Incisional pain relief after a caesarean section is possible with the use of medication, physical therapy, wound care, posture and psychological adjustment, and through other channels.
1. Pharmacotherapeutic : Pain medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, diclofenac sodium, and so on, can be used to relieve pain under the supervision of a doctor. These drugs block the production of prostaglandins in the body and thus act as pain relievers, however, they must be used strictly in accordance with the prescription of your doctor.
2. Physiotherapy : In the first days after surgery, ice dressings can be used. Ice dressings can reduce the size of the blood vessels in the area, lessen bleeding and swelling, and therefore the pain is lessened. Usually, it should be done within 24 hours after operation, and the time for each ice treatment should not be too long, 15 – 20 minutes is sufficient. The application can also be replaced by a hot one after 24 hours postoperatively to accelerate blood flow, shorten the healing time, and relieve pain. Infrared light is one of the physiotherapies that can help the circulation of blood to the area of inflammation and thus the inflammatory response, as well as the pain, will be lessened.
3. Wound care : Keeping the wound clean and dry is the key point here. Regular changing of the wound dressing will prevent wound infection. If the scar is red, swollen, oozing, etc., a doctor should be consulted immediately. At the same time, effort should be made to ensure that the wound is not rubbed and pulled by other people so that the pain will not get worse and the wound will not be affected.
4. Postural adjustment :The right position will reduce pressure on the abdomen and relieve pain at the incision site. The semi-recumbent position after surgery can be chosen, which is able to relax the muscles of the abdomen and lessen the strain on the wound. Slow movements should be practiced when turning over, getting up, and doing other activities while sudden exertions are to be avoided. Using the assistance of your family is another way to minimize the exertion on your abdomen.
5. Psychomodulation : The psychological state of the mother also has some impact on the experience of pain. Over- tension and anxiety- that is what will make pain even more acute. So, mothers are required to be positive and optimistic not only during hard times but throughout their whole lives. They can also relax and take their mind off of the pain by listening to music and talking with their family members and friends.
Hospital Warm reminder: The relief of incisional pain in cesarean section requires a combination of approaches. Pain medication, although effective, is necessary to be carried out as per the doctor’s instructions; Physical therapy facilitates the healing of the wound; Wound care forms the base for wound healing; Proper postural adjustment can lessen the pressure on the abdomen; Psychological adjustment can relieve maternal anxiety. A mother who has severely painful or abnormal incisional pain after giving birth, should immediately seek medical help and get such a problem solved under the supervision of a doctor.
Naresh Trehan is an Indian cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon. After graduating from King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India, he went on to practice at New York University Medical Center, Manhattan, USA from 1971 to 1988. He returned to India and started Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre.