28 May Chronic Pain Due to Nerve Damage Following Surgery (or Trauma)
It’s important to know what treatments will be available to you following a surgery. More than likely you’re going to experience chronic pain afterwards, and you will need to know how to deal with it appropriately. It is best to know what to expect prior to your surgical operation. It also helps to know the feelings that you’re likely to have within your body following surgery such as pain and what you can do about it if it occurs chronically.
Breast pain after breast surgery
There are different types of pain associated with breast surgery. One type is pain and numbness because the breast implant is stretching the skin. The feeling is likened to a very strong pinch that subsides after a couple of days once the skin has stretched. The second type is the normal pain associated with breast augmentation. Many women who undergo breast reconstruction surgery experience a great tightness in the chest area. The syndrome called upper quarter dysfunction has symptoms of pain, restricted area of movement, and impaired sensation.
Knee pain after knee replacement or arthroscopic surgeries
Pain typically occurs in the knee after a replacement or arthroscopic surgery. After your knee surgery is complete, the surgeon may provide novocaine to help with the initial pain. This medication may be administered orally or through an IV. Some surgeons use morphine or oxycodone for this purpose. You may take pain medication for several weeks after the surgery, as many patients find the need to. You may also consider taking NSAIDs or Ibuprofen.
For more extreme pain a doctor may prescribe something stronger such as Tramadol if they find it necessary. Over the counter medications will help alleviate pain temporarily and reduce inflammation. To help relieve knee pain you may want to see a physical therapist for a medical massage. The therapist will also suggest exercises you can perform to reduce inflammation in the knee. The pain should subside after several weeks and you can discontinue use of the medication.
Groin pain after inguinal hernia, hysterectomy or C-section surgery
It is estimated that between 10%-15% of repaired hernias have pain that persists beyond the first few days following a surgery. Although in some patients the pain persists for a year or more. If there is a severe chronic pain after a hernia surgery it is likely because of ischemia or neuropathy. Fibrous bands of scar tissue called adhesions can cause pain after a hysterectomy.
While some additions do not cause problems other types inhibit your organs from moving freely as they should. These adhesions also are responsible for severe pain when turning, bending, or doing any motion that pulls at the adhesion. Regarding pain following a C-section, most women experience some type of continual pain from the nerves that line the belly wall.
The three nerves in the belly that cause burning or shock-like pain are the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral nerves. The pain derives from the edges of the c-section scar. In some cases the area can become so sensitive that light touch hurts, so the individual is uncomfortable in clothes, wearing a seatbelt, or even touching the area lightly.
Upper or lower extremity pain after ortho or other surgeries
Many people do experience some level of pain after they have undergone orthopedic surgery. Medical staff will make a great effort to control any pain that the patient is feeling. Typically medication is used to help control chronic pain, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local anesthetics, and opioids. Anaesthesia can be directly applied to the arm or the leg to help suppress chronic pain. This is called a peripheral nerve block and is used to subdue pain for 1 to 3 days.
A nerve block may be utilized by your doctor because any pain you feel will be made less severe. Pain medication may be prescribed to handle the pain after the nerve block has worn off. Some doctors recommend that you handle post-operative surgical pain with a combination of short-acting and long-acting pain medication. If you have had an issue with a pain medication in your history, you should definitely let your doctor know.
There are many types of pain that occur after surgery, there is usually medication available in addition to alternative treatments to help get you out of chronic pain. It is not uncommon to experience chronic pain after you have had surgery. Your situation is unique and you should definitely consult with your doctor to make sure that you’re getting the best treatment possible for your pain. If the pain is present for more than 3-6 months despite medical care, surgical evaluation to address potentially damaged nerve responsible for your chronic pain is also suggested.
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