Cancer pain is a type of chronic pain caused by the proliferation and spread of cancerous cells in the body. Cancer can cause it, as can treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Aching, burning, or shooting pain are some of the symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Cancer pain in Delray Beach can be a challenging experience, and effective pain management is critical for improving the quality of life of cancer patients.
A cancer diagnosis can be a life-changing event that can significantly impact a person’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. The diagnosis process typically involves a combination of medical tests, such as imaging scans and biopsies, to confirm the presence of cancer and determine the type and stage of the disease.
After a cancer diagnosis, individuals may experience various emotions, including fear, anxiety, and depression. It is important to have a support system and seek healthcare professionals’ help to manage a cancer diagnosis’s physical and emotional aspects.
Ways cancer pain can affect your life
Cancer pain can significantly impact a person’s daily life, causing physical discomfort and limiting their ability to carry out normal activities. The constant pain can lead to sleep disturbances and fatigue, further exacerbating physical and emotional symptoms. Cancer pain can also have a negative impact on a person’s relationships and overall quality of life. For these reasons, it is important to effectively manage cancer pain to improve a person’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
Cancer pain management
Cancer pain management is a multi-disciplinary approach that involves various healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and therapists. It is important to have an individualized treatment plan that considers the pain’s type, severity, and location, as well as the person’s overall health status and personal preferences.
Below are the different ways to manage cancer pain:
Medications
When you experience cancer, the doctor can prescribe pain-relieving medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and nerve blockers, to manage cancer pain. The choice of medication will depend on the type and severity of the pain.
Interventional procedures
They are minimally invasive medical procedures used to manage cancer pain. Some common interventional procedures include:
- Nerve blocks involve injecting an anesthetic or steroid medication near a specific nerve to block pain signals.
- Nerve stimulation: Nerve stimulation involves the placement of electrodes on or near the affected nerves to provide pain relief through the delivery of low-level electrical stimulation.
- Radiofrequency ablation: Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure in which high-frequency radio waves destroy nerve tissue, reducing pain.
Physical and occupational therapy
Physical and occupational therapy can play an important role in managing cancer pain. These therapies can help cancer patients improve their physical function, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life.
Physical therapy focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and range of motion through exercises and other techniques. This can help cancer patients maintain physical function, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being.
Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals with cancer perform daily activities, such as self-care, work, and leisure activities, to the best of their ability. Occupational therapists may use adaptive equipment and other assistive devices to help individuals with cancer perform daily activities more easily and with less pain.
Speak to your doctor at Florida Pain Management Institute about cancer pain management.
