Post-Surgery Pain
Recovering from surgery isn’t always a straight path. While some pain is a natural part of healing, post-surgery pain that lingers or becomes severe can be frustrating and concerning. At Procura Pain & Spine, we understand how this type of pain can affect your recovery and your ability to return to your everyday life.
Our team takes a compassionate, personalized approach to managing post-surgery pain. Whether it’s recent discomfort that isn’t improving or chronic pain that has lasted long after your surgery is over, we’ll work with you to understand your symptoms, identify the cause, and develop a treatment plan that will help you feel like yourself again.
Signs and Symptoms of Post-Surgery Pain
Here are some of the most common signs of post-surgery pain:
- Pain at or near the surgical site.
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the area.
- Muscle stiffness or weakness near the surgical site.
- Sharp, shooting, or stabbing pain.
- Pain that travels to other parts of the body.
- Ongoing aching or soreness that doesn’t improve over time.
In some cases, post-surgery pain may also include nerve-related symptoms, like tingling, numbness, or sensitivity to touch. If your pain worsens over time or you develop a fever, it’s essential to get immediate medical care.
Who’s Most at Risk?
- Surgical Complexity. More invasive procedures or surgeries involving large areas of the body are more likely to cause lasting pain.
- Nerve Involvement. Surgeries that involve cutting or manipulating the nerves may lead to lingering nerve pain during recovery.
- Preexisting Conditions. Conditions like arthritis, chronic pain disorders, or nerve damage can make recovery more difficult.
- Infection or Complications. Post-surgery infections or complications can lead to increased pain and longer healing times.
- Lifestyle Factors. People who smoke, don’t eat nutritious meals, or who aren’t very mobile after surgery may experience a slower healing process.
Your Treatment Options for Post-Surgery Pain
- Lifestyle Adjustments & Supportive Techniques. Simple adjustments to your daily routine can help you better manage your post-surgery pain. We may recommend avoiding movements that strain the surgical site, light activity, or heat and cold therapy for muscle relaxation.
- Medications. Medications can play an important role in managing post-surgery pain, especially in the early stages of recovery. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil or Ibuprofen may be enough for mild discomfort, while prescription medications can help address more severe pain.
- Nerve Blocks & Steroid Injections. Targeted injections like nerve blocks can provide a lot of relief for post-surgery pain. Nerve blocks interrupt the pain signals sent from the surgical site to the brain. This provides immediate pain relief. Steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, reducing swelling and discomfort.
- Physical Therapy. Physical therapy can be an essential part of recovery for many patients with post-surgery pain. A customized physical therapy program can help you build your strength, flexibility, and range of motion while reducing your pain. Techniques may include guided exercises, stretching, and posture training to support healing while preventing further discomfort.
- Regenerative Medicine. Regenerative medicine focuses on boosting the body’s natural healing processes to repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation. Depending on your unique situation, we may recommend platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or stem cell therapy to enhance healing at the surgical site and address any lingering pain. These advanced treatments can be very helpful for patients that are experiencing a slow recovery or those who are dealing with chronic post-surgery pain.
Common Questions about Post-Surgery Pain
Some discomfort is normal as your body continues to heal, but pain that persists or worsens several weeks after surgery may indicate a deeper issue.
The normal duration of post-surgery pain varies depending on the type of surgery, your overall health, and how well the area is healing. Most patients should recover fully within weeks.
Following your post-operative care instructions is essential for a smooth recovery. Staying active within your surgeon’s guidelines, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding habits like smoking can all help your body heal more effectively so you can avoid long-term post-surgical pain.
Nerve-related pain often requires specific treatments, such as nerve blocks, medications, or physical therapy. At Procura Pain & Spine, we’ll evaluate your symptoms and recommend the best options to address your nerve pain.
Take the Next Step Toward Pain-Free Recovery
Post-surgery pain doesn’t have to define your recovery journey. At Procura Pain & Spine, we’re here to help you find the best possible solutions so you can heal comfortably and confidently. Whether your pain is recent or ongoing, we’ll work with you to create a plan that will help you get back on your feet and back to your everyday life. Call us today at 936-758-7169 or schedule an appointment online to start your path to pain relief.
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