Effective postoperative pain management is a key component of the medical care of every surgical patient. Inadequate treatment of postoperative pain in hospital is still a common complaint by patients in Germany. Improper pain management, while being unethical, can lead to increased mortality or morbidity. During any surgical procedure, patients have some level of pain. It may not be intolerable to them, but for those who are undergoing a major surgery, pain can be severely uncomfortable and interfere with daily activities and social interactions. It has been estimated that up to one third of all surgical procedures will cause pain to occur, especially those performed in the upper body. These may include breast reduction, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, lumpectomies, and hysterectomies.
Postoperative pain management is often the result of the trauma caused by the surgical procedure itself. The trauma may be caused by a misalignment of vertebrae, or by the use of anesthesia. The success or failure of post-operative pain management depends on the type of surgery performed, the extent of the injury and the type of sedative, narcotic, muscle relaxant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory medication used, and any other medications taken. The most commonly prescribed medications during the period immediately after a surgical procedure are anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (atypical and non-atypical), muscle relaxants (pentasa, tramadol, nifedipine, guazepam, and lofexidene), antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine, anafranil, and fluoxetine), opiates, nitrous oxide, and vasoconstrictors.
Medications are only part of post-operative pain management. Many surgeons recommend physical therapy and counseling to help patients deal with the stress of the recovery process. Other medications, such as antihistamines, anti-depressants, antidepressants, and anxiolytics are also used. The goal of most post-operative pain management is to help the patient cope with the pain. The most effective medication and therapy combination are usually not known until after the surgery is completed.
There is no shortage of drugs that are used to manage post-operative pain. Most of these drugs should only be taken as prescribed and should not exceed the recommended dosages. They should also not be taken in large doses or when not prescribed by a physician. They are not as safe as many people believe. Many patients experience mild pain or discomfort that will subside on its own after a certain amount of time. It may continue to be present for a period of days or weeks. In cases of more severe injuries, patients may experience constant pain or discomfort that interferes with their ability to function daily.
Medication for postoperative pain management must be tailored to the patient's individual needs. The patient should receive the maximum benefit from the medications for the shortest possible period of time, while avoiding harmful side effects and adverse reactions to these medications. As with any type of medication, it is always best to consult with a physician before using any of the different pain medications available. Many doctors prescribe a variety of different drugs to treat post-operative pain, depending on the nature and severity of the injury. Some patients require different medications than others. Depending on the specific injury, the type of treatment required will vary from patient to patient.
There are a number of pain medications on the market today. Some pain medications are more widely used than others. Commonly used pain medications include acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, niacin, and calcium channel blocker calcium, which helps to block the sodium channels to the brain that cause pain. Other pain medications are less widely used but have had some success in relieving pain in a number of cases. Pain relievers, like Motrin and Tylenol, are used by most patients in addition to pain medications. Many physicians also prefer to combine the use of an anti-anxiety medication with one of the pain medications to ease symptoms of post-operative pain.
The use of pain medications is a common part of post-operative pain management. They can sometimes be very effective at relieving pain, however it is important to discuss all the possible side effects of the medications with your doctor.
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