Dr Jacob Oh Yoong Leong is a Senior Consultant and Head of the Spine Service in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at NUS. A Singapore-trained orthopaedic surgeon with international fellowship training in complex spine surgery, his practice focuses on spinal decompression, fusions, spinal tumours, degenerative conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine, and spinal injuries. He has served on the executive committee of the Singapore Spine Society.
Clinical focus
Spine surgery (complex & degenerative spine).
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBChB (Otago), MRCS, MMed (Ortho) (NUS), FRCSEd (Ortho).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital — Novena (Tan Tock Seng Hospital)
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Getting to the clinic
Dr Jacob Oh Yoong Leong practises in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) in the Novena precinct. The nearest station is Novena MRT (NS20) on the North–South Line, a short, mostly sheltered walk from the hospital. Taxi and ride-hailing drop-off is available at the hospital entrance, which is often easier for those with significant back or neck pain.
- By MRT: alight at Novena (NS20) and follow the signs and walkways to TTSH.
- By bus: several services stop along Moulmein Road and Thomson Road near the hospital; check the nearest stop for your route.
- By car or taxi: taxi and ride-hailing drop-off is available, and TTSH has visitor carparks, which can be busy at peak clinic times.
If movement is painful, allow extra time to get from the station or carpark to the clinic, and arrive early for registration, particularly for a first appointment.
What spine surgery covers
Dr Oh is Head of the Spine Service and sub-specialises in complex and degenerative spine surgery. His practice covers spinal decompression and fusion, spinal tumours, degenerative conditions of the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) spine, and spinal injuries. Degenerative spine conditions develop as the discs and joints of the spine change with age, and can cause back or neck pain, sciatica (leg pain from a pinched nerve), or symptoms from narrowing of the spinal canal.
Decompression surgery relieves pressure on the nerves or spinal cord, while fusion stabilises segments of the spine where movement is causing pain or instability. Spinal tumours and injuries are more complex problems that may need urgent or specialised surgery. Importantly, many spinal conditions improve with non-surgical care — physiotherapy, exercise, medication and injections — and surgery is usually reserved for cases with persistent symptoms, nerve compression, instability or specific structural problems. The aim is to relieve pain, protect nerve function and restore stability.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit covers your symptoms — back or neck pain, leg or arm pain, numbness, weakness, or problems with walking or balance — how they began and how they affect daily life. The doctor reviews your medical history and examines your spine, posture, movement, reflexes, strength and sensation.
Imaging is central to spinal assessment: X-rays show alignment, while MRI or CT scans reveal the discs, nerves and spinal canal in detail. The doctor then explains the diagnosis and discusses options, from non-surgical management to surgery, including what a procedure such as decompression or fusion would involve and the expected recovery.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
- Previous records, operation notes and copies of relevant X-rays, MRI or CT scans.
- A current list of medications and supplements, including any pain medication.
- A symptom diary noting when pain or numbness occurs, what eases or worsens it, and any changes in walking, balance, bladder or bowel function.
- A written list of questions and the activities most affected.
Wearing comfortable clothing that allows examination of the back and limbs makes the visit easier.
After your consultation and follow-up
You will usually leave with a clear plan: physiotherapy, medication, an injection, further imaging, or arrangements for surgery. Spinal recovery often involves a structured rehabilitation programme, and surgical cases have scheduled reviews to confirm healing and guide a gradual return to activity. Reports and imaging can be provided for your records or referring doctor.
Keeping to follow-up appointments helps confirm progress and catch any issue early. You may seek a second opinion before major spinal surgery, which is reasonable given the significance of these decisions. Seek urgent attention for severe or worsening weakness, numbness in the saddle area, or loss of bladder or bowel control, as these can signal serious nerve compression needing emergency assessment.
Booking, referrals and fees
TTSH is a public hospital, so a GP or polyclinic referral is commonly used and can support subsidised rates for eligible patients. For eligible surgical procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply within set limits, while routine consultations are usually paid out of pocket, subject to subsidy eligibility. Confirm fees, subsidy status and insurance arrangements with the hospital before proceeding.
Common questions
Does back or neck pain usually need surgery?
No. Most spinal pain improves with non-surgical care such as physiotherapy, exercise and medication. Surgery is usually reserved for persistent symptoms, nerve compression, instability or specific structural problems.
What is the difference between decompression and fusion?
Decompression relieves pressure on the nerves or spinal cord, while fusion stabilises segments of the spine. Some operations combine both, and the surgeon will explain what is appropriate for you.
When is back pain an emergency?
Seek urgent care for severe or worsening leg weakness, numbness in the saddle area, or loss of bladder or bowel control, as these can indicate serious nerve compression.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
A GP or polyclinic referral is commonly used at a public hospital and can help with subsidies. Bring any previous spine imaging and records with you.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of orthopaedic surgeons in Singapore and our shortlist of orthopaedic clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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