Stinging on my right side after back surgery.

I have had 3 back surgeries and on my last surgery i have been having a severe stinging like thousands of needle
sticking me. I have been to several doctors and no one seems to know what it is. I have tried shots and am on lyreca. The pain from the stinging starts at the incision aea and goes around to my side.The pain is so bad i have to take my shirt off because its worse if something touches  my side. What is it? and what can i do.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Local back pain can be the result of irritation of or damage to structures of the spine (e.g., periosteum, ligament, dura, and joints). The pain is usually exacerbated by activities that cause these structures to have increased pressure load (e.g., prolonged sitting or walking up steps). Prolonged irritation of these joints can cause muscle spasm which are typically described as a diffuse, burning pain.

The stinging that you are experiencing may be related to injury to the nerve (i.e., neuropathic pain) that supplies the skin at the level of your surgery. (It is difficult to comment since I don’t know where the surgery was and can’t examine the area where your pain is occurring). The treatment for these types of pains include pregabalin, which you are taking. Other medications include gabapentin, amitriptyline, etc. There are other options – medically and non-medical – for chronic neuropathic pain. You should discuss your options with your primary care physician. If the pain is not controlled, you may benefit from a referral to a chronic pain specialist.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.