Understanding Nerve Pain After Surgery

Nerve pain after surgery is a common problem, with up to 50% of patients experiencing postoperative chronic nerve pain. Understanding the different mechanisms behind nerve pain, such as direct trauma, inflammatory response, and nerve injury, can help manage pain intensity. The brain also plays a significant role in central sensitization and centralization of pain, which can amplify the pain experience. Pre-operative pain and genetic factors also influence the likelihood of developing nerve pain after surgery. While current treatments have limited efficacy, light and laser therapy show promise in both preventing and treating nerve pain.