In this article, we will discuss what is Cancer Pain and how to can pain management therapy help you. Cancer is a dreaded disease for the common man. One of the most challenging aspects is living with Cancer Pain. It can take many forms. It may be dull, sharp, intermittent, constant, burning, stabbing, moderate or severe. The kind of pain experienced depends on a number of factors, including the type of cancer, its staging, its location and the pain threshold of the person. Cancer pain greatly affects the quality of life of the patient. Understanding the type and mechanism of pain associated with each type of cancer is important to choosing the right course of treatment.

Causes of Cancer Pain

As cancer cells grow and invade other tissues and organs, they start releasing inflammatory mediators and chemicals that lead to pain.

• Growth of the tumor and its spread to adjacent tissues and organs
• From cancer surgery- post-surgical pain is common in patients whose tumour was removed via surgery.
• Cancer Treatment- chemotherapy or radiation therapy often has painful side effects.
• Breakthrough pain- a sudden, severe pain that is not controlled with prescribed medications.

Points to Consider While Treating Cancer Pain

• The severity of the pain
• Its type. Whether it is stabbing, burning, sharp or dull
• The location of the pain in the body. How closely it is associated with the tumour?
• Aggravating and relieving factors of the pain.
• The pain relief measures that the patient is already using such as certain medications, hot or cold packs etc.
• Any other visual symptoms like redness or swelling associated with the cancer pain.

Medications for Cancer Pain

• Medications are often the first line of defence in managing cancer pain. Doctors may prescribe a variety of drugs, including:
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can be effective in managing mild to moderate cancer pain.
• Opioids: Opioids such as morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone are potent pain relievers that can be used to manage moderate to severe cancer pain. These drugs are highly regulated, and doctors must monitor patients closely for signs of dependence, addiction, or overdose.
• Antidepressants and anticonvulsants: These drugs can help manage nerve pain and improve mood in cancer patients.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and manage pain caused by cancer or its treatments.

Non-Pharmacological Therapies

• In addition to medications, several non-pharmacological therapies can help manage cancer pain. These include:
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and relieve pain.
• Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, which can help manage cancer pain.
• Meditation: Meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can worsen cancer pain. By promoting relaxation, meditation can help reduce pain levels.
• Hypnosis: Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that uses suggestion and relaxation to help manage pain and other symptoms.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help manage pain by improving mobility and function, reducing muscle tension, and promoting healing.

Interventional therapies for Cancer Pain

• Interventional therapies involve more invasive procedures, such as nerve blocks or spinal cord stimulation. These therapies are typically reserved for patients with severe pain that is not responding to other treatments.
• Nerve Blocks: Nerve blocks involve injecting a local anaesthetic into a nerve to block pain signals.
• Spinal cord stimulation: Spinal cord stimulation involves implanting a device that delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord to block pain signals.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: Radiofrequency ablation involves using heat to destroy nerve tissue that is causing pain.