Author: Jeffrey Higginbotham, MD
There are many unknown factors associated with postoperative nerve pain. It’s difficult to determine why some people may experience nerve pain after surgery and others don’t. For most people, when nerve pain occurs, it usually resolves on its own. For others, permanent damage may occur and cannot be recovered. In most cases, nerve pain after surgery may last from a few weeks to a few months.
Unfortunately, there are currently no effective treatments that ensure preoperative prevention of postoperative nerve pain. The solutions available are not great and doctors may not recommend anything.
However, once patients do experience nerve pain after surgery, they have some home and medical options that not only provide pain relief but also other options. But also make sure it doesn’t become chronic. For people who experience nerve pain after surgery, it is important to see a pain physician as soon as possible. The sooner a pain physician becomes involved in their care, the better for the patient. They can at least offer a treatment that takes away the pain enough so that it doesn’t get worse or last longer over time.
“Overcoming Postoperative Nerve Pain” with the BestNerve pain doctors near me” In Austin, Texas. Pain Relief Institute of America A team of experts provide a personalized care plan to help you relieve nerve pain. Schedule your appointment today and explore treatments for effective recovery.
What are the symptoms of postoperative nerve pain?
Nerve pain usually occurs due to damage to the nerve tissue surrounding the surgical area and occurs in about 30% to 50% of patients, depending on the surgery. For those who undergo surgery such as hip replacement, only about 0.2 to 0.6 percent are likely to suffer from this pain.
The most common symptoms of nerve pain after surgery:
- burning pain
- shooting pain
- electric shock pain
- Pain caused by stimulation (e.g., light touch, sudden movement)
- Loss of mobility in severe cases
Some degree of nerve pain is expected or common with some surgeries. For example, if a patient undergoes surgery for nerve pain, it is likely that they will experience some nerve pain after the surgery. This applies to any surgery on or around the nervous system; such as back surgery. However, if a patient undergoes ankle surgery and frequently feels that their ankle is on fire at the slightest stimulation, then it is important to contact a pain doctor as soon as possible.
What home treatment options are available for patients experiencing postoperative pain?
Some treatments, such as topical nerve pain relievers, may be effective in reducing a patient’s pain, but they may not completely cure the pain. Topical lidocaine and diclofenac gel may be effective in relieving local symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be effective in reducing pain. However, they may not be as useful if the patient experiences severe nerve pain after surgery.
Nerve pain after surgery may also be worsened by poor nutrition in the patient’s diet. Daily supplementation may not relieve or reduce pain, but it may prevent it from getting worse. For example, increasing B12 primarily helps patients enhance neurological repair.
Unfortunately, aside from these treatments, there’s not much people can do at home. Herbal and/or CBD topicals and oils may also be helpful, although the data is inconclusive. There are many product lines on the market, mainly CBD, but the industry is unregulated. Patients must be very careful about where they purchase the product from, and it may not work for everyone. If a patient wishes to start trying one of these treatments, it is best to see a pain doctor first. They may recommend specific products that they believe will be effective for patients, or they may provide patients with a more effective medical plan.
What medical treatments are available for patients experiencing postoperative pain?
Let’s say a patient is experiencing postoperative nerve pain, and they see a doctor relatively quickly after experiencing pain. In this case, a doctor’s treatment plan may be more effective in relieving their pain. However, if patients delay consulting a physician, the window for effective treatment may be significantly shortened.
Some effective treatments your doctor may recommend are spinal decompression or nerve stretching surgery. Some prescription medications can also help patients manage pain. Anti-seizure drugs such as gabapentin and pregabalin can relieve pain, but they also have side effects that may make patients feel dizzy, nauseous or drowsy. Patients may also take neurological pain relief medications such as antidepressants because they effectively block chemical processes between the brain and spinal cord.
How can physical therapy help relieve nerve pain after surgery?
Physical therapy is vital in controlling nerve pain. Therapists work closely with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan. These programs include gentle exercise, strength training, and postural correction to reduce pain and improve function. Physical therapy can also help patients regain mobility and build strength. It helps relieve pain by:
- Improve blood flow and circulation
- Reduce stiffness and muscle tension
- Enhance flexibility and range of motion
- Prevent further harm through safe practices
- Encourage healthy lifestyle habits
- Support mental health and reduce stress
With continued treatment, patients can relieve nerve pain and improve their quality of life. Each session is planned based on the patient’s specific needs to ensure optimal results. Therapists also educate patients on pain management techniques and provide support throughout the recovery process. Regular reviews and adjustments to your treatment plan will help you track progress and make necessary improvements.
It is important to understand why nerve pain occurs after surgery. Factors such as direct nerve damage and scar tissue formation can cause discomfort. At Pain Relief Institute of America, we focus on you. Our therapists are skilled at identifying these factors and implementing treatment and long-term relief strategies. Our compassionate team uses advanced techniques to help you manage and overcome postoperative nerve pain. Make an appointment with our experts in Austin and other key Texas areas today!
Dr. Jeffrey Higginbotham
Dr. Higginbotham is a graduate of the University of North Texas and received his medical degree in 2004 from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Houston. After completing anesthesia residency training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dr. Higginbotham completed a pain management fellowship at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. View profile
