Cancer is a daunting diagnosis, and your treatment journey is often filled with many hurdles. One of the biggest challenges few people discuss is cancer pain.
At Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists (IPRMS) in Arlington, Virginia, our team of pain specialists is dedicated to helping patients manage cancer pain effectively.
Our providers understand that every patient's cancer experience is unique, and we work to provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs—including giving you information about little-discussed cancer pain.
Keep reading to learn five things no one tells you about cancer pain and how we can help.
Cancer pain comes in many forms and can vary widely from person to person. Understanding the specific type of pain you’re experiencing is crucial for effective management.
Here’s a breakdown of the different kinds of cancer pain you might encounter:
This deep, dull ache is common in patients with bone cancer or treatments affecting bone marrow, making everyday activities a struggle.
Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, which feels like burning, shooting, or tingling sensations, often results from chemotherapy, tumors pressing on nerves, or surgery. This pain can persist long after treatment.
Soft tissue pain might feel like throbbing, cramping, or stabbing sensations in your muscles, organs, or ligaments. This type of pain is common but can be hard to pinpoint.
Phantom pain occurs in areas of your body that have been surgically removed, like an arm, leg, or breast. This pain, caused by nerve damage, can range from mild tingling to severe discomfort.
Referred pain is when you feel discomfort in a different area from where the actual problem is. For example, surgery in your abdomen might cause pain that radiates to your shoulder or back.
Cancer pain can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and helplessness. The constant battle with pain can wear you down emotionally, making it harder to stay positive and engaged in your treatment.
It's important to address the emotional aspects of pain with the same seriousness as the physical symptoms.
Chronic cancer pain can interfere with your daily activities, making simple tasks like walking, eating, or sleeping difficult.
This can lead to a loss of independence and a decrease in your overall quality of life. It's important to find ways to manage pain effectively to maintain as much normalcy as possible.
Effective pain management requires open communication with your health care team. Unfortunately, many patients hesitate to report their pain or downplay it, fearing they might appear weak or complain too much.
However, honest communication about your pain levels and how they affect you is key to finding the right treatment approach and helping you maintain a good quality of life.
At Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists, we understand that cancer pain is complex and unique to each individual.
Our team of specialists develops personalized cancer pain management plans that consider your type of cancer, its location, your symptoms, and your overall health.
Here’s a look at some of the treatments that are particularly effective in managing cancer pain:
Opioids are strong painkillers that can be very effective for managing severe cancer pain. They block pain signals in your brain and can be tailored to your specific pain levels.
However, they must be used under close supervision due to the risk of serious side effects and potential dependence.
These medications help manage nerve pain by altering how your brain processes pain signals. They can be especially useful for neuropathic pain caused by the cancer or its treatment.
Steroids can reduce inflammation and swelling, easing pain. They are often used for pain associated with tumors pressing on nerves or other tissues and also improve mobility and function.
Nerve blocks involve injecting anesthetics or other medications directly into or around nerves to block pain signals. This method can provide long-term pain relief for certain types of cancer pain and can be particularly effective when other treatments have not worked.
Oncology massages are specialized massages designed for cancer patients to help reduce pain, anxiety, and fatigue, promoting overall relaxation and well-being.
Physical therapy helps manage pain and improve function by strengthening muscles, improving mobility, and reducing stiffness. It can enhance your overall quality of life and help you maintain independence during cancer treatment.
If you’re struggling with cancer pain, don’t wait to seek help. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists in Northern Virginia.
