It's rare for a patient to become addicted to opioids after surgery. Opioids may cause drowsiness, nausea, constipation or itching. They can also interfere with breathing or urination. Local anesthetics, like bupivacaine, can be given in a shot near your incision or through a small tube in your back. These medicines block the nerves that send pain signals.
Local anesthetics are effective for severe pain.
Shots at the incision block pain just at that place. There is little or no risk of drowsiness, constipation or breathing problems. Local anesthetics reduce your need for opioids. Several shots are needed to keep the pain relief going, but too much local anesthetic could cause problems. Even average doses may cause you to feel dizzy or your legs to feel weak.