Multimodal Pain Management: Key Facts You Should Know

Multimodal pain management and multimodal anesthesia are sophisticated approaches in modern medicine that combine various types of medications and anesthetics to effectively manage pain and improve postoperative recovery. This multimodal approach can be used before, during, and after procedures, and its primary goal is to reduce patients' reliance on narcotics (also known as opioids) and their associated side effects.

The method for multimodal pain management, also known as multimodal analgesia, carefully blends different medication groups - including local anesthetics, opioids, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and alpha-2 agonists. By selectively using these drugs in scientifically determined measurements and combinations, multimodal pain management and anesthesia offer enhanced pain control and address critical concerns of the opioid crisis.

Learn About the Multimodal Approach

• Discovering How Multimodal Pain Management Works?

• How Should I Prepare to Receive Multimodal Anesthesia?

• How is Multimodal Anesthesia Administered?

• What Are the Potential Side Effects of Multimodal Anesthesia?

• What Should I Do After Getting Multimodal Anesthesia?

• How Long Does It Take To Recover From Multimodal Anesthesia?

Discovering How Multimodal Pain Management Works

Instead of relying on one type of medication to manage pain after procedures and for anesthesia during them, the multimodal approach brings together various medicinal methods and deliveries to target pain at multiple levels. This approach helps manage pain during and after surgery while reducing the need for strong painkillers like opioids.

Every procedure is different, but the beauty of multimodal analgesia is that during procedures it gives physicians more ability to administer local anesthetics that act on different sections of the pain pathways in the body, numbing specific areas instead of rendering a patient unconscious.

This multimodal pain management approach is based on a deep understanding of how pain signals are processed in the body. While reducing opioid side effects, it also improves overall comfort and recovery after surgery. Another positive impact of this approach is its ability to reduce opioid reliance, helping to address the rising occurrence of opioid overdoses.

How Should I Prepare to Receive Multimodal Anesthesia?

Preparing for multimodal anesthesia involves several key steps to optimize pain management and ensure your body is ready. Preparation will begin well before the procedure, as certain medications may be prescribed to prepare your body. During your procedure, your doctor might use specific techniques like nerve blocks as a part of your pain management plan.

Before beginning any procedure, especially one that involves multimodal anesthesia and pain management, a thorough preoperative assessment is essential so that you can be given the medications that will work best for your body. This includes discussing any medications you're currently on, your medical and psychological history (and family history), any history of chronic pain or substance abuse, and your reactions to previous postoperative treatments and medications. From this assessment, a personalized multimodal plan will be created for you. Other ways you'll need to prepare include:

Following Dietary Guidelines: Follow your doctor's guidelines about when to stop eating and drinking before the surgery.

Pausing or Quitting Smoking Habits: If you are a smoker, it is advised to quit immediately and remain smoke-free for at least one week after your procedure to prevent complications with medication and to aid in a faster, smoother recovery.

Sharing All Medical Information: Have a list of all medications you're taking, including any herbal or natural remedies, and a summary of your medical history for your physician. Any medical information you can share about blood relatives will be helpful as well.

Planning Transportation: Ensure you have a responsible adult to take you home after the surgery.

Picking Loose, Comfortable Clothing: Wear clothes that are easy to put on and will accommodate any bandages or surgical dressings.

How is the Multimodal Approach Done?

Multimodal anesthesia is tailored to each patient's body and surgical needs, involving a combination of different drugs to induce the desired anesthetic effect. The goal is to not rely on opioids as the sole means of anesthesia.

For multimodal pain management, several different medicines will be given before, during, or after the procedure to ensure the procedure and recovery go smoothly. Pain relief medications can be administered in a few different ways:

• Injection: local anesthetics delivered directly to the desired area of the body

• Intravenous: liquid medication administered into a vein

• Oral: medication in pill form

• Topical: through a patch or cream applied to the skin

The multimodal pain relief plan is customized for each type of procedure and patient. Each patient will receive a scientifically curated, personalized cocktail of pain management drugs that will help them feel more alert and capable after their procedure.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Multimodal Anesthesia?

The side effects of multimodal anesthesia vary based on the types of medication used. While the goal of this approach is to lessen the side effects typically associated with anesthesia that heavily relies on opioids, common side effects may include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Respiratory depression

• Confusion

The specific side effects also depend on the combination of anesthesia used (like general, regional, local anesthesia, and sedation), the medication the patient is prescribed, and the type of procedure performed. For detailed information on the potential side effects of your specific multimodal plan, it's best to consult with your physician or anesthesiologist.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Multimodal Anesthesia?

Recovery time from multimodal anesthesia varies, depending on the types and combinations of anesthesia used. After the procedure, you will be required to take small doses of various medicines at scheduled intervals, which can enhance your comfort and alertness. This approach often speeds up discharge from the hospital, eases the transition to physical therapy, and can shorten the overall recovery duration. Here is what you can expect after each type of anesthesia:

General Anesthesia: While the multimodal approach aims to avoid general anesthesia, sometimes it is needed. Recovery involves monitoring in a recovery room for vital functions like breathing and heart rate. You might feel drowsy or experience side effects such as nausea or chills. Typically, patients stay in the recovery facility for a few hours before going home. It's important to have someone with you for the first 24 hours and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery, particularly if opioids are part of your pain management.

Sedation: While recovery from sedation is quicker than from general anesthesia, you will still need assistance going home. Avoid driving and ensure you have support for the first several hours post-procedure.

Regional Anesthesia: Recovery might include headaches; follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider regarding movement and activities.

Local Anesthetic: Recovery time is usually minimal, allowing you to go home as soon as you feel well. There are generally no restrictions on driving or other activities unless prescribed opioids for pain or the procedure limits these activities.

For optimal pain relief post-surgery, it may be recommended to use at least two different methods of pain management, ideally from four hours before to four hours after surgery. For less severe surgeries, safer and fewer pain management options may be used.

Trust Our Physicians with Your Multimodal Pain Management

Multimodal pain management offers a safe, comprehensive, and tailored approach to pain control before, during, and after surgery, significantly enhancing patient comfort and recovery. Talk to your physician to better understand the specific guidelines for preparation, administration, and postoperative care. With the multimodal approach, you can ensure a smoother and more effective recovery process.

To explore the benefits of multimodal pain management for your surgical needs and receive expert care, schedule an appointment with a Resurgens Orthopaedics physician today.