Post-Surgery Pain Management at San Antonio Pain Consultants

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, Dr. Darius Zagunis M.D. specialize in comprehensive post-surgery pain management tailored to each patient’s recovery. Our expert team uses advanced techniques to minimize discomfort and accelerate healing. Experience compassionate care focused on restoring your quality of life after surgery. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251.

Table of Contents:

How long should I expect post-surgical pain to last?
Can physical rehabilitation help with post-surgery pain management?
When should I seek additional help for post-surgical pain?

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we understand that surgery is just the first step in your recovery journey. Managing post-surgical pain is essential to ensuring that you heal correctly, regain strength, and return to your daily activities as soon as possible. Pain after surgery can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain, depending on the type of procedure performed, the body part involved, and the individual patient’s tolerance to pain. Our compassionate team, led by Dr. Darius Zagunis M.D., is here to offer personalized, effective pain management strategies to help you through this critical time.

Why Post-Surgery Pain Management Is Essential

Post-surgical pain is a common concern for patients undergoing various procedures, including orthopedic surgeries, spinal surgeries, joint replacements, and abdominal surgeries. The pain can range from mild soreness to more intense discomfort. If not managed properly, it can affect your recovery, prolong healing, and even lead to complications like reduced mobility, poor sleep quality, and increased stress levels.

Effective pain management ensures that you experience minimal discomfort and maximum mobility, so you can get back to your regular activities sooner. At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we prioritize your comfort and well-being, offering customized pain management plans to fit your specific needs. Our goal is to reduce your pain and enhance your quality of life.

Comprehensive Pain Management Treatments

We offer a range of advanced treatment options to address post-surgical pain. Each treatment is carefully chosen to fit the needs of the patient based on their specific surgery and health history.

1. Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are injections of anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication near specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This can provide immediate relief, especially in cases of acute pain after surgery. Nerve blocks are particularly effective after joint, spinal, and certain soft tissue surgeries. Our doctors use the latest imaging techniques to ensure accurate placement for maximum relief.

2. Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are used to manage pain caused by inflammation in the spine. After certain surgeries, swelling and inflammation around the spinal cord and nerve roots can cause significant pain. These injections deliver a combination of corticosteroids and local anesthetics directly to the epidural space, where the inflammation is most severe. This can significantly reduce pain and allow for better mobility as you recover.

3. Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to disrupt the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals. This procedure is especially effective for patients suffering from chronic pain after surgeries involving the spine, knee, or hips. Radiofrequency ablation provides long-term relief and can delay the need for additional invasive treatments.

4. Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation is an implantable device that sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord, which alters the way your body perceives pain. It’s an excellent option for individuals suffering from chronic post-surgical pain, especially after spinal surgeries. The device is adjustable, allowing for personalized treatment based on your pain levels.

5. Medications

While we aim to avoid long-term reliance on medications, there are times when prescription pain relievers are necessary in the short term. We offer a range of medications, including opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and muscle relaxants, tailored to your individual needs. We carefully monitor your use of these medications to prevent dependence and ensure that you’re progressing in your recovery.

6. Physical Rehabilitation and Post-Surgical Therapy

In addition to traditional pain management treatments, we also recommend physical rehabilitation programs tailored to your surgery type. Our rehabilitation programs are designed to enhance recovery, improve mobility, and reduce pain through targeted exercises. These therapies help restore strength and flexibility, aiding in faster recovery and reducing the risk of further pain or injury. Our team works closely with you to monitor your progress and make adjustments to the rehabilitation plan as needed.

Patient Experiences: Finding Relief and Recovery After Surgery

John P., Retired Construction Worker – Knee Replacement Surgery

With decades of physically demanding work behind him, John P. underwent knee replacement surgery to regain mobility and reduce pain that had developed over the years. However, post-surgical pain turned out to be more intense than anticipated, severely limiting his movement and daily function. At San Antonio Pain Consultants, he was offered a customized treatment plan that included nerve blocks and spinal cord stimulation. These interventions significantly reduced his discomfort and accelerated his recovery. John was soon back to enjoying his retirement activities with renewed independence and less pain.

Carlos M., Youth Sports Coach – Shoulder Surgery

Carlos M., an active youth baseball coach and former athlete, struggled with debilitating shoulder pain following a recent surgery. The recovery process left him unable to participate in activities he loved, and even simple tasks became difficult. San Antonio Pain Consultants developed a care plan involving radiofrequency ablation and tailored physical therapy. Over time, Carlos regained strength and experienced a marked decrease in pain. His story is a testament to how specialized post-surgical care can restore both function and quality of life.

Addressing the Emotional Impact of Pain

Pain, especially after surgery, can take a mental toll as well as a physical one. Chronic pain can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and even depression, which can negatively impact the healing process. At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we not only treat the physical aspects of pain but also support our patients emotionally. Our team is available to discuss your pain levels, concerns, and any mental health challenges you may face during recovery. We believe that addressing the emotional aspects of recovery is just as important as managing physical pain.

Our Personalized Approach to Pain Relief

We understand that each patient’s needs are different, which is why we focus on creating customized pain management plans that are tailored to your specific surgery, health status, and preferences. We take into account your medical history, any previous experiences with pain management, and your recovery goals to design the most effective treatment plan. Throughout your recovery, we regularly monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure you’re getting the best possible care.

Conditions We Treat

▸ Back & Spine Pain
▸ Herniated Disc Treatment
▸ Sciatica
▸ Neck Pain
▸ Knee Pain
▸ Arthritis Pain
▸ Arm & Shoulder Pain
▸ Abdominal & Pelvic Pain
▸ Headaches & Migraines
▸ Hip Pain
▸ Neuropathy
▸ Cancer Pain