Pain management is a medical discipline focused on alleviating or reducing pain and suffering through an interdisciplinary approach. It includes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of physical, psychological, emotional, and social aspects of pain. Treatment may involve medications such as opioid analgesics (painkillers), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or antidepressants; physical therapy; relaxation techniques; biofeedback; nerve blocks; acupuncture; spinal cord stimulation (SCS); and surgery. The goal of pain management is to help individuals gain control over their symptoms so that they can return to a normal lifestyle with an improved quality of life.

5 Steps to Manage Moderate to Severe Pain After Surgery

Follow your doctor’s instructions

Your doctor will likely prescribe medications to manage your pain after surgery. Depending on the type of procedure you had, they may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen or a prescription opioid medication like codeine or oxycodone. They may also suggest other treatments like relaxing baths and cold compresses.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking these medications—take them exactly as prescribed and never take more than what is recommended. If you are feeling severe pain even with the prescribed doses, contact your doctor immediately so that they can adjust your treatment plan if necessary. Your doctor should also be able to provide non-medication options for managing the pain, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, relaxation techniques and biofeedback.

In addition to taking medications and other treatments, it’s important to take care of your body after surgery—get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, eat healthy foods and avoid activities that may worsen the pain. If you have any questions or concerns about managing your post-surgery pain, make sure to ask your doctor for more advice.

Take prescribed pain medication as directed

It is important to take your prescribed pain medications as directed by your doctor. Depending on the type and severity of surgery, you may be given opioids (narcotics), non-opioids or a combination of both. It is important to follow the recommended dosing instructions provided by your doctor. Make sure you take the medication at regular intervals in order to keep your pain levels manageable throughout your recovery. Do not take more than what was prescribed or increase the dosage without consulting with your healthcare provider first. Finally, make sure you understand how long it will be safe for you to use this medication before discontinuing it completely.

  • Follow the instructions provided on your prescription label
  • Take the medication with food or a snack to reduce stomach irritation
  • Check with your doctor if you have questions about what type of pain reliever is best for you
  • Never combine medications without consulting with your healthcare provider first as it can be dangerous and cause serious drug interactions
  • Make sure to take time off from work and rest when needed, especially during the healing process.

Use over-the-counter (OTC) remedies

OTC remedies can be used to help manage severe pain after surgery. Common OTC medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are effective at reducing inflammation and providing relief from post-surgery pain. Topical creams, gels, and ointments may also provide some relief when applied directly to the affected area of the body. Additionally, hot or cold packs can be used to reduce swelling around the incision site, which in turn helps alleviate discomfort.

It is important to note that OTC medications should only be used as directed and never in excess of the recommended dosage. Additionally, certain types of medication may interact with other drugs or interfere with healing. If pain persists after using OTC medications, patients should consult their doctor for further treatment options.

Try complementary therapies

Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage therapy and aromatherapy, are becoming increasingly popular for managing pain after surgery. These treatments can help reduce inflammation and relax muscles that may have been affected by the trauma of your operation. Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and balance in order to reduce pain. Massage therapy helps to relieve muscle tension, which can cause or worsen post-operative pain. 

Aromatherapy uses essential oils that contain analgesic properties to provide relief from soreness. Practitioners of these therapies will work with you closely to develop a plan tailored specifically for your needs so that you can achieve the best possible results with minimal discomfort.

Other complementary therapies used to relieve post-operative pain include yoga, meditation and visualization. Yoga helps to stretch and strengthen the body while improving flexibility and range of motion. Meditation can help focus your attention on healing by calming your mind and reducing stress levels. Visualization techniques involve picturing yourself in a relaxed environment, which can provide relief from pain as well as promote relaxation.

Talk about concerns regarding persistent symptoms

Persistent symptoms from managing severe pain after surgery can be a concerning issue. The most common persistent symptom is chronic pain, which may continue even after the surgery has been completed. Other persistent symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, muscle weakness or tightness, as well as difficulty sleeping and concentrating. It is important to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms persist beyond two weeks following the surgery in order to rule out other causes such as infection or nerve damage.

It is also important to discuss potential treatment options with one’s doctor when dealing with persistent pain after surgery, including medications such as NSAIDs or opioids, physical therapy exercises and relaxation techniques like massage and yoga. Additionally, alternative treatments like acupuncture or biofeedback can also be beneficial in reducing chronic pain levels. Finally, it is important to follow-up with your doctor regularly in order to monitor progress towards restoring normal functioning and quality of life post-surgery.

Can Marijuana Help You Manage Chronic Pain After Surgery?

Yes, marijuana can help with managing severe pain after surgery. Studies have shown that medical marijuana has the potential to reduce inflammation and pain. It works by targeting certain receptors in the brain and nervous system, which helps block nerve signals associated with pain. Additionally, research suggests that cannabis may also act on dopamine levels in the brain, leading to a decrease in the overall sensation of pain and discomfort. Finally, many studies have demonstrated that cannabis can be effective at reducing nausea associated with post-surgical recovery as well as helping patients cope with stress related to their surgeries.

When looking for marijuana seeds for sale to use in the treatment of pain after surgery, it is important to research which types of cannabis are best suited for that purpose. Generally speaking, strains high in CBD (cannabidiol) tend to be more effective at relieving pain than those that are higher in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Additionally, autoflowering and feminized seeds may be easier for beginners, as they produce buds with less effort. Be sure to buy from reputable seed banks like United Seeds that offer high-quality seeds and read reviews from other customers before making your purchase.

Categories: Health

Nicolas Desjardins

Hello everyone, I am the main writer for SIND Canada. I've been writing articles for more than 12 years and I like sharing my knowledge. I'm currently writing for many websites and newspapers. I always keep myself very informed to give you the best information. All my years as a computer scientist made me become an incredible researcher. You can contact me on our forum or by email at [email protected].