Other Post-Operative Chronic Pain
POST-OPERATIVE CHRONIC PAIN
Post-operative chronic pain is commonly defined as pain that develops or increases after surgery and persists for at least three months, after excluding other causes such as infection, recurrent disease or pain from a pre-existing condition. It may occur after minor or major surgery and can affect the surgical site, surrounding tissues, or areas supplied by affected nerves. The pain may interfere with sleep, mobility, daily activities and overall quality of life. Early assessment helps identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical and surgical history, including the type of surgery, when the pain started, its location, character and progression. A physical examination helps assess tenderness, movement, scar tissue, sensory changes, nerve involvement and functional limitations.
Depending on the suspected cause, investigations may include
- a. X-rays
- b. Ultrasound
- c. CT scan
- d. MRI
- e. Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
- f. Electromyography (EMG)
- g. Pathological Investigations
- h. Microbiological Investigations
Treatment,
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, type of pain and its effect on daily life. A personalized approach may include:
1. Medications:
Appropriate pain relievers or medicines for neuropathic pain, selected according to the patient's symptoms and medical history.
2. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation:
Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, mobility and function.
3. Scar and soft-tissue management:
Selected techniques to address scar sensitivity, stiffness or restricted movement.
4. Nerve blocks:
Targeted injections around specific nerves to help diagnose or relieve pain.
5. Epidural or selective nerve-root injections:
Considered when pain is related to spinal nerve irritation or inflammation.
6. Radiofrequency procedures:
Used in selected cases when a specific nerve or pain pathway has been identified as a suitable treatment target.
7. Neuromodulation:
Treatments such as spinal cord stimulation may be considered for carefully selected patients with severe, persistent neuropathic pain despite appropriate treatment.
8. Treatment of the underlying cause:
Infection, implant problems, recurrent disease or other correctable complications require appropriate specialist management.
At AREVA
At AREVA - Centre for Pain Management, Anand, we evaluate persistent pain after surgery to identify its likely source and develop an individualized treatment plan. Depending on the diagnosis, management may include medication, rehabilitation, targeted nerve blocks and image-guided interventional pain procedures. Our goal is to reduce pain, improve movement and daily function, and support a better quality of life through appropriate, minimally invasive treatment options.