Chronic Postoperative Pain Syndrome (CPSP) occurs when pain persists for at least three months after surgery, separate from any pain experienced before the procedure. This pain is typically felt around the surgical site and can affect mobility, emotional health, and overall quality of life.

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing CPSP: - Surgical factors – Nerve irritation or injury during surgery, as well as the type of procedure (open vs. minimally invasive). - Patient factors – Younger individuals, women, or those with pre-surgery anxiety or existing pain conditions may be more at risk. - Post-surgical pain management – If pain isn’t properly controlled right after surgery, long-term pain sensitivity may develop.

Treatment focuses on pain relief and restoring function through multiple approaches: - Medications, including NSAIDS, nerve pain medications, or certain antidepressants, can help manage symptoms. - Nerve blocks or specialized pain management techniques may be used if medications alone aren’t enough. - Comprehensive care, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or counseling, can support recovery and help manage chronic pain.

In extreme cases, this could lead to issues such as complex regional pain syndrome. Peripheral nerve stimulation, spinal cord or dorsal root ganglion stimulaton may be required for tough to treat conditions.

Working closely with a healthcare team is key to reducing pain and improving quality of life. In addition to standard treatments, regenerative medicine options, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or biologic therapies using fat or bone marrow-derived cells, may help reduce inflammation and provide relief depending on the type of pain generation.

If you’re experiencing ongoing pain after surgery, early intervention can prevent further complications and improve recovery. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.