If you or a loved one has ever experienced cancer, then you know the toll that this disease can take. Compared to other conditions, cancer-related pain tends to be more complex, intense and impactful. In addition to physical pain, many patients undergo severe emotional stress that negatively affects quality of life. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at cancer pain management, including how cancer affects pain perception and the importance of specialized care. We’ll also explore chronic pain treatments and the benefits of working with Aspire Pain Relief Institute in Tampa.
Understanding Cancer Pain and Its Impact on Pain Perception
In the United States alone, millions of people struggle with cancer every year. In general, cancer pain tends to be worse than other types of pain due to the following physical and psychological factors:
- Multifaceted pain: Cancer pain may be acute, chronic or intermittent, which can make it more difficult to manage. Furthermore, cancer can affect organs, which leads to problems in cancer-free areas of the body.
- Tumor pressure: Cancerous tumors can press on surrounding nerves, bones and organs, which results in severe localized or radiating pain.
- Bone metastasis: Cancer may spread to the bones, which causes a sharp, aching pain that worsens with movement.
- Treatment side effects: Many common cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, come with painful side effects.
- Nerve damage: Things like tumor pressure and chemotherapy can damage the nerves and cause neuropathic pain.
- Phantom pain: If your cancer treatment required amputation, you may still feel pain in the removed area. This psychological effect is known as “phantom pain.”
- Emotional impact: Managing cancer pain and going through invasive treatments can negatively impact mental wellness. Many cancer patients experience increased levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
- Heightened sensitivity (hyperalgesia): By altering the nervous system, cancer treatments can affect a patient’s perception of pain and make them more sensitive to painful stimuli.
Due to the complex nature of cancer pain, treatments should follow a multidisciplinary approach that addresses both physical and emotional symptoms. In addition to traditional cancer treatments, patients may benefit from complementary chronic pain treatments and mental coping strategies.
Tailored Treatment Plans for Cancer Pain
Cancer treatments don’t always reduce pain. In fact, many common treatments actually exacerbate discomfort. If you’re looking for cancer pain relief, specialized care may help. At Aspire Pain Relief Institute, we offer innovative therapies designed to reduce pain connected to cancer. Our treatments include the following:
- Non-pharmacological interventions: These treatments use a combination of physical and psychological methods to lower pain. They may include physical therapy, nerve stimulation and relaxation techniques.
- Medication management: When used responsibly, medication can help lower pain levels. We practice ethical medication management, which involves monitoring results to reduce adverse effects.
- Complementary therapies: Complementary therapies can be combined with traditional treatments to enhance pain relief. They may involve acupuncture, massage therapy and nutritional support.
Ideally, chronic pain treatments should be paired with mental wellness practices to help minimize emotional stress. Many patients benefit from coping strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and at-home self-care practices. Patients and their families can also rely on resources such as their healthcare providers or cancer support groups. Ultimately, it’s best to utilize holistic treatments that benefit the mind, body and overall wellness.
Cancer Pain Management Treatments at Aspire Pain Relief
Looking for cancer pain relief? Whether your pain is caused by cancer itself or invasive treatments, our team can help. We offer specialized care plans that address the root physical and psychological causes of pain, as opposed to just the symptoms. Furthermore, we personalize treatments to address the unique needs of every patient. Through a tailored, multidisciplinary approach, we aim to reduce pain and improve quality of life. Schedule your consultation today!