Cancer-related Pain

It is fairly common for individuals to experience pain while undergoing treatment for cancer – about 30 percent of patients do. Cancer pain can manifest itself in many ways. The type of pain you feel and the severity of your symptoms will vary depending on the type of cancer you have, the treatment being carried out, and how much the cancer has advanced. For example, your pain may be mild or severe, acute or chronic, dull, sharp or achy. It may be constant, or it can come and go.
At Paradigm Pain and Spine, we understand that each patient’s pain is different, so we tailor our treatment plans to meet your individual pain relief needs. We use the latest technologies and offer innovative treatments for excellence in pain care.

Causes of Cancer Pain

Cancer pain can be caused by the disease itself – for example, when a tumor puts pressure on one or more nerves, bones, or organs. A cancer tumor can block blood vessels, resulting in poor circulation; it can obstruct an organ and create subsequent health issues; and it can even cause fractures from pressuring being exerted on the bones. Each of these things can be a source of pain for cancer patients.

Symptoms may also appear as a result of hormones or proteins produced by the cancer, which can affect the function of otherwise healthy tissues and organs.

Cancer pain may also be caused by the treatments used to fight the cancer itself (i.e. surgery, chemotherapy, radiation). Certain treatments may cause inflammation or weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infection.

Cancer Pain Treatment

In many cases, cancer pain can be effectively managed using a combination of opioid and non-opioid analgesics. Most pain medications require a prescription and should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision.
Other treatment options for cancer-related pain include:

• Opioid and non-opioid analgesics
• Nerve blocks
• Intrathecal pumps (morphine pump)
• Neuroablative procedures
• Vertebroplasty
• Implantable epidural catheters
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
• Massage therapy

If you are experiencing cancer-related pain, contact us to make an appointment with one of our interventional pain management experts. There are many treatment options available to relieve pain symptoms and make you more comfortable during and after your cancer therapy.