Managing pain may be difficult, especially after back surgery. Many people use narcotics to dull the sensations of pain for temporary relief. These medications are powerful and effective, though side effects and risks associated with the drugs may be a hindrance. If you opt to manage your pain without narcotics, you may find success with other medications and self-care techniques.
Non-narcotic Medications
Although narcotics are among the most potent drugs for pain relief and are often prescribed for managing post-surgery pain, some people would rather not use them due to side effects such as nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. Instead, you may prefer medications such as analgesics, which are effective for mild to moderate pain and, according to the Cleveland Clinic, have fewer side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen may also help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. They are easily accessible, available over the counter.
Coping Thoughts
The mind can be a great encumbrance to pain management. When negative thoughts fill your head, your focus changes and you can get stuck in a rut, dwelling on the pain and suffering. To help manage pain without the use of narcotics, try exercising coping techniques that help channel thoughts. In an article on Spine Health.Com, William W. Deardorff, PhD, teaches about pain management techniques such as identifying negative thinking and developing coping thoughts. He maintains patients can master the techniques by recording their thoughts in a journal and replacing them with coping thoughts about the positive outcomes related to surgery and ways they can control their situation.
Pain Management Plan
According to Deardorff, effective pain control post-surgery can contribute to the overall success of the surgery. Aside from medications and coping thoughts, an overall plan for managing pain may help. You can formulate your plan by first discussing the level of pain you'll encounter with surgery and reviewing your options with your doctor. Having an idea of what level of pain you may experience might help you prepare, reducing anxiety when the pain arrives. You might learn about relaxation techniques and other self-care measures, such as hot and cold packs.
