasive techniques such as:

stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for brain tumors
minimally invasive techniques with endoscope-assisted method to access the pituitary adenoma
treat hydrocephalus and ventricular tumors
spinal laminectomy for spinal tumors
facet joint injections
cervical and lumbar disc replacements
spinal decompression and fusion
endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for sweaty palms

If surgery is necessary, Dr. Tung is skilled in performing Matrix Tube Spine Surgery, also known as Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. This surgical technique offers numerous advantages, including reduced pain, minimal scarring, faster recovery times, and a lower risk of chronic pain.

As a renowned specialist in spinal surgery, Dr. Tung utilizes the latest advancements in endoscopic and minimally invasive “keyhole” microsurgery techniques. These cutting-edge methods allow him to perform procedures such as cervical and lumbar foraminotomy, denervation, discectomy, and lumbar fusion (TLIF), with the majority of patients experiencing faster recovery times and improved outcomes. In certain cases, cervical and lumbar disc replacements may also be required.

In treating spinal pain, such as that caused by stenosis, herniated discs, and facet inflammation, Dr. Tung works in partnership with radiologists to offer advanced CT-guided nerve interventions. These may include radiofrequency nerve ablation, diskoplasty, and facet or nerve root blocks.

Dr. Mathew Tung received his neurosurgery training at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, and Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Mathew Tung has lectured and presented at various institutions in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China, sharing his expertise in neurosurgery.

On August 12, 2020, he was invited by MoneyFM893 to provide professional advice on dizziness and health. Dr. Tung is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and experience to promote well-being within the community.