I Had Surgery but My Pain Did Not Go Away

Question: If my pain does not completely resolve, is the surgery considered unsuccessful?

Answer: The goal and expected benefit of each surgery are different. In some patients, pain may not completely disappear; what matters is how function, quality of life, and neurological findings change.

One commonly used method for pain assessment is the “0–10 pain score” approach.

If pain continues, what is done step by step?

1. Measure: Rate your pain from 0–10 and write the pre- and postoperative difference.
2. Review: Check your adherence to the medication/activity/exercise plan recommended by your surgeon.
3. Rehabilitation: If appropriate, evaluate physical therapy and pain management (algology) options.
4. Re-evaluation: If there is new numbness/weakness or progressively increasing pain, reassessment with imaging and examination should be performed.