Managing Post-operative Surgical Pain

Your role is important!

You will be most successful in managing your pain if you begin treating it before it starts.

Non-prescription (over-the-counter) Pain Medications
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin),
Naproxen (Aleve) help relieve pain. Follow the instructions carefully! You may be asked to take these
medications continuously for a few days after surgery. Afterward, take them only as needed.

Local Anesthetics & Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Local anesthetics are occasionally used to “numb” nerves that are associated with surgical pain for up to 20 hours.
If you received a nerve block, you must take oral pain medications as soon as you notice the nerve block resolving.

Prescription Opioid Pain Medications
Oxycodone, Hydrocodone or Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) may be prescribed to take as needed to control pain.
Call your physician if you experience excessive drowsiness. Follow the instructions below to prevent nausea &
constipation.

NOTE:
DO NOT take NSAIDS for pain if you had a rotator cuff/labral, ACL repair or any fracture or cervical fusion
surgery.