Post-surgical pain is common but management is important. The purpose of postoperative pain control is to ensure patients smoothly return to day-to-day activities besides relieving the pain. It's a vital part of recovery following surgery. Regain your comfort, mobility, and quality of life better by being aware of the several ways and how they work. This guide shares information about safe and effective pain management with medications, procedures, alternative solutions, and lifestyle changes.
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Pain management after surgery speeds up the healing process by allowing patients to move and engage in physical therapy.
Because pain can limit movement, problems like blood clots, infections, or pneumonia are more likely to occur. When pain is managed, patients may move without experiencing any discomfort.
Sleep issues, mood changes, irritations, and anxiety can result from chronic or ongoing pain after surgery. When pain is well managed with post-operative pain control, mental health improves.
Proper pain control prevents the risk of chronic pain related to surgery that can affect the quality of life.
| Type of Medication | Examples | Usage | Advantage/Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications | Ibuprofen (Advil), Acetaminophen (Tylenol) | For mild to moderate pain in the days following surgery | Reduces symptoms like pain or movement issues, with fewer side effects than stronger medications. |
| Prescription Painkillers | Morphine, Oxycodone, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Tramadol | For severe pain immediately after surgery | Short-term use recommended to minimize dependency risks. |
| Anti-Inflammatory Medications | Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Celecoxib, Naproxen | Reduces inflammation and swelling, often used alongside other pain relief options | Helps control inflammation, useful for severe pain management. |
| Local Anesthetics | - | Focused pain relief for specific regions (e.g., laparoscopic or hernia procedures) | Provides localized relief during specific surgical procedures. |
Purpose: Physical therapy enhances general bodily functions, including flexibility, strength, and mobility. It treats issues like stiffness and provides joint flexibility and muscular strength.
Techniques Used:
Example: Mild breathing, mild yoga, and light walking exercises may be advised following laparoscopic surgery to reduce pain and prevent blood clots depending on what suits a person the most.
Deep breathing, gentle yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided meditation can help heal the sense of pain, reduce stress, and improve energy.
This is an effective ancient therapy that stimulates nerves and reduces pain naturally, minimizing opioid use and treating postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Massage therapy might be effective after surgery as it relieves pain by boosting blood flow, reducing muscular stiffness, and producing endorphins - natural painkillers.
TENS is a safe, easy-to-use, and non-invasive way to manage pain during the postoperative phase. It provides electrical impulses to block pain signals from reaching your brain.
MBBS, MS General Surgery
Treatments Offered: Oncological Surgery,General Surgery,Laparoscopic SurgeryThe body heals more quickly and with a lower risk of inflammation when you eat a diet high in nutrients and drink enough water during the post-operative phase.
Example: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like walnuts, salmon, flaxseeds, and flaxseed oils have anti-inflammatory properties.
Proper sleep after a surgical procedure is invaluable and essential for tissue repair. Avoid activities that can put undue stress on the surgery site and provide a supportive sleeping environment.
Tip: Use extra pillows for elevation to minimize swelling as advised by your surgeon or healthcare provider.
Avoid bed rest for too long; mild physical exercise, like walking, improves blood circulation in joints and the overall body and reduces the risk of problems like blood clots or stiffness.
Example: After hernia surgery, surgeons may advise patients to take short walks a few times a day with proper rest.
Pain control is an important part of the post-surgical recovery process, but your surgeon may need to provide extra direction to ensure your safety and comfort. Here are some critical circumstances when you should call your surgeon.
If your pain persists after following the recommended pain management plan or gets worse over time, there may be a problem that needs to be addressed right now.
Watch for signs and symptoms like redness, swelling, itching, warmth, or discharge around the surgical site, fever, chills, or a foul odor. These may pinpoint an infection or problem that needs fast medical care.
You can prevent stress from the surgery site and ensure an optimal recovery by speaking with your general surgeon if you're unsure of when or how to begin everyday activities or physical workouts, or have trouble doing even mild workouts.
If you have constipation, nausea, poor appetite, or dizziness as a result of painkillers or post-operative medications, speak with your surgeon. To soothe your discomfort, they may suggest different therapies or change your dose.
Inform your surgeon immediately if you notice or experience:
Your surgeon might recommend further help, such as counseling or stress-management care, if uncontrolled pain is negatively impacting your mental health, such as anxiety, low mood, agitation, or insomnia.
Our surgeon, Dr. Vishant Deo , is here to help you throughout your recovery. A better outcome and healing come from follow-up check-ups, following medical advice, and lifestyle management. These all ensure that any possible issues are handled early on. Feel free to contact our general surgeon in Siliguri and ask questions regarding your recovery plan after surgery, and always consider your doctor's instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does post-surgical pain last?
Pain length varies according to the procedure. Thus, there’s no single answer for every type of surgical pain duration. Minor treatments may cause discomfort for a few days like a week or two weeks, but larger surgeries might take one month or more to fully recover.
Q. What can I do to reduce dependency on pain medications?
Follow your surgeon's post-surgical instructions closely and take drugs exactly as advised (time, use, and dosage), mix them with physical therapy and other treatments, and consider them under physician supervision.
Q.Are opioids the only effective pain relief option?
No, there are several excellent pain meds, including NSAIDs, local anaesthetics, and non-medication techniques (physical therapy, or acupuncture) to relieve post-surgical pain.
Q. Is physical therapy painful after surgery?
Physical therapy is to serve comfort. However, it may cause some discomfort as you regain strength. Your therapist will adjust the exercises to your degree of comfort and optimal recovery.
Q. When should I contact my doctor about post-surgery pain?
If you have moderate to intense pain, redness, or swelling at the surgery site, fever, chills, trouble breathing palpitation, or any usual symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, call your doctor right away.
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