Post-Operative Pain Relief

The past decade has seen great improvements in the provision of post­operativepain relief. This has been the result of a better understanding of the neurophysiological basis of pain relief, improved methods of organization and delivery of analgesic technique and changes in surgical practice. Effective post-operative pain relief benefits the patient by providing comfort in the period after surgery as well as modifying the autonomic and somatic reflexes to pain which delay recovery. This has led to the understanding that effective treatment of acute pain has the potential to lessen the stress response and facilitate early rehabilitation and recovery.

The report of the Royal College’s working group on pain after surgery made a number of recommendations to improve standards in the provision of pain relief after operation. One of the key recommendations was the development of special acute pain teams in each major hospital to take day-to-day responsibility for the management of post-operative pain.

It is important to assess pain on movement or coughing to evaluate the efficacy of treatment. The simple step of introducing regular pain assessment has considerably improved the management of post-operative pain in general surgical wards.

Analgesia using intravenous opiates has become popular with patients and nurses. Patients like the knowing that they can achieve pain relief quickly and without painful intramuscular injections. Nurses find the machines easy touse and time-saving. Proven benefits include better pain relief and greater patient satisfaction compared with those of conventional intermittent therapy.

Can pain-free be drug-free?

Medications aren't always the answer to pain relief.

Alternate methods have been used for generations, some with success, some not. As with any treatment, you should discuss this with your doctor. Many physicians incorporate alternative therapies with traditional medicine to find the best solutions for their patients.

If the pain is stress related, like many headaches and some backaches, some people may find stress relief from: relaxation techniques, biofeedback, aromatherapy, massages.

Other alternative therapies may also provide relief. These include: chiropractic, acupuncture.

Does twisting make you shout?

Back pain is a very common human bane. Itoften comes on unexpectedly and can be the result of an accident, sudden movement or long-term stress on the spine. Once you have a back problem, there are ways that you can try to reduce repeat injuries and allow yourself to move freely again.

Back pain is especially intrusive and debilitating because of the central role which the spine plays in our lives. Although we all get occasional back pains from sitting too long, for instance, acute or prolonged back pain could be a signal that there’s a problem. A visit to the doctor is necessary to rule out any serious difficulties.

The spine is a very complex structure, so the reasons for pain are many and varied. One

major cause is degeneration of the disks. Through the wear and tear of life, the disks act as the body’s shock absorber. After a while, these can compress, which triggers pain. Even though the problem might seem to have started suddenly, there are chances that the condition was building up, and a sudden movement may have been the final straw.

Not long ago, many doctors recommended bed rest for sore backs, but that way of thinking has changed. Bed rest may still be recommended, but only for the first 24 to 48 hours of pain – then it’s time to get moving again. For an acute strain, short-term bed rest, over-the-counter pain relievers (such acetaminophen or ASA), and heat packs are often enough to get you over the hump. Moving about isn’t comfortable, but it’s often truly the best way to heal your back if your doctor advises you to do this. Your doctor might also recommend a muscle relaxant.

Chiropractors and physiotherapists also play a role in back health. Chiropractors use carefully applied techniques (also known as "adjustment") to physically manipulate the joints of the spine, which can help relieve back pain. Physiotherapists can teach you how to move so you can avoid pain. Both professionals can also show you how to prevent future back injuries.

Severe back injuries may need surgery but, as with bed rest, doctors are trying to limit the number of operations being done. It seems that time is really the healer in most back injuries, and now doctors are waiting months before deciding whether or not an operation really is the best solution.