Post-surgical pain is pain that continues after a surgical procedure, either as part of normal healing or, in some cases, as chronic pain that persists beyond expected recovery time—typically longer than 3 months. While most surgical pain gradually improves, some patients experience prolonged or worsening discomfort that interferes with recovery and daily life.
This type of pain can occur at the site of surgery or in surrounding areas, and may involve nerve damage, inflammation, scar tissue formation, or joint dysfunction.
Common Causes of Post-Surgical Pain
Nerve injury during surgery (e.g., cut, stretched, or entrapped nerves)
Scar tissue formation (adhesions or epidural fibrosis)
Residual inflammation or poor healing
Implant or hardware irritation
Joint or soft tissue imbalance
Infection or hematoma (in some cases)
Central sensitization or development of chronic pain pathways
Common procedures associated with persistent pain include:
Spine surgery (laminectomy, fusion)
Joint replacement (knee, hip, shoulder)
Mastectomy or breast reconstruction
Thoracic or abdominal surgery
Amputation (phantom limb pain)
Hernia repair
Symptoms
Ongoing or worsening pain after surgery
Sharp, burning, or stabbing pain
Numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity near the surgical site
Muscle spasms or cramping
Stiffness or limited range of motion
Sleep disruption, fatigue, or mood changes due to chronic pain
Conservative Treatment Options
Medications
NSAIDs or acetaminophen for inflammation and baseline pain
Neuropathic medications like gabapentin or pregabalin
Muscle relaxants
Topical analgesics
Short-term opioid therapy (when appropriate)
Physical Therapy
Restores movement, improves strength, and reduces postural strain
Includes manual therapy, stretching, and functional retraining
Psychological Support
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or pain counseling for coping strategies
Helps address the emotional toll of chronic post-surgical pain
Interventional Pain Management Options
When conservative treatments are not enough, minimally invasive interventional procedures can help address the root cause of post-surgical pain:
Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Targets specific nerves involved in post-surgical pain (e.g., ilioinguinal nerve, intercostal nerve, genicular nerves)
Can provide both diagnostic clarity and lasting relief
Epidural Steroid Injections
Used when pain is related to spine surgery or scar tissue irritating nerve roots
Trigger Point Injections
Helpful for myofascial pain caused by muscle guarding after surgery
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Performed after successful nerve blocks to disrupt chronic pain signals
Often used for knee, hip, spine, or abdominal wall pain
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
An implantable device that modulates nerve signals to reduce pain
Ideal for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) or nerve-related chronic post-surgical pain
Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
Can be effective for pain after limb surgery, CRPS, or vascular-related pain
When to Seek Help
Consider evaluation by a pain specialist if you have:
Pain lasting more than 3 months after surgery
Pain that’s worsening or unresponsive to medications
Symptoms like numbness, burning, or hypersensitivity
Pain that limits sleep, activity, or quality of life
Don’t Let Pain Complicate Your Recovery
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we understand the impact of lingering post-surgical pain. Our team offers advanced diagnostics and targeted interventional therapies to reduce pain, improve function, and support full recovery.
👉 Schedule a consultation today to explore personalized solutions for post-surgical pain relief.