How to Create a Post Surgical Pain Management Plan

When people go through lower back surgery, the post surgical pain they experience is often unbearable. Many patients don’t realize that if this chronic pain is mismanaged, it can severely affect their recovery process. Keeping this in mind, many Los Angeles spine surgeons suggest creating a pain management plan prior to lower back surgery.

Choose a Hospital with Post Surgical Pain Control Facilities

There are several hospitals that provide comprehensive plans for post-operative pain management. Browse through your options and make an appointment with service office, prior to surgery. It is better to work with one person within the pain management staff to avoid any confusion. Your physician from the pain management service can collaborate with your surgeon and create an effective care plan after the surgery. Don’t forget to mention medication allergies, concerns about pain managing techniques and strategies that didn’t work for you in the past. Also mention your current prescription to avoid potential complications.

Discuss Your Options with Your Pain Management Physician

There are several hospitals that provide comprehensive plans for post-operative pain management. Browse through your options and make an appointment with service office, prior to surgery. It is better to work with one person within the pain management staff to avoid any confusion. Your physician from the pain management service can collaborate with your surgeon and create an effective care plan after the surgery. Don’t forget to mention medication allergies, concerns about pain managing techniques and strategies that didn’t work for you in the past. Also mention your current prescription to avoid potential complications.

Discuss Your Options with Your Pain Management Physician

After the lower back surgery, the pain control plan always includes painkillers. Every pain medication has its unique benefits and specific side effects. Typically prescribed medicines include opioid, non-opioid analgesics, NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and local anesthetics. Talk to your physician about various options and methods of drug delivery. You can also discuss non-pharmacological options such as exercise, massage, and progressive relaxation. Patients who receive comprehensive information regarding the pain management techniques often experience lesser pain, recover sooner, and require fewer pain medications. You can also ask general questions, such as ways to cough without hurting your back, relaxation exercises required, and effective mobility techniques. Non-medical pain control option also come handy, including cold and heat therapy, stretching, and exercise.

Anticipate Pain After the Surgery

It is one of the most important aspects of managing post surgery pain. Address your pain as soon as it starts appearing, or even before it occurs. Post-operative pain can escalate quickly and become difficult to control. Make a plan prior to the surgery to ensure regular and quick access to your painkillers. The last thing you want to do is to search for cold compress or medication when lower back pain strikes. Avoid activities that can aggravate the pain. For example, you can prepare meals and freeze them, de-clutter your home, and get the laundry done, prior to the back surgery. Pushing yourself through the daily activities immediately after surgery is not the right approach.

Talk About Post-Surgical Depression

physical issues can easily become emotional problems. Medication side effects, difficulty sleeping, fear of disability, need for care, or disruptions to earning can trigger depression. Remember that your pain control plan involves team effort. Make sure to be open with your pain control physician and surgeon. This will lead to quicker recovery and help alleviate your lower back post-surgery pain.​