Undergoing surgery can be a life-changing experience, whether it’s for an injury, chronic condition, or elective procedure. While the goal of surgery is to improve your health or alleviate symptoms, the post-surgery recovery period often comes with a unique set of challenges—chief among them, managing pain. Understanding how to effectively manage pain after surgery is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery, minimize discomfort, and prevent complications.
In this post, we’ll discuss key strategies for post-surgery pain management, with insights from Dr. Jordan Sudberg, CEO and founder of Spine and Sport Rehabilitation in Islandia, New York, who specializes in pain management and rehabilitation. Dr. Sudberg’s approach combines modern medical treatments with personalized care to help patients recover quickly and safely.
Why Post-Surgery Pain Occurs
After any surgical procedure, the body goes through a natural healing process. Pain is a common part of this process as tissues and muscles are repaired, and incisions or surgical sites heal. The intensity and duration of pain can vary based on the type of surgery, your individual pain tolerance, and your overall health.
The most common causes of post-surgery pain include:
- Inflammation: Inflammation at the surgical site is a natural response to the trauma of surgery. This can lead to swelling and discomfort.
- Tissue Healing: As tissues and muscles repair themselves, they can cause sensations of aching or soreness.
- Nerve Sensitivity: During surgery, nerves may be irritated or compressed, leading to pain or numbness after the procedure.
- Scarring: Scar tissue can form around the surgical area, causing tightness, discomfort, or even pain as it heals.
Dr. Jordan Sudberg’s Approach to Post-Surgery Pain Management
Dr. Jordan Sudberg, an expert in pain management, emphasizes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to managing post-surgery pain. He notes that effective pain relief goes beyond simply addressing symptoms—it’s about treating the whole person and supporting their recovery through a combination of methods.
1. Effective Use of Medications
For many patients, prescription pain medication is an important component of post-surgery pain management. Dr. Sudberg advises that opioids—which are commonly prescribed for post-surgical pain—should be used cautiously and only for the shortest duration possible, due to the risks of dependency and side effects.
“Opioid medications can be highly effective for acute pain right after surgery,” says Dr. Sudberg. “But it’s important to taper off these medications as soon as possible to avoid potential complications like addiction or tolerance.”
Other types of medications that may be used in post-surgery pain management include:
- NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): These medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, help reduce inflammation and provide mild pain relief.
- Acetaminophen: A non-prescription option that can help reduce pain without the risk of gastrointestinal side effects that are sometimes associated with NSAIDs.
- Antidepressants or Anticonvulsants: These are sometimes prescribed for nerve pain (neuropathy) that may develop after surgery, especially in procedures that involve nerve manipulation.
2. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Dr. Sudberg strongly recommends physical therapy (PT) as part of any post-surgery recovery plan. Physical therapy helps restore movement, strength, and flexibility, reducing the likelihood of complications like stiffness or muscle atrophy. It also plays a crucial role in pain management.
“Physical therapy is essential not just for rehabilitation, but for pain management as well. It helps increase blood flow, promote healing, and reduce muscle tension, all of which help alleviate pain,” explains Dr. Sudberg.
PT for post-surgery patients typically starts with gentle exercises designed to improve range of motion and gradually progresses to more strengthening exercises. Some patients also benefit from chiropractic care to help with spinal alignment and improve posture as they recover.
3. Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture and Massage
In addition to traditional pain management methods, Dr. Sudberg advocates for complementary therapies that can offer significant relief and speed up recovery. One of the most commonly used alternative therapies is acupuncture.
“Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body, which can help release endorphins and reduce pain,” says Dr. Sudberg. “For post-surgery patients, acupuncture can help ease inflammation, promote circulation, and speed up the healing process.”
Similarly, massage therapy can be highly beneficial after surgery. Therapeutic massage helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce scar tissue formation, which in turn helps to minimize pain.
4. Preventing Long-Term Pain: Addressing the Root Causes
For many patients, post-surgery pain can be long-lasting if not properly addressed. Dr. Sudberg emphasizes that one of the most important parts of pain management is identifying and addressing the root causes of pain, such as muscle imbalances, poor posture, or inadequate movement patterns. Post-surgery rehabilitation focuses not just on healing the surgical site, but also on preventing long-term pain and recurrence of injury.
“Patients often experience chronic pain after surgery because they return to old movement patterns or don’t address the underlying issues that caused their pain in the first place,” says Dr. Sudberg. “Rehabilitation is about making lasting changes to prevent future pain.”
5. Psychological Support and Stress Management
Pain isn’t just physical—it’s also emotional. Chronic pain, or even temporary post-surgery pain, can be psychologically taxing. Dr. Sudberg emphasizes the importance of mental health in the recovery process.
“Pain is not just something you feel in your body—it can affect your emotions and mindset as well,” Dr. Sudberg says. “Incorporating stress management techniques like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and even counseling can significantly reduce the emotional burden of pain.”
6. Gradual Return to Activity
While rest is crucial in the early stages of recovery, Dr. Sudberg advises against prolonged inactivity. Too much rest can lead to muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and even worsening pain in the long term. Instead, he encourages patients to gradually return to their normal activities as they heal, under the guidance of their healthcare provider.
“Starting physical activity early on, in a controlled and progressive manner, can prevent complications and improve pain levels over time,” he explains.
Conclusion
Post-surgery pain management is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning and personalized care. Whether through medication, physical therapy, alternative treatments, or mental health support, managing pain effectively is key to achieving a successful recovery.
Dr. Jordan Sudberg’s holistic, patient-centered approach to pain management focuses on addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery. By utilizing a combination of therapies, from medication to rehabilitation and complementary treatments, patients can optimize their recovery process, reduce pain, and regain their quality of life.
If you’re recovering from surgery, it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to create a tailored pain management plan. With the right strategies in place, you can navigate the challenges of post-surgery recovery and look forward to returning to your normal activities with less pain and greater comfort.