How to Manage Your Pain After Back Surgery

For many people, back surgery leads to significant improvements in quality of life. Back surgery can help you experience less back pain on a day-to-day basis so you can be more active and productive. But postsurgical pain can be a temporary hurdle before the relief sets in. 

Haddis T. Hagos, MD, and the team at Pain Management Associates LLC support you with pre-surgery planning to help you achieve a smooth recovery after back surgery. They can also provide tips for managing postoperative pain after back surgery at the Greenbelt, Maryland, office. 

Here, we cover five pain management tips to help reduce pain as you heal. 

1. Follow your doctor’s instructions for medication use

Not everyone’s medication recommendations will be the same after surgery. Your doctor will tell you the exact dose to take of any steroids or pain medications they prescribe. Always follow these instructions closely, and ask questions about medication use if they come up. 

You may be able to manage some postoperative back pain with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If your doctor has told you it’s okay to use nonprescription medications as you recover, be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. 

2. Alternate ice and heat therapies

Ice therapy and heat therapy can both be useful in reducing pain after back surgery, but you should use them strategically. 

Experts recommend using ice packs in the first few days after surgery to help reduce inflammation. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin; wrap it or use an ice pack instead. 

After the first few days, you can apply heat to the painful part of your back. Heat therapy helps relax muscle tension so your tissues can recover more effectively. 

3. Move slowly and with intention

In the initial phases of recovery after back surgery, slow and intentional movements can help you avoid accidentally injuring your back and prolonging the pain. Dr. Hagos may recommend avoiding some movements altogether as you heal, including:

• Intense exercises
• Bending over
• Slouching
• Staying in one position for too long

Dr. Hagos and the team can help you ease into your typical routine again. They may recommend physical therapy so you can rebuild your strength and avoid prolonging your pain with improper movement.

4. Practice deep breathing and mindfulness

Practices like meditation and deep breathing can help you push through postoperative pain when it intensifies. These mind-body techniques can help reduce stress during your recovery after surgery, some of which may be related to your level of pain after surgery.

5. Get help right away for possible complications

Complications can prolong your recovery after back surgery and intensify postoperative pain. If you notice anything unusual during recovery, don’t ignore it. Instead, get in touch with Dr. Hagos immediately if you have:

• Swelling or warmth around the incision site
• A fever
• Splitting or reopening of the incision
• Increasing pain that isn’t improving with time
• Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs

It’s best to err on the side of caution when experiencing possible complications after back surgery. Even if it turns out nothing is wrong, you’ll have peace of mind if you talk to your doctor.

Get in touch

For more tips on pain management after back surgery, call Pain Management Associates LLC or request an appointment online today.