Post surgical pain treatment
Alternative Names
Treatment - post surgery
Information
Question:
How is pain treated after surgery?
Answer:
There are many types of pain medicines. Depending on the surgery and the patient's health, a single medication or combination of medications may be used.
Studies show that patients who use pain medication (such as narcotics) early and aggressively after surgery have shorter hospital stays and fewer lingering or chronic pain problems later. They actually end up using fewer painkillers overall than those who avoid pain medication.
There is some evidence that extreme suffering from pain can weaken your body's immune system. The risk of addiction to pain medication is extremely low in patients using such medications for post-surgical pain.
For detailed information see: Pain medications
References
Max MB. Pain. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 28.
Review Date: 8/10/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: 8/10/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.