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Pain Management Techniques for Back Pain After Surgery

Recovering from back surgery can be a painful ordeal for some patients. Depending on the type of surgery and the success of the procedure performed, the duration and intensity of post-operative pain may vary from mild short-term discomfort to serious pain that lingers for months or years. Medications and stretching exercises will help any recovering back surgery patient get past the pain of the operation.

  1. Scar Tissue

    • One of the most common sources of pain following back surgery is the development of scar tissue around the area where the operation was performed. If this tissue builds up and presses against the nerve root, the result is a serious pain that can spread across the back and down the legs. Medications and stretching may alleviate this pain in some cases, according to Spine-Health.com.

    Stretching

    • During the first six to 12 weeks of recovery, most of the scar tissue is being formed. Stretching during this time will keep the nerves in the back mobile as the wounds heal. This, in theory, will prevent the nerve from being bound by the scar tissue and should prevent the development of the problems that cause the back pain. Do not attempt to exercise if it is too painful to do so, and never stretch beyond the point of pain as this could inflame the nerve and worsen the problem.
      Stretches should be done a few times a day and should involve the pumping of the ankles while stretching hamstrings from a lying down position, according to Spine-Health.com. Walking is a low-impact exercise that will naturally stretch the appropriate areas.

    Ice, Heat and Comfort

    • According to InnovationMedical.com, wearing comfortable clothing and being conscious of comfortable body positioning may be a significant help with pain management following back surgery. Also, the simple use of ice and heat to relieve pain is effective.
      Use ice packs frequently during the first two days of recovery and after walking or stretching. The use of heat after surgery will increase blood flow to the heated area and can reduce pain, but should be used later on as early use could cause swelling in the area.

    Medication

    • Doctors commonly recommend over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during post-operative recovery to manage pain. More potent prescription versions may also be available based on the doctor's recommendations.
      Drugs that may provide relief in the over-the-counter category are naproxen (Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Prescription strength naproxen such as Naprosyn may also be recommended. Prescription strength acetaminophen combined with oxycodone hydrochloride (Percocet) is also commonly prescribed, according to Cure-Back-Pain.org.

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