It is prevalent to have pain after back surgery. The patient should have this pre-discussed with their surgeon to know what to expect post-op. The pain typically will start within a few days of the procedure, but it can be hard to tell when it begins. Depending on the patient’s case, the pain can be dull and achy or sharp and stabbing. It is also common to feel stiffness in the back and have trouble moving around. If you have any form of back pain after surgery, you need to visit Dr. Ioannis Skaribas in Houston, an experienced pain management doctor, for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms
In most cases, pain after back surgery will vary from a dull ache to sharp pain. It may even feel like the bones in the back are shifting. This pain is often felt when you move your lower back or legs and can be pretty uncomfortable. Other signs of pain after back surgery include:
- Pain that gets worse when you lean forward or twist your body
- A feeling of numbness or tingling in your back, legs, or feet
- Trouble walking
- Stiffness in the back
Albeit rarely, back pain after surgery can also cause a fever. If you have a fever, it’s essential to visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment right away.
What Causes Back Pain After Surgery?
There are several reasons you may be experiencing pain after back surgery. Common causes are the epidural steroid injection (ESI), often given during the surgery. This injection helps reduce inflammation and pain post-op. Some patients feel great, while others experience severe pain. The severity of the pain will typically decrease over time, but in some cases, it may take months for real relief.
Other possible reasons why you may be experiencing pain after back surgery include:
- Surgical error or mistake
- Aggravation to an existing condition
- Muscle spasms
- Poor healing
- Infection
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain after back surgery, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away. The treatment mainly varies depending on the cause of the pain. For example, if muscle spasms cause pain, your doctor may prescribe medication or massage therapy to help relieve the discomfort. If the pain is due to poor healing, your doctor may prescribe medication to help with the healing process. In cases where you have an infection, you may need to take antibiotics. You may require a second surgery to correct the mistake that caused the pain in some cases.
In summary, back pain after surgery mostly comes about due to epidural steroid injections, infection, and injuries. Common symptoms include pain that worsens when you lean forward and back stiffness. Treatment varies depending on the cause of back pain, but it mainly includes physical therapy, medication, and surgery.