February 14, 2013
Lady Gaga’s joint issues bring pain management to light, one expert talks options
Millions of people live with chronic pain, which can affect a particular body part like the hip, back, or neck, or be experienced as general all-over body pain.
Whatever part of you hurts, you just want the pain to cease.
Because pain symptoms vary from person to person, the right pain treatment must be tailored to the individual. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for pain management.
In the news, pop star Lady Gaga has called off shows this week in Chicago, Auburn Hills, Mich., and Hamilton, Canada, because of chronic joint pain the singer said she has been concealing from her fans and inner circle.
“I’ve been hiding a show injury and chronic pain for sometime now, over the past month it has worsened,’ Gaga tweeted on Tuesday. “I’ve been praying it would heal. I hid it from my staff, I didn’t want to disappoint my amazing fans. However after last night’s performance I could not walk and still can’t.
“To the fans in Chicago, Detroit & Hamilton, I hope you can forgive me, as it is nearly impossible for me to forgive myself. I’m devastated & sad. It will hopefully heal as soon as possible, I hate this. I hate this so much. I love you and I’m sorry.”
Lady Gaga has a hip labrum tear and synovitis, or severe inflammation of joints, and she is postponing the shows under her doctor’s orders.
Live Nation Global Touring has confirmed that the remainder of the Lady Gaga Born This Way Ball performances have been cancelled. After additional tests this morning to review the severity of the issue, it has been determined that Lady Gaga has a labral tear of the right hip caused by strenuous repetitive movements in her performances. She will need surgery to repair the problem, followed by strict down time to recover. This unfortunately, will force her to cancel the tour, so she can heal. Refunds for the cancelled performances will be available at point of purchase starting Feb 14, 2013.
Pain Specialist Dr. Akash Bajaj is a double board certified anesthesiologist and President of Remedy Pain Solutions, Inc in Los Angeles. He earned his M.D. and a Master’s degree in Public Health (M.P.H.) from the New York Medical College. He then served a residency in Anesthesiology at UCLA Medical Center.
Choosing then to sub-specialize in pain medicine, he completed an Interventional Pain Medicine Fellowship at the prestigious University of California San Francisco, selected as one of only five fellows, graduating in 2006.
His lectures have been heard nationally on CBS Radio, as well as UCLA, and UCSF. Dr. Bajaj uses interventional therapies, medication therapies and Prolotherapy along with PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma that are contain bioactive proteins) to combat pain. He spoke with Monsters and Critics about Lady Gaga’s health issues.
“Lady Gaga appears to be struggling with chronic pain, and synovitis. Synovitis is an inflammatory state of the joints. Depending on which joint(s) are affected, this can result in limited mobility, limited weight bearing activity, as well as fatigue and pain,” says Dr. Bajaj. “It appears she has been dealing with this for quite some time, and given her active show performances, it is not that unusual. The best way for the average person to help mitigate pain and limitations associated with synovitis is rest and ice – a great natural anti-inflammatory. Sometimes, if rest and ice don’t do the trick, then an anti-inflammatory injection in the joint may help.”
