Most postoperative discomfort fades with time, but up to 10% of patients find that their pain lingers, changes, or even worsens. When this happens, you may be dealing with chronic post-surgical pain — a condition that can follow procedures on the abdomen, pelvis, knee, shoulder, spine, or even after amputation.
At SamWell Institute for Pain Management, double-board-certified interventional pain specialist Dr. Jay M. Shah and board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain specialist Dr. Kevin Ko evaluate and treat the full spectrum of post-surgical pain.
Our goal is to identify the underlying cause, create a personalized treatment plan, and help you return to the life you’ve been missing.
You expected some pain after surgery — but you also expected it to fade. Pain that persists beyond the normal healing time can develop for several reasons. For example, the pain may stem from lingering inflammation, scar tissue restricting normal movement, nerve irritation or entrapment, or changes in how the nervous system processes pain signals.
Each surgery — and each patient — is different, so the first step is a thorough diagnostic evaluation.
Different procedures carry different risks for lingering pain. We commonly see chronic pain after:
If your recovery feels “stuck,” or your symptoms don’t match what your surgeon expected, it may be time for a pain-specialist evaluation.
Abdominal or pelvic procedures can irritate nerves, form adhesions, or cause localized inflammation. Dr. Shah and Dr. Ko may recommend image-guided nerve blocks, trigger point injections, scar-tissue treatments, or targeted physical therapy to restore mobility and reduce pain.
Whether the issue stems from residual inflammation, nerve irritation, or joint mechanics, we offer treatments such as genicular nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation of the knee nerves, viscosupplementation when appropriate, and coordinated physical-therapy planning to restore strength and motion.
Post-surgical shoulder pain often comes from nerve irritation, inflammation, or overuse during recovery. Treatment may include suprascapular nerve blocks, steroid injections to calm inflammation, regenerative techniques when appropriate, and a structured rehabilitation plan to protect and strengthen the joint.
Pain following back surgery is one of the most common challenges we see, and it often falls into a category known as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) or post-laminectomy syndrome. When inflammation or nerve irritation persists after spine procedures, we may recommend epidural steroid injections, facet joint treatments, or diagnostic blocks to pinpoint the source.
For persistent FBSS pain, Dr. Shah may suggest advanced neuromodulation options — including spinal cord stimulation (SCS) or dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation — to modulate pain signals and provide long-term relief.
Pain after amputation can arise from neuromas, phantom limb sensations, or hypersensitive nerves. Treatments may involve nerve blocks, targeted steroid injections, desensitization therapy, or neuromodulation techniques such as SCS or DRG stimulation for persistent pain.
Chronic pain after surgery is frustrating and draining, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With a clear diagnosis and a personalized plan, meaningful relief is absolutely possible.
To learn how SamWell Institute for Pain Management can help you move forward, call us in Colonia, Livingston, or Englewood, New Jersey, or schedule an appointment online. Dr. Shah and Dr. Ko work with you to identify the root cause of your pain, build a targeted treatment plan, and help you reclaim comfort and mobility.
