What Is Post-Surgical Pain?
Post-surgical pain is discomfort that continues after the typical healing period of a surgical procedure. It may last weeks to months, and in some cases, evolve into debilitating chronic pain that affects daily life and well-being.1 This pain can present as acute pain, neuropathic pain, or a mix of both. If left untreated, post-surgical pain can hinder recovery, limit mobility, and reduce overall quality of life.
Up to one-third of patients who have undergone surgical procedures report persistent or intermittent pain of varying severity at one year postoperatively.2 This highlights the importance of early intervention and comprehensive pain management to prevent long-term complications. Common types of post-surgical pain we treat in the Dallas-Fort Worth area include:
Causes of Post-Surgical Pain
Post-surgical pain may stem from multiple sources, including:
- Nerve injury: Surgery can irritate or damage peripheral nerves, leading to neuropathy or neuralgia.
- Inflammation: Healing tissues can become inflamed, causing prolonged discomfort.
- Scar tissue formation: Scar tissue can affect nearby nerves or joints.
- Chronic pain conditions: Patients with fibromyalgia or other pain conditions may have amplified sensitivity.
Understanding the cause of your pain is key to developing an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Treatments for Post-Surgical Pain in Dallas-Fort Worth
Our pain management team offers a full range of treatment options to help patients in Dallas and Fort Worth overcome post-surgical pain.
Non-Invasive Post-Surgical Pain Therapies
- Physical therapy: Customized exercises restore strength and flexibility while easing joint pain and stiffness.
- Pain medications: Carefully managed regimens reduce acute pain without long-term dependency risks.
- Ketamine infusions: Ketamine may be used to help reset pain pathways in the brain, offering relief from severe or persistent post-surgical pain, especially when other treatments have failed.
Minimally Invasive Post-Surgical Pain Procedures
- Epidural steroid injections: Used for back pain, sciatica, and spinal stenosis relief.
- Nerve blocks: Interrupt pain signals from affected peripheral nerves.
- Radiofrequency ablation: Targets nerve endings to reduce neuropathic pain without surgery.
- Trigger point injections: Treat painful muscle knots often associated with fibromyalgia.
- Joint injections: Reduce inflammation and restore mobility post-orthopedic surgery.
Advanced Interventional Options
- Spinal cord stimulation: A proven option for long-term pain relief, especially in chronic pain conditions like complex regional pain syndrome or failed back surgery syndrome.
Our pain management specialist can create a treatment plan tailored to your surgery type, overall health, and lifestyle goals, ensuring optimal outcomes with the least invasive path.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re looking for effective post-surgical pain treatment, our experienced providers offer patients in Dallas & Fort Worth, TX, personalized, state-of-the-art care to help you feel like yourself again. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get back to living a pain-free life.
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FAQs About Post-Surgical Pain
How long does the pain after surgery typically last?
Post-surgical pain typically lasts a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of surgery and your individual healing response. Most patients notice a gradual reduction in acute pain during the first 1–2 weeks. However, if pain continues beyond 2 months, it may be considered chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP)3 and could signal an underlying issue such as nerve pain, scar tissue, or a complication. If your pain persists or worsens, a consultation with our pain management specialist in Dallas-Fort Worth can help you explore treatment options to improve your quality of life.
How do I know if my post-surgical pain is normal or a sign of chronic pain?
If your pain persists beyond three months, worsens, or interferes with sleep and function, it may be transitioning into chronic pain. Common signs include ongoing nerve pain, joint pain, or neuropathy. Our pain management specialists can assess your symptoms and recommend the most effective next steps to address them.
Where can I find post-surgical pain treatment near me?
Our DFW-based clinic is proud to offer advanced post-surgical pain treatment to patients in Dallas and Fort Worth. Our providers utilize advanced pain management therapies to support healing and help restore your daily life and overall well-being. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
