Chronic pain after surgery is common and it is not just annoying or unpleasant. Due to the large numbers of patients undergoing procedures each year and the subsequent impact of chronic pain on quality of life and its economic consequences, this is a major public health issue. The mechanisms of chronic pain after surgery are complex and the at risk population is large. There are many risk factors associated with onset of chronic post-surgical pain: demographic, genetics and various medical reasons. Unnecessary and inappropriate surgery should be avoided.

If the following pertains to you then you may have chronic post-surgical pain and would benefit from evaluation by our team at Restorative Pain care

• The pain developed after a surgical procedure

• The pain is of at least two months duration

• Other causes for the pain have been excluded (e.g. recurrent malignancy, chronic infection)

• The possibility that the pain is continuing from a preexisting problem must be explored and exclusion attempted

Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce pain and swelling, muscle relaxants to calm tight muscles, anticonvulsants to help tingling nerve pain, or opioid medications.

Physical therapy: Can provide inactive treatment such as heat therapy, massage, and TENS therapy. Active treatment may include more traditional stretching and strengthening exercises.

Self care: Heat/cold packs, stretching, and exercise.

Minimally Invasive Procedures:

• Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

• Peripheral Nerve Blocks

• Spinal Cord Stimulation

• Radiofrequency Ablation

• Implantable Pain Medication Pump