Scoliosis Post-Surgery Pain

Scoliosis is marked by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. Severe curvature unmitigated by conservative treatments often requires surgical intervention. You might experience pain during recovery but you can do several things to manage it.

Medication Pump

• For two to three days post-surgery, you will likely receive a pump that releases pain medication at the push of a button, according to Dr. Baron S. Lonner, writing for Spineuniverse.com. You do not need to worry about asking the nurses or doctors for pain medication.

Medication

• Once you go off the pain pump, you can start prescription oral pain medications and doctors will send you home with a prescription. You typically leave the hospital about a week after your operation, according to Scoliosis Associates, a New York-based medical group.

Duration of Medication

• According to Lonner, as an adult you might require pain medication in gradually lower doses for weeks or even months after scoliosis surgery. Children typically stop needing medication after two weeks.

Pain Medication to Avoid

• Do not use NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications) like aspirin, naproxen sodium or ibuprofen for pain relief—they interfere with bone healing, according to Scoliosis Associates.

Activity

• You can reduce and prevent scoliosis pain by restricting activity as directed by your doctor. This includes refraining from physical activity for at least three months, according to the Mayo Clinic—walking is okay. You should avoid frequent rides in the car and mass transit for at least six weeks. Bending, stretching and sleeping on your stomach might cause pain.