Post-operative pain: Practical steps to feel better fast
Surgery hurts. You want clear steps to control pain, get moving, and avoid setbacks. Below are simple, proven tips that work for common post-op pain — whether it’s from a dental extraction, knee surgery, or a small outpatient procedure.
Use a pain scale. Rate your pain from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst). Aim to keep it under 4 so you can sleep, walk, and cough without trouble. Track times and doses so you and your provider know what helps.
Follow your medication plan. Take prescribed pain medicines on schedule for the first 48 to 72 hours — don’t wait until pain spikes. Combine acetaminophen with an NSAID like ibuprofen unless your doctor says otherwise. If opioids were prescribed, use the lowest dose for the shortest time and stop as soon as pain is manageable with non-opioids.
Try non-drug tools. Ice reduces swelling and numb pain for the first 48 hours; use 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. After 48 hours, gentle heat can loosen tight muscles. Keep your head elevated for head or dental surgery and use pillows to support surgical areas. Deep breathing, guided relaxation, and short walks help reduce pain perception and lower complication risks like pneumonia and blood clots.
Move smart. Early gentle movement speeds recovery. Follow the exercises your surgeon or therapist gave you. Don’t push through sharp pain, but avoid long bed rest. Frequent short walks improve circulation and reduce stiffness.
Watch the wound. Check for increasing redness, heavy drainage, foul smell, swelling that worsens, or fever over 100.4°F (38°C). These signs can mean infection. If you see them, call your surgical team right away.
Prevent common side effects. Opioids cause constipation. Start fiber, fluids, and a stool softener when you begin opioids. Nausea often eases with small frequent meals and anti-nausea meds if needed. Sleep matters; try to keep a calm bedtime routine and use pain control timed so you can rest.
Plan follow-up and tapering. Schedule your follow-up before leaving the hospital. Bring a list of current meds and ask when to stop pain pills. Taper opioids quickly and dispose of leftovers safely through take-back programs or pharmacy drop-offs.
Know when to get help. Extreme pain not eased by your meds, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, severe bleeding, high fever, or signs your wound opened need urgent care. Don’t guess—call your surgeon or go to the emergency room.
Small habits speed healing. Eat protein and vegetables, stay hydrated, avoid smoking, and keep blood sugar controlled if you have diabetes. These simple steps cut infection risk and help tissues repair faster.
Talk openly with your care team about allergies, past reactions, and current medicines including supplements. Bring a list of questions to appointments: pain level goals, safe activity limits, and signs of complications. Use help at home for the first few days—having someone assist with meals and meds makes recovery smoother and lowers stress.
Keep a notebook for quick notes after calls. Keep emergency numbers handy.
