Most people expect pain to improve as they recover from surgery. When discomfort lingers for months after a procedure, however, it can interfere with daily activities, sleep, mobility, and overall quality of life.
Persistent pain can occur after many types of surgeries, including joint replacements, spine procedures, neck surgery, and other orthopedic operations. Understanding why chronic pain develops after surgery, who may be at greater risk, and what treatment options are available can help patients find answers and move toward lasting relief.
After a surgical procedure, some amount of pain is to be expected as your body recovers and heals. When that pain lasts longer than three months or extends beyond the typical healing time for a procedure, however, it’s considered chronic pain after surgery, often referred to as chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP). Studies have shown that about one in 10 people (10%) who have surgery experience chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) afterward. Additionally, for about one in 100 people (1%), it is considered severe CPSP.
The cause of chronic postoperative pain or chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) can be difficult to pinpoint and may be a result of a combination of factors.
After undergoing surgical treatment for your chronic knee pain, back pain, neck pain, or other conditions, it can be frustrating and debilitating to develop CPSP after the procedure. You may be asking yourself questions like:
For patients struggling with CPSP, the main question is likely “How do you treat CPSP?”
Due to the complicated nature of post-surgical recovery, a targeted combination of therapies may be used to treat CPSP.
You may benefit from seeing a pain management specialist if pain continues long after your surgery has healed. While some discomfort is expected during recovery, persistent pain lasting for months or interfering with daily life should be evaluated.
You should consider scheduling an appointment if:
Although chronic post-surgical pain is a fairly common condition, you don’t have to continue to struggle. There are a variety of treatment options available. If you are dealing with chronic pain after a surgical procedure, talk to your physician about pain management options.
At The PainSmith, our San Antonio, TX pain management team offers advanced treatments designed to reduce pain, improve function, and help patients return to the activities they enjoy.
If you’re experiencing chronic pain after surgery and are looking for non-surgical pain management in San Antonio, start your pain assessment today to explore treatment options tailored to your condition.
Trusted pain management in San Antonio. Get started today.
Call: (210) 963-7493 | 731 Carnoustie Drive, Suite 102, San Antonio, TX
Relief may be closer than you think.
08/03/2026
Dear Painsmith Patients,
It has been a pleasure caring for all of my patients over the past several years here in San Antonio. Unfortunately, due to ongoing personal health issues, I will be unable to continue caring for you with the same high level of care you are used to. Because of this, my last date treating patients at Painsmith will be September 5, 2026.
If you have a scheduled appointment prior to this date, we are more than happy to keep that appointment, and will attempt to accommodate other patients who wish to be seen prior to our final date. If you wish to cancel your appointment please contact the office.
Your medical records will remain at Painsmith, and we are happy to forward your records to yourself or a physician of your choosing. Our office staff can assist you with forwarding or obtaining your records. Additionally, we are currently in discussions with other local area pain physicians who have expressed interest in assisting with your care moving forward. If we locate a physician with both capacity and capability to deliver the same quality of care, we will provide an update at that time.
Thank you,
William (Zack) Smith, MD
