Post-Operative Low Back Pain

So, you’ve undergone that back operation.  You’ve breathed a sigh of relief that the worst is behind you, but you can’t help feeling a bit unsettled by the fact that you’re still in pain.  Although you know it was a bit naïve, you had some dream that you’d emerge from the surgery feeling 100% pain free.  Why are you experiencing post-operative low back pain?  Should you be concerned?The first thing you need to realize is that post-operative low back pain is completely normal and natural.  Your body has been through quite an ordeal.  You can’t expect to emerge from surgery without feeling a big sore.  This isn’t a cause for alarm.  Your body just takes time to heal and revert to normal.  It isn’t going to happen overnight.  Depending on the complexity of your surgery, it could take weeks or months to heal completely. In the meantime, you can manage your post-operative low back pain by following the advice of your doctor.  Don’t hesitate to take the medication he has given you for pain.  Some people stubbornly refuse to take pain medication in a stoic attempt to persevere through the pain naturally.  You don’t have to tolerate post-operative low back pain. Take the medication and allow yourself to relax.  You need to take time to recuperate.  Constant pain takes its toll on your body.  You owe it to yourself to rest as you give your body time to heal from your surgery.If your post-operative low back pain persists or becomes stronger in intensity, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.  If you have concern that the post operative low back pain is more intense than you feel it should be, it doesn’t hurt to consult with your physician to confirm that you are healing properly and not having any post-surgery complications.