5 Things No One Told You About Managing Cancer Pain

If you have cancer, we understand the challenges you might have when it comes to managing your pain. Although not all cancer patients experience chronic pain, if you do, you need relief.

Despite advancements in cancer treatment and pain management, it can still be a struggle to manage your pain effectively.

Here at Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute, Ronak D. Patel, MD, and our compassionate, expert pain management team want to help you understand what causes your cancer pain and how it can affect you. We’ll also list some of our treatment options that can give you the relief you need and deserve.

Why cancer causes chronic pain

Chronic pain in cancer patients can be caused by a variety of factors. The tumor itself can cause pressure on surrounding tissues, nerves, and organs. In addition, cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause damage to your healthy tissues, which can lead to chronic pain.

What you should know about cancer pain

It’s important to understand how your cancer pain can affect you. Here are five things you may not know:

1. Pain is not always physical

Most patients think of cancer pain as just physical pain, but this is far from true. It can take a toll on you physically, emotionally, and psychologically. You can experience anxiety, depression, loss of sleep, fear, and stress, which can all contribute to pain.

Addressing these issues is critical for managing pain effectively. Family support, counseling, and other therapies can help you with the emotional and psychological effects. We can provide guidance and resources to help with all aspects of your pain.

2. Medications may have side effects

Pain medications, including opioids, are effective in managing pain. However, these medications may have side effects that can be severe. Constipation, drowsiness, nausea, and confusion are common side effects of pain medications. It’s essential to understand the potential side effects so you can know how to manage them.

3. Not all pain is equal

Cancer pain can vary in intensity, duration, and location. Some pain may occur only at certain times of the day or be triggered by certain activities. Understanding what you’re experiencing, such as feelings of sharp, dull, stabbing, or throbbing pain, can help us determine the best course of treatment for you.

4. Pain management is not a one-size-fits-all approach

Every patient experiences pain differently, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution to managing it. What works for one patient may not work for another. 

A multidisciplinary approach to pain management that incorporates medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other complementary therapies can help. That’s why we offer options, such as regenerative medicine that includes platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy, medical marijuana, and many other treatments for pain.

Working closely with our pain management team ensures you receive a customized treatment plan that meets your individual needs.

5. Communication is key

Communication is a must when seeking answers for your pain management. We can provide you with valuable support to manage your pain well and help you maintain your quality of life.

Managing cancer pain can be challenging and overwhelming, but when you communicate with us, we can learn about your symptoms and the severity of your pain and find out how it affects your daily life. Getting these answers helps us develop an effective pain management plan for you.

We walk alongside you and help you stay positive as we continue to help you manage your pain effectively.

If you have cancer pain, we can help. Call or book an appointment online at the office closest to you in Plainsboro or Manalapan Township, New Jersey, today.