Lap-Band surgery
Lap-Band surgery constricts the size of the stomach to reduce the consumption of food and aid weight loss. Patients may experience shoulder pain after surgery, which can be more painful than abdominal or incision pain. During this laparoscopic procedure, carbon dioxide gas is injected just below the navel to puff up the area and allow the surgeon to see better. Pain occurs because the diaphragm and shoulder share some of the same nerves (like the phrenic nerve). Gas irritates the nerves and refers pain to the shoulder. There are shoulder ache solutions that can help after Lap-Band surgery.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen, also known by the brand name Tylenol, can help ease shoulder aches after Lap-Band surgery. It is recommended because it is relatively safe if taken as directed and will not irritate the stomach, which is important after an operation involving the abdominal area. Acetaminophen will help with mild to moderate shoulder pain but is not good for reducing inflammation, since it contains no anti-inflammatory properties.
Codeine
Codeine is a narcotic pain medicine. Like acetaminophen, it can be used to ease mild to moderate shoulder aches after Lap-Band surgery. Just as with any medicine, follow the doctor's instructions and take only as prescribed.
Massage
Another way to ease shoulder pain is through massage. Reach the unaffected arm over the opposite shoulder and do squeezes. Or better yet, ask a friend to massage your shoulders. Starting at the top, have the friend rub and push downward on either sides of the spine and between the shoulder blades.
Heat
The application of heat can also ease shoulder aches from Lap-Band surgery. Apply a heat pack (moist packs work best since the heat can penetrate deeper) to the sore shoulder for 10 to 15 minutes, once per hour, or as directed by a doctor, until the pain is lessened.
Exercise
Sometimes, gentle exercise can help with shoulder soreness. Walk to increase circulation and gently swing your arms, or just raise your arms. This may help expel some of the carbon dioxide gas, which can then lead to pain relief.
Body Positions
After Lap-Band surgery, some patients find that standing helps ease shoulder pain, while others feel that lying down is more beneficial. When you find the best position, choose that position until the pain subsides.
Cold Therapy
Some patients may experience better shoulder ache relief from cold therapy instead of, or in addition to, heat. Place an ice pack on the affected shoulder areas like you would a heat pack--for 10 minutes per hour. However, remove the ice pack earlier than 10 minutes if the cold begins to feel uncomfortable. Alternatively, rubbing a cooling gel or cream onto the shoulder area may help, such as Ben Gay or Biofreeze.
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