Cancer Pain Is Different Than Other Types of Pain: Here's How to Manage It
Several factors contribute to cancer pain. Depending on the type, location, and stage of the cancer, the disease itself may be one source of pain. Cancer pain can also be a side effect of treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
If you’re experiencing cancer-related pain, we can help. At Republic Spine and Pain, our pain management specialists offer cancer pain treatment at three convenient locations in Austin, Lakeway, and Georgetown, Texas.
You don’t have to settle for living with cancer pain
Cancer is a complex disease, and many patients undergo multiple forms of treatment for months or even years, all of which can contribute to some form of pain. The good news is that like other forms of acute and chronic pain, cancer-related pain is also manageable. In fact, treating your cancer pain can help with your recovery by allowing you to stay as active and comfortable as possible. Pain can also take an emotional and psychological toll during this challenging and often overwhelming time.
Types of cancer pain
Some of the most common causes of cancer pain include:
- Nerve pain
- Spinal compression
- Bone pain
- Phantom pain
- Surgical recovery pain
- Side effects from chemotherapy or radiation
As the American Cancer Society points out, many (but not all) cancer patients experience pain, but it shouldn’t be ignored or accepted as normal or part of the process.
How to manage cancer pain
Like cancer, pain is complex and there is no single solution. Pain management plans are customized to target and address your individual health and wellness needs. Even in cases where pain is unavoidable, there are solutions to help ease your symptoms so that you’re comfortable and can enjoy improvements to your quality of life.
Our interventional pain management specialists create a custom plan depending on the cause and severity of your pain, and your overall cancer treatment plan. Typical cancer pain solutions at Republic Spine and Pain include:
- Intrathecal injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Nerve blocks
Cancer pain management is comprehensive. Even in cases where pain and the side effects of your cancer treatment can’t be alleviated completely, seeking treatment for your pain can have a significant impact on your recovery and quality of life while you battle this disease.
For more information about cancer pain management and treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at our Austin, Lakeway, or Georgetown, Texas locations.