HOME REMEDY TREATMENTS THAT CAN SUPPORT YOUR POSTOPERATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT

BY PAUL LE, M.D.

Most patients are going to experience some degree of postoperative pain, which can vary based on individual pain thresholds and the type of surgery.. However, postoperative pain can be measured at home with remedies that can support a return to normal functioning levels.

Even with home remedies and self-care, proper consultation and guidance from a medical professional is necessary. Consult with the specialists at Advanced Pain Care clinics – in Austin, Texas, and nearby areas for chronic postoperative pain. With 20 years of pain management expertise, we provide compassionate care and personalized treatment options for various pain conditions. Schedule your appointment today!

REMEDIES TO CONSIDER DIRECTLY AFTER SURGERY

After surgery, consider alternating between heat and ice around the affected area. Heat can soothe and relieve the pain, while ice can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Be cautious about placing heat or cold directly on the incision site o, as it could cause irritation.

Another anti-inflammatory remedy for postoperative pain could be taking regular Epsom salt baths. The heat from the bath can be very soothing and reduce pain. Additionally, patients can improve their diet by incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods like olive oil, turmeric, leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish.

Depending on the surgery, patients may take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen and Aleve. However, they should check with their doctor first, as some surgeons may advise against their immediate use due to their potential to inhibit bone growth and thin the blood. This needs to be assessed by the surgeon or doctor to determine if it is appropriate. As an alternative, Tylenol may be an effective pain reliever with limited contraindications.  

Ingesting CBD oils may also be an effective treatment directly after surgery. However, the efficacy of t CBD for postoperative pain control is still debated, with most of the data being anecdotal. Some patients report significant results and a calming effect, while others receive little to no benefit. Use CBD with caution, as products are still highly unregulated and quality can vary across brands. It’s important to choose a trusted source since some CBD products contain THC, which could affect drug testing for work. 

THE ROLE OF MOBILITY AS A REMEDY

Incorporating physical exercises and stretches can help reduce pain and stiffness after surgery, but this greatly depends on the type of surgery. For upper extremity surgeries, such as those involving the neck or the back, patients may experience longer periods of immobility..  They may need to wear a neck or back brace or a soft collar, which restricts their mobility.

Some patients may bounce back quickly, getting out of bed and starting mobility exercises. Others may find it harder to rebound from postoperative pain, but eventually, they can begin doing stretches at home to reduce pain, especially if the pain has spread to other areas of the body. As they gradually build up mobility and incorporate deep stretches, their condition can improve, depending on individual circumstances.

Surgeons generally never recommend anyone become completely bedridden. Maintaining some level of mobility is crucial for recovery; otherwise, patients could lose muscle mass and coordination and cause pain in other areas of their bodies.

CONSIDER EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING REMEDIES

Mental and emotional well-being have an equal part to play in chronic postoperative pain management as much as physical remedies do. A calm mind helps reduce stress and inflammation in the body, which can alleviate pain.

Self-hypnosis is a technique that can help manage thoughts and reactions to a particular experience that a patient may be fixated on. It is similar to a meditative practice, yet instead of simply focusing on relaxing, they focus on a particular goal, such as overcoming pain. By using positive affirmations or thoughts, patients can shift their perspective to a more positive outlook and reduce their focus on pain.  

Meditation is another effective tool to ease pain and reduce the negative focus on pain. Mindfulness can help bring patients into the present moment and focus on things they can control rather than dwelling on uncontrollable factors, like having pain after surgery. There are a number of meditation techniques that can be effective, such as deep breathing, focusing on your heartbeat, or mindfulness exercises where the focus is on a specific area, color, number, or other elements.

At Advanced Pain Care, we offer mind and behavioral health services along with physical treatments to ensure you receive comprehensive care.

IF HOME REMEDIES AREN’T EFFECTIVE, CONSULT WITH A DOCTOR AT ADVANCED PAIN CARE

If postsurgical pain management is not addressing the pain or the pain just seems to remain at the same level or worse, it may be time to consider speaking to a doctor. This is also necessary if patients are experiencing a change in their functionality or strength. 

Patients should avoid delaying action while their pain persists and their condition potentially worsens, which could hinder functionality from returning to a normal state. Even if the patient is unsure about whether to consult their doctor, it is still best to see them.   A doctor can reassess the situation and determine whether they need further pain treatment.

At Advanced Pain Care, we help manage chronic postoperative pain with different types of medicines, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and local anesthetics.

We accept insurance from major providers, including in-network carriers, mental health networks, and worker’s compensation networks. To know more, get in touch with our support team. Visit our centers in Austin, Amarillo, Killeen, and Round Rock for effective pain relief.