Managing Shoulder Pain Insights from Dr. Vivek Bansal in Chandigarh

Shoulder pain is a common issue that can affect individuals of all ages, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. Dr. Vivek Bansal, a renowned orthopedic surgeon in Chandigarh, sheds light on the causes, treatment options, and preventive measures for shoulder pain.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

Dr. Bansal explains that shoulder pain can arise from various conditions, including:

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tears or inflammation in the rotator cuff tendons can cause significant pain and limit shoulder movement.
2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition characterized by stiffness and restricted range of motion, often developing gradually.
3. Shoulder Impingement: This occurs when the shoulder blade exerts excessive pressure on the underlying soft tissues during arm movements.
4. Arthritis: Inflammation of the shoulder joint, which can lead to pain and stiffness.
5. Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction in the shoulder joint.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Bansal emphasizes the importance of a thorough diagnosis to determine the underlying cause of shoulder pain. This typically involves a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans.

Treatment options vary depending on the diagnosis:

• Conservative Management: This may include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Arthroscopic surgery can be used to repair rotator cuff tears, remove bone spurs, or release tight shoulder capsules.
• Surgical Interventions: In cases of severe arthritis or irreparable rotator cuff tears, shoulder replacement surgery may be considered.

Preventive Measures

Dr. Bansal highlights several strategies to prevent shoulder pain:

1. Proper Posture: Maintaining good posture can reduce strain on the shoulder muscles and joints.
2. Strengthening Exercises: Engaging in regular exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles can help prevent injuries.
3. Avoiding Overuse: Taking breaks and avoiding repetitive overhead activities can reduce the risk of shoulder impingement and bursitis.
4. Warm-Up and Stretching: Proper warm-up and stretching before physical activities can help prevent muscle strains and injuries.