Cancer pain can be dull, sharp, persistent, or occasional, depending on its location. It can occur from the cancerous cells or following cancer treatment. Greenbelt cancer pain can be manageable, whether from the primary affected cells or a metastasized area. Cancer pain tends to intensify from the initial stages towards the advanced stages as the cancerous tumors grow.
Types of cancer pain
The following are different types of cancer pain.
Bone and joint pain
You can have bone and joint pain if cancerous tumors grow near or in joints or bones. If you have bone cancer, you can experience bone pain or if cancer metastasizes from your lungs or prostate. During the early stages of your bone cancer, you might only have pain at night or when you are active. Once cancer reaches advanced stages, the pain becomes persistent and severe.
Spine pain
Spine pain can occur due to cancer affecting your back or if cancer has metastasized from other organs like the breasts, kidneys, or lungs. You can experience pain in your neck, middle of the back, and lower back (lumbar spine). The pain occurs due to the cancerous cells pressing your nerves and causing damage.
Post-op pain
You can experience post-operative pain after receiving surgical treatment. Your specialist can recommend removing cancerous tumors from the affected tissues in your body. During recovery, you will experience pain as your treatment site heals. You can use oral medications or injections to manage your pain.
Mucositis
Mucositis is the inflammation of your mouth and gut due to cancer treatment like chemotherapy or radiation. Although the condition is painful, it improves after completing your treatment. Your doctor might recommend better hygiene standards and hydration to keep your mouth moist and minimize the symptoms.
Other types of cancer pain include neuropathy, abdominal pain, phantom limb pain, and muscle spasms.
Treatment options
The following are common methods of managing cancer pain.
Medication management
You can take oral medications or injections to manage your pain. If over-the-counter painkillers don’t offer relief, talk to your doctor for a stronger dosage. In other cases, you can receive intrathecal morphine pumps implanted in your spinal cord and deliver medication to the source of your pain.
Physical therapy
Through manual therapy, physical therapy can help keep your muscle and bone tissues flexible and prevent stiffness. The key is to keep your body moving to promote blood circulation and help with fluid drainage. Your physical therapist can recommend other exercises like walking, swimming, or jogging to keep your heart rate up.
Nerve block
If you are receiving lung or breast cancer treatment, your pain specialist can suggest a nerve block as a pain management option. During the treatment, your doctor can inject pain-relieving medication or surgically cut the affected nerves. Depending on your needs and the doctor’s technique, the treatment can last for one month or up to one year.
If you are experiencing pain from cancer or as an aftermath of cancer treatment, visit Pain Management Associates LLC for a treatment plan. The available team at the center will evaluate your symptoms to ascertain the best pain management option. Call or book your appointment online to manage your cancer pain.
