Opioids can help to manage pain and discomfort in the wake of a surgical procedure, but they are far from a perfect pain management solution. Opioids can not only become addictive, but they can also lead to overdose and death if taken incorrectly. Because of this, many people wonder if they can avoid painkillers altogether following their shoulder operation. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at whether or not you can avoid opioids following shoulder surgery, and some helpful tips for managing pain after an operation.
Do I Need Painkillers After Shoulder Surgery?
It’s impossible to say with absolute percent certainty whether or not you’ll need painkillers following your shoulder operation, because there are simply too many factors at play. Prescription painkillers are typically ordered for most significant shoulder operations, but again, we don’t want to paint with too broad of a brush. At the end of the day, individual factors will determine how to chart your pain management course following an operation.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of those individual factors that can help determine if you’ll need opioids and what you can do to reduce your likelihood of needing them for an extended period following an operation.
- Type of Surgery – While you may not have any control over what injury is being addressed, you may have some say in the type of operation that is performed to correct it. If possible, find a surgeon like Dr. Holloway who is skilled in minimally invasive surgical techniques. If the issue can be fixed using minimally invasive techniques, which limit damage to nearby soft tissues, you’ll be in less pain and have a quicker recovery. Decreased pain and an increased recovery time can help you either avoid painkillers or wean off of them much sooner.
- Talk To Your Doctor – If you have questions or reservations about your pain control regimen following your operation, bring it up to your surgeon before you have surgery. Let them know what’s on your mind. If you want to completely avoid opioids or use them only if absolutely necessary, talk to your surgeon. They may be able to help educate you on best pain control practices and have you pursue an over-the-counter medication plan, which may provide you with enough pain relief to cope with the discomfort. Nothing is guaranteed, but having an open and honest conversation with your doctor can help avoid any pitfalls associated with your post-op pain plan.
- Physical Therapy – Early physical therapy has been shown to help decrease pain, increase function and help people wean off of opioids sooner. For some people, “early” physical therapy may begin the same day as surgery, while others may need days or even weeks before they can really dive into a PT routine. Stick to your physical therapy plan as recommended by your treating physician to help with pain control after surgery.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions – When it comes to avoiding some of the dangers associated with opioids, it’s imperative that you follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Don’t try to completely drown out pain by overusing medication. Take your prescription medication as directed.
- Don’t Just Choose Any Surgeon – Finally, as we touched on in the first point, who you choose to perform your shoulder surgery is important. Aside from finding someone who can use minimally invasive techniques, you also want a surgeon who can help manage your expectations when it comes to pain during your recovery. Knowing what to expect and how to best handle it is key during your rehabilitation, and you need to find a surgeon who prioritizes conveying this information to you. If you don’t feel like the surgeon is the best match for you, look elsewhere. It’s your health, and you should only trust it to someone who feels like a good fit and who understands your goals when it comes to pain management.
So while it’s impossible to say whether or not opioids can be completely avoided following shoulder surgery, you do play a big role in safely managing pain following your procedure. Never be afraid to ask questions, and find a surgeon who is willing to ensure your pain care needs are met following surgery. For more information about post-op pain care or shoulder surgery, reach out to Dr. Holloway today.
