Cancer occurs when the cells in the body begin to grow uncontrollably. This growth can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The type of cancer depends on where in the body it starts and what kind of cells are being affected. The effects of cancer pain in Delray Beach are devastating and can cause severe distress in both the patient and their loved ones.
Below are some ways of managing cancer pain:
Medications
Cancer pain can be managed through various medications, including narcotic analgesics, non-narcotic analgesics, skeletal muscle relaxants, and antidepressants. Narcotic analgesics are opioids such as morphine or oxycodone. Non-narcotic analgesics include acetaminophen or ibuprofen. There are also skeletal muscle relaxants which include baclofen or tizanidine.
Alternative therapies
Alternate therapies may help you manage your pain without resorting to drugs or other medications that could be harmful over time. Some people choose massage therapy or acupuncture as an alternative treatment option. Other patients find relief from chiropractic adjustments or physical therapy sessions.
Nutritional support
Nutrition support also helps improve your quality of life during treatment and recovery periods. High-quality nutrition can provide you with more energy and nutrients that keep you feeling strong during stressful periods, such as undergoing chemotherapy treatment or going through radiation therapy for cancer treatment elsewhere in your body.
Mind-body techniques
The mind-body connection is well established in oncology. Several studies have shown that mind-body approaches such as meditation, yoga, and massage can be beneficial. One study showed that the use of a specific breathing technique called progressive muscle relaxation reduced anxiety and pain levels in cancer patients. It also helped them sleep better at night.
In addition to using mind-body techniques, it’s important to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains. Exercise can also help reduce stress levels, which can play a role in pain control.
Palliative care
Palliative care can help relieve symptoms of cancer pain so you can continue your daily activities and enjoy life as fully as possible. This type of care is designed for people who are coping with cancer to improve their quality of life through symptom relief and support during times of transition, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy treatments.
What to do if you have cancer pain
If you have cancer and are experiencing pain, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. This can help them provide the best treatment options for you. Depending on your cancer type, your healthcare provider may have different recommendations for managing your pain. For instance, if you have lung cancer, they might recommend medication that helps with inflammation or a specific kind of radiation therapy that’s more effective in treating some types of lung cancer.
There are indeed a lot of ways to manage cancer pain, but not all of them work for everyone. Your doctor may recommend a range of treatments. The key is to liaise with your doctor until you find the right solution for you. Schedule an appointment with Florida Pain Management Institute and learn more about cancer pain management options.
