Why does cancer cause pain?
There are several reasons why having cancer can cause pain, including:
- The growth of large tumors that press on nerves and organs
- Cancer cells invading bones and organs
- Undergoing medical procedures such as biopsies and spinal taps
- Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Surgical removal of tumors
As well as the pain you may experience, treatments have the potential to cause nerve damage, leading to additional pain that is often shooting or sharp. Research has shown that around one in three patients with cancer suffers from severe pain, which gets worse as the cancer advances or metastasizes.
How is cancer pain managed?
To enable your doctor to help you manage cancer pain, it’s important to give them as many details about the pain as possible, including:
- Location
- Severity
- Duration
- What makes it better
- What makes it worse
Initial treatment options include over-the-counter pain-relieving medication, but if these aren’t effective or lose their effect, your doctor can prescribe a stronger painkiller.
Other treatment options for relieving cancer pain include:
- Specific types of antidepressant medication
- Biofeedback
- Anti-seizure medication
- Nerve blocks
- Epidural injections
- Implantable drug pumps
Massage, acupuncture, and physical therapies can also be beneficial for patients with cancer, helping relieve pain and promote relaxation.
Why is pain management so important for cancer patients?
The experience of having cancer is one that everybody fears because it can make you feel extremely sick, the treatments can be unpleasant and distressing, and some patients inevitably have to face the prospect that their cancer is terminal.
All these factors mean being diagnosed with cancer can have a devastating effect on your life, your body, and your mental health. If you also have to deal with severe or constant pain, it makes everything far worse, so finding ways to manage cancer pain can reduce the severity of the disease’s impact on your life.
If you have concerns about cancer or you’re looking for effective treatment options, the highly qualified pain specialists at Chicagoland Pain Management have the knowledge and experience to help you through this challenging time. Call the clinic today to arrange a consultation, or book an appointment online.
