Healing Beyond the Incision: Dr. Jordan Sudberg on Managing Post-Surgery Hernia Pain

Surgery is often seen as the final step toward relief when dealing with a hernia. But for some patients, the journey to recovery doesn’t end in the operating room. Persistent or recurring pain after hernia repair surgery can leave many individuals frustrated, confused, and unsure of their next steps.

According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a leading pain management specialist, post-surgical hernia pain is more common than many people think—and fortunately, it’s manageable with the right approach. “Pain after hernia surgery is not unusual,” says Dr. Sudberg. “What matters most is identifying whether the pain is part of the normal healing process or if it’s something more complex that requires intervention.”

In this blog post, we explore why post-surgery hernia pain occurs, how it can be treated, and what patients can expect from a thoughtful, expert-guided recovery plan.

Understanding Post-Surgical Hernia Pain

Hernia repair, whether performed through open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, involves the manipulation of tissue and often the use of mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall. While most patients recover with minimal discomfort, others may experience lingering pain.

Dr. Sudberg categorizes post-hernia surgery pain into two main types:

• Acute Pain: This is the expected, short-term pain that occurs during the healing process—usually lasting days to a few weeks.

• Chronic Pain: Pain that persists for three months or more post-surgery and may be constant or intermittent, sharp or dull.

“Chronic post-herniorrhaphy pain (CPHP) affects up to 10-12% of patients, and it’s often underreported,” notes Dr. Sudberg. “It can be physically and emotionally taxing, especially if it interferes with daily activities or work.”

Common Causes of Post-Surgery Hernia Pain

There are several potential reasons for continued pain after hernia surgery:

1. Nerve Entrapment or Damage
   During surgery, nerves in the groin or abdominal area may become irritated or compressed. This can cause burning, tingling, or stabbing pain.

2. Scar Tissue Formation (Adhesions)
   The development of internal scar tissue can lead to tension in the surrounding muscles or nerves.

3. Mesh Complications
   In mesh repairs, the synthetic material used can shift or cause an inflammatory reaction, contributing to discomfort.

4. Recurrent Hernia
   If the original hernia reopens, pain and bulging may reappear.

5. Muscle or Soft Tissue Injury
   Tension, stretching, or strain during recovery can cause localized pain, particularly in physically active patients.

Diagnosis: When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing pain several weeks or months after surgery, especially if it’s worsening, Dr. Sudberg recommends a comprehensive evaluation. “Many people assume post-surgical pain is something they just have to live with,” he says, “but that’s not true. We have tools to diagnose the cause and provide meaningful relief.”

Diagnostic approaches may include:

• Physical examination

• Imaging (MRI or ultrasound)

• Nerve conduction studies

• Diagnostic nerve blocks

Treatment Options with Pain Management Experts

As a pain management specialist, Dr. Jordan Sudberg offers a variety of options to address both acute and chronic post-surgical hernia pain:

1. Medications

Over-the-counter NSAIDs, neuropathic agents (like gabapentin), and muscle relaxants can be helpful for mild to moderate cases.

2. Physical Therapy

Targeted exercises can strengthen abdominal muscles, improve flexibility, and relieve nerve compression.

3. Nerve Blocks and Injections

Injecting anesthetics or steroids near affected nerves can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. “Nerve blocks are both diagnostic and therapeutic,” says Dr. Sudberg. “They help us pinpoint the problem and provide immediate relief.”

4. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

For chronic nerve pain, RFA can deactivate pain signals from problematic nerves, providing longer-lasting relief.

5. Surgical Re-Intervention (as a last resort)

In rare cases where structural issues are contributing to pain, surgical correction may be considered—but only after conservative methods have been exhausted.

Long-Term Outlook and Recovery

While post-surgical hernia pain can be distressing, the good news is that most patients improve significantly with a combination of therapy and pain management strategies. Dr. Sudberg emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical expertise, physical rehabilitation, and sometimes psychological support.

“Pain isn’t just physical—it affects your confidence, your sleep, and your ability to live life normally,” Dr. Sudberg says. “Our goal is to return patients to full function, without relying on long-term medication or invasive procedures.”

Final Thoughts

Experiencing pain after hernia surgery isn’t a failure—it’s a signal from your body that deserves attention. With the right support and a skilled pain management specialist like Dr. Jordan Sudberg, patients can find real answers and regain comfort in their everyday lives.

If you or someone you love is dealing with ongoing discomfort following hernia repair, don’t wait. Early intervention can prevent chronic pain and set you on a faster path to full recovery.