People diagnosed with cancer often experience chronic pain, which is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months. Chronic pain in cancer patients can result from infection, blocked blood vessels, inflammation, tumors, bone metastasis, and cancer treatments. This persistent pain can be addressed in a variety of ways, including pain medication and alternative forms of relief.
A common method for dealing with chronic pain from cancer is prescription medication. There are three main forms — non-opioids, opioids, and rapid-onset opioids. Non-opioids are a preferred pain relief method because of the lack of risk of developing an addiction. Opioids and rapid-onset opioids are used for severe chronic pain and are effective, but long-term consistent use can result in the development of a tolerance to their effects and chemical dependency.
Injections and transdermal applications are also effective at treating chronic pain from cancer. Transdermal patches are applied to the skin and contain pain medication that is released over a period of time. Injections can be inserted under the skin or via an epidural. An epidural, which allows pain medication to be injected into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord — a method often used in child birth — is an effective blocker of overall body pain.
Anesthetics are less frequently used than other methods. The modes frequently utilized are laughing gas and barbiturate injections. These methods of dealing with chronic pain from cancer block nerve receptors, preventing pain from being transmitted to the central nervous system. Anesthetics are often used to bring relief to terminally ill patients.
Alternatives to traditional treatments can also provide relief to people suffering chronic pain from cancer. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) stimulates nerve endings with electrical currents. This effectively blocks the reception of pain.
Acupuncture, yoga, and massage therapy are also alternative methods used to treat chronic pain from cancer. Acupuncture involves inserting needles into the body at various energy points to provide natural relief. Yoga can be beneficial in combating the stress and tension associated with chronic pain from cancer. Massage therapy also can ease tight muscles, assist with overall relaxation, relieve pressure, and reduce inflammation.
Understanding pain and the options available for treating it are important elements of dealing with chronic pain from cancer. Support groups and enrichment activities allow one to connect socially with other sufferers. Interaction with others also is a way to discover new and innovative ways to manage chronic pain.
