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Pain in the hospital

Your hospital stay should be as comfortable as possible. Learn about ways to help.
ON THIS PAGE:

Overview

Some pain during your hospital stay is normal. Your doctor will explain what to expect and how long it may last based on what is causing it.

Learn how your care team treats pain, how to describe your pain clearly to help them provide the best relief, and tips for managing pain safely after you leave the hospital.

Learn more

Pain can be managed effectively in the hospital, with your care team helping you stay as comfortable as possible.

Ways to manage pain

Pain management in the hospital means your pain is checked and treated using medicine, different therapies and compassionate care to support your recovery and well-being.

  • Managing your pain after surgery
    Pain is part of the normal healing process after surgery. The first few days are usually the worst. Your pain should improve a little each day.
  • 8 ways to help manage your pain in the hospital
    Important tips to provide you with the tools to learn about your pain, speak up for yourself with care specialists and understand how best to manage your pain.
  • Care instructions: Acute pain after surgery
    It's common to have some pain after surgery. Pain doesn't mean that something is wrong or that the surgery didn't go well. But when the pain is severe, it's important to work with your doctor to manage it.
Current as of: February 20, 2026
Author: Alberta Virtual Pain Program, Primary Care Alberta
Our work takes place on historical and contemporary Indigenous lands, including the territories of Treaty 6, Treaty 7 & Treaty 8 and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta and 8 Métis Settlements. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous communities that have been forged in urban centres across Alberta.