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 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 has been shown to be extremely low in patients using such medications for post-operative pain.
For detailed information see: Pain medications
Review Date:
7/25/2007
Reviewed By:
Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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