7 Ways To Manage Your Cancer Pain

Having cancer doesn’t always mean it will cause pain. But if your cancer spreads and becomes more advanced, your chances increase for potentially debilitating pain. Cancer treatments may also be a source of discomfort.

Cancer pain comes in many forms, often depending on the type and location of the tumor. It could be constant or intermittent. It could be a sharp burning sensation or a dull ache. Radiation treatments can burn your skin, while chemotherapy can damage nerves, leading to pain, numbness and tingling in your feet and hands.

This pain doesn’t have to define or control your life. There are many ways to manage cancer pain, but it’s critical for you to be honest with your doctor and care team. You might hesitate to reveal the extent of you pain, but that essentially deprives you of the chance for pain relief. Remember that every patient is different. If you need help, ask for it.

With that in mind, let’s explore some of the options.

Medication

There are many medications available to help with pain and other side effects, including depression and seizures. Over-the-counter pain relievers can manage mild or moderate levels of pain. For more intense pain, your doctor may consider prescribing powerful opioid-based drugs, such as morphine or oxycodone. These come in various forms, with some offering quick relief and others designed for longer-term relief.

Medical Procedures

Depending on the source and location of the pain, relief may be provided through a nerve block or radiation therapy. With nerve blocks, your doctor will inject medicine (pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs) around a nerve or bundle of nerves. The treatment blocks those nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. Palliative radiation can be used to shrink a tumor that is causing pain by pressing against a nerve, bone or organ.

Physical Therapy

One of the side effects of cancer pain is that it may discourage you from being active. As a result, the rest of your body suffers as well. Physical therapy can help you deal with muscle weakness, balance problems and limited range of motion. Getting you moving again allows you to regain independence and improve your overall quality of life.

Massage

Massage therapy can help manage the severity of your pain, while also relieving fatigue and anxiety. Massage sessions can reduce muscle soreness, stiffness and spasms. And by helping you relax and boosting your blood circulation, it may have some benefit in terms of healing and recovery.

Acupuncture

We’re still learning about the potential value of acupuncture for cancer patients. Acupuncture uses sterile, hair-thin needles that are inserted into various “acupuncture points” and then gently moved. This action is designed to stimulate your nervous system to release natural painkillers. Studies have offered mixed results, but some patients have reported improvements in pain, fatigue and nausea symptoms.

Meditation and Relaxation

Pain can take a toll on your entire body by depriving you of sleep and contributing to depression and anxiety. Meditation and relaxation exercises can help you balance your emotions and calm your mind. They can also ease pain, stress and fatigue, helping you get a good night’s rest. Meditation can take many forms, but generally includes four key elements:

• Find a quiet place with no distractions
• Choose a specific posture (sitting or lying down) or movement (walking)
• Focus your attention on a word, specific object or your breathing
• Keep your mind open, allowing thoughts to come and go without judging them

Distraction

Finding ways to keep your mind off your cancer and the related pain can help you keep a more positive outlook. Look for things you can do alone or with a friend or relative. Among the possibilities:

• Watch a movie
• Listen to a favorite podcast
• Read a book
• Take a walk on the beach, in a garden or in a wildlife area
• Work on a large jigsaw puzzle
• Take a dance class
• Learn how to do a new hobby