If you’ve just had surgery, you may be in the 80% of patients who experience post-operative pain. Pain and discomfort after a surgical procedure is normal and expected, and usually managed using opioid medications or other analgesic drugs. However, a gap persists in treating the actual cause of acute post-operative pain.
In addition to a poorer quality of life, ineffective management of post-op pain affects satisfaction with the surgery outcome, contributes to post-op complications, and prolongs in-patient stay in the hospital.
An Alternative to Pharmaceutical Drugs
Increasing evidence is pointing to the therapeutic potential of vitamin C to help alleviate post-op pain. A systematic review published in June this year found that patients who received vitamin C (either orally or via IV infusion) prior, during, or after their surgery experienced:
- A reduction in post-operative pain intensity
- A lower requirement for opioid pain management
By decreasing the dosage of opioid drugs, such as morphine and fentanyl, we can also reduce the risk of complications and adverse effects from these medications.
How Does Vitamin C Help with Post-Op Pain?
Though scientists have observed the analgesic properties of vitamin C for some time, we don’t yet have a complete understanding of how this works. But we do know that vitamin C:
- Is a powerful antioxidant, potentially combating the oxidative stress associated with tissue damage, inflammation, and pain after surgery
- Modulates inflammation, lowering pro-inflammatory compounds and supporting tissue recovery
- Supports collagen production, enhancing tissue healing and regeneration
- Provides neural protection through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, possibly helping to alleviate nerve-related pain
- Is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, including those associated with pain relief, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine
IV Vitamin C with Professional Integrative Medicine
We have been providing tailored vitamin C infusions to Adelaide and surrounding communities for years, supporting recovery from a range of conditions, including post-operative pain. Severe or chronic pain should always be assessed by a qualified health professional. Book your appointment with us today to find out whether IV nutrient therapy can help you.
Reference
Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska W, Lange S, Dąbrowski S, Długoborska K, Piotrkowska R. Vitamin C as an Adjuvant Analgesic Therapy in Postoperative Pain Management. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025; 14(11):3994.