Long-Term Pain After Surgery: Causes, Treatment, and Relief in West Delhi

When we think of surgery, we usually imagine relief from illness or injury and a path to recovery. Most patients expect pain after surgery to fade with time. But for some, pain lingers for months or even years. This condition is known as long-term pain after surgery, or Persistent post-surgical pain in medical language.

As a pain specialist in West Delhi, I regularly meet patients who are surprised and frustrated by this persistent pain.

The good news? With the right treatment, most people can regain control over their lives.

What Is Long-Term Post-Surgical Pain?

Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) refers to pain that continues for more than 3 months after surgery, even after the wound has healed. Unlike short-term surgical pain, CPSP does not gradually disappear. In some cases, it may even become worse over time.

This pain is not only physical—it affects sleep, mobility, mood, and overall quality of life.

How Common Is Chronic Pain After Surgery?

• Studies show 10–50% of patients experience some form of pain after surgery mainly depending upon location of surgery in the body.Surgeries most often linked with chronic pain include:
• Breast surgeries (mastectomy, lumpectomy)
• Hernia repairs and abdominal surgeries
• Knee and hip replacements
• Spine surgeries
• Thoracic (chest) operations
• Around 5–10% develop severe long-term pain.

If you’ve had any of these procedures and are struggling with pain beyond the normal recovery period, consulting a pain management doctor in West Delhi can help.

Why Does Pain Continue After Surgery?

There are several reasons why post-surgical pain becomes chronic:

Nerve Damage During Surgery

Small nerves may be cut, stretched, or trapped in scar tissue, leading to neuropathic pain (burning, tingling, stabbing sensations).

Excessive Scar Tissue (Adhesions)

In some patients, scar tissue irritates nearby tissues and nerves, prolonging pain.

Pre-existing Pain Conditions

People who already had arthritis, back pain, or fibromyalgia before surgery are more prone to CPSP.

Psychological Factors

Stress, anxiety, and depression amplify pain perception.

Poorly Controlled Early Pain

If acute pain after surgery is not managed properly, it does increase the risk of chronic pain later.

Symptoms of Chronic Post-Surgical Pain

Patients describe it as:

• Burning or stabbing pain near the scar
• Tingling, numbness, or hypersensitivity
• Aching stiffness in joints or muscles
• Radiating pain (e.g., leg pain after spine surgery, arm pain after breast surgery)

If you notice these symptoms for more than 3 months, it’s time to see a pain specialist in West Delhi.

Treatment Options for Long-Term Pain After Surgery

The good news is that chronic post-surgical pain can be treated. As a pain physician, I use a multimodal approach to tailor treatment to each patient’s needs.

Medications

• Neuropathic medicines (pregabalin, duloxetine, gabapentin)
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Topical patches or gels for scar pain

Nerve Blocks & Injections

Targeted injections reduce inflammation and calm irritated nerves. These are safe, minimally invasive, and provide lasting relief. Sometimes a procedure called USGDN (Ultrasound guided dry needling) is very effective in relaxing the fascia entrapped in scar tissue of patients with persistent post surgical pain. 3 sessions of USGDN performed 1 week part can effectively give intended results of pain relief.

Radiofrequency and Advanced Techniques

For severe cases, procedures like radiofrequency ablation or spinal cord stimulation help control chronic pain. Specifically pulse radiofrequency (PRF) of small nerves supplying the pain area is really helpful in modulating the pain stimulus.

Physiotherapy

Movement-based therapy improves mobility, reduces stiffness, and prevents worsening of pain.

Mind-Body Therapy

Stress management, relaxation techniques, and counseling play a key role in reducing pain intensity.

Preventing Long-Term Pain After Surgery

While not every case can be avoided, you can lower the risk by:

• Ensuring proper pain control after surgery
• Following physiotherapy and exercise guidance
• Seeking early consultation with a pain management doctor in West Delhi if pain lingers
• Opting for minimally invasive procedures (when possible)

When to Consult a Pain Physician?

You should seek medical advice if:

• Pain lasts more than 3 months after surgery
• The pain is getting worse instead of better
• There is numbness, tingling, or burning near the surgical site
• Pain interferes with daily activities, work, or sleep
• You rely on painkillers without lasting relief

Final Thoughts: There Is Life Beyond Pain

Living with pain after surgery can feel discouraging, but it is not something you need to accept as “normal.” With modern pain management, most patients experience significant relief and return to active, fulfilling lives.

As a pain specialist in West Delhi, my message is simple: don’t suffer in silence. If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic pain after surgery, consult a pain specialist. Early intervention improves recovery, reduces suffering, and restores quality of life.

✦If you are looking for expert care for long-term pain after surgery, book a consultation with Dr. Ekta Gupta, an experienced pain management specialist in West Delhi. Relief is possible, and help is just a call away.

Category: post-surgical pain treatment

Tags: acute pain after surgery chronic pain after surgery chronic post-surgical pain long-term pain after surgery neuropathic pain pain after surgery pain management doctor in west delhi persistent post-surgical pain post-surgical pain post-surgical pain treatment in west delhi short-term surgical pain