Nerve pain after surgery is a common and often painful condition that, unfortunately, many patients experience. This pain can be caused by several mechanisms, including direct nerve trauma, nociceptive pain, and inflammatory pain. Alternatively, post-surgical nerve pain might be due to neuropathic pain that results from nerve damage, which is usually characterized by sensory loss and hypersensitivity. It is estimated that surgically induced neuropathic pain occurs in 10-50% of individuals after common surgeries!
Genetics and pre-operative pain increase the risk of developing post-operative nerve pain, and being in the best shape possible before surgery can help reduce the risk of post-operative pain.
If you are experiencing nerve pain following surgery, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms of the pain in order to manage it effectively. In this article, we will discuss the strategies for managing nerve pain after surgery.
What Causes Post-Surgical Nerve Pain?
Nerve pain after surgery can be caused by various mechanisms, including (1) direct nerve trauma, (2) nociceptive pain, and (3) inflammatory pain.
- Direct nerve trauma is usually caused by surgical incisions and can result in nerve damage.
- Nociceptive pain results from tissue damage.
- Inflammatory pain is caused by the release of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and prostaglandins.
It is essential to understand that surgery usually causes an inflammatory response—that is a good thing! Although it tends to sensitize the nerves, inflammation helps the repair process that the body is tasked with after surgery. Consequently, post-surgical pain is often expected to last a few days or longer. This pain may be worsened by stimuli that would otherwise not cause increased discomfort. Specifically, nerve pain may result when something irritates the inflammation around the nerves, which are usually hypersensitive due to the recent surgical operation.
Strategies for Managing Nerve Pain After Surgery
If you are experiencing nerve pain after surgery, there are strategies that you can use to manage it effectively, including the ones listed below.
Decrease Pain Before Surgery
One effective way to prevent nerve pain after surgery is to decrease your pain before the surgery. You can achieve this by focusing on sleep, exercise, nutrition, and therapeutic treatments like laser therapy. By being in the best shape possible before the surgery, you can help reduce the risk of postoperative pain.
Treat Pain Immediately Prior to Surgery
Treating pain immediately before surgery can help improve recovery and can help avoid post-operative nerve pain. Such treatments, including laser therapy, can be done around 24 hours before the surgery.
Control Pain After Surgery
It is essential to control pain after surgery to prevent it from becoming chronic. It is recommended not to wait to see if the pain goes away. Rather, if you have significant nerve pain after surgery, it is advisable for you to visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Use Laser Therapy
One of the most effective ways of treating nerve pain after surgery is by using laser therapy. Laser therapy can be used to improve blood flow and stimulate metabolic changes in nerves, which aids with healing and pain relief. Laser therapy has also been shown to prevent and treat nerve pain with high efficacy.
Key Takeaways
- Pharmaceutical treatments for neuropathic pain are not highly effective:
- Common drugs for neuropathic pain have a reported efficacy of only 30%.
- Medications such as opioids may aggravate the neuropathic pain condition and make people more sensitive to pain.
- Nerve damage can result in neuropathic pain with sensory loss and hypersensitivity.
- Taking proactive steps to stay ahead of pain can lead to better outcomes and help reduce the risk of postoperative pain when surgery is necessary.
- Genetics and pre-operative pain can increase the risk of developing postoperative nerve pain.
- Light and laser therapy can be used to prevent and treat nerve pain with high efficacy and no known side effects:
- Laser therapy is safe, non-invasive, painless, and effective!
Nerve pain after surgery can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right strategies and treatments, it is possible to reduce pain intensity and improve recovery. By understanding the mechanisms behind nerve pain and taking proactive steps to manage it, patients can improve their outcomes and get back to their lives faster. If you are experiencing nerve pain after surgery, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for you.
