Cancer is a life-changing diagnosis, but cancer pain does not have to control your life. Managing cancer pain is now recognized as an essential part of cancer treatment worldwide, helping patients stay active, maintain independence, and improve their quality of life. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we focus on comprehensive, personalized strategies to help our patients find real relief.
Understanding Cancer Pain
Cancer pain can arise from tumors pressing on bones, nerves, or organs. It can also result from treatments like surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation. The severity and type of pain vary widely based on the cancer’s location, stage, and the treatments being used. Managing cancer pain requires understanding these causes and tailoring a plan to each individual.
Medications for Managing Cancer Pain
Medications remain a foundation for managing cancer pain. The World Health Organization (WHO) developed the “analgesic ladder” to guide treatment. This three-step approach recommends starting with non-opioid medications for mild pain, adding mild opioids for moderate pain, and using strong opioids for severe pain. Adjuvant therapies can be incorporated at any step to target specific types of pain, such as nerve pain or inflammation.
Options include:
- Non-opioid medications: Acetaminophen and NSAIDs can help with mild to moderate pain, particularly bone pain.
- Opioids: Medications like morphine, hydromorphone, and fentanyl are used for severe or breakthrough pain.
- Adjuvant medications: Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and steroids can help control nerve pain and inflammation.
Adjusting doses and combinations allows us to control pain while minimizing side effects. We work closely with patients to find the safest and most effective medication regimen.
Interventional Procedures for Cancer Pain
When medications are not enough, advanced interventional treatments can provide powerful relief. These include:
- Nerve blocks: Injections that numb specific nerve pathways causing pain.
- Superior hypogastric plexus neurolysis: A treatment targeting severe pelvic cancer pain.
- Ganglion impar neurolysis: Used for rectal, perineal, or genital cancer pain.
- Celiac plexus neurolysis: Used for managing severe abdominal cancer pain, such as pancreatic or gastric cancer pain.
- Bone tumor ablation: Minimally invasive destruction of painful bone tumors.
- Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty: Procedures that stabilize spinal fractures caused by cancer.
- Sacroplasty: Stabilization of sacral insufficiency fractures.
- Intrathecal pump therapy: Direct delivery of medication to the spinal fluid for maximum relief with minimal side effects.
Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s specific pain pattern and needs, enhancing comfort and function.
Managing Cancer Pain with Non-Pharmacologic Therapies
We also incorporate non-drug therapies into managing cancer pain, enhancing healing and comfort beyond medications. We partner with and refer to trusted physical therapists, acupuncturists, and mental health providers to ensure our patients have access to these supportive services. Options include:
- Physical therapy: Gentle movement and strength-building to maintain mobility. Physical therapy can also help manage lymphedema, a common side effect after cancer treatment, by reducing swelling and improving comfort.
- Acupuncture: Shown to help some patients with cancer-related pain and nausea.
- Relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises, meditation, and guided imagery can reduce stress and ease pain.
- Diet and nutrition: Proper nutrition supports healing, strengthens the immune system, and may reduce inflammation and pain. Working with a dietitian can help patients maintain strength, manage treatment side effects, and improve overall quality of life.
These therapies often work best when combined with medications and interventional procedures, supporting the whole person holistically. By addressing physical, emotional, and psychological needs together, we aim to improve overall well-being, not just reduce pain.
Treating Bone Pain from Cancer
Bone metastases can cause some of the most severe cancer-related pain. Managing cancer pain from bone metastases often involves:
- Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty: Minimally invasive procedures that stabilize fractured vertebrae and relieve back pain. Learn more here.
- Radiation therapy: Targeted radiation can shrink tumors pressing on bones and nerves.
- Bone-strengthening medications: Drugs like bisphosphonates or denosumab help reduce fractures and bone pain.
Specialized Approaches for Complex Pain
Some cancer pain syndromes, such as neuropathic pain from chemotherapy, require specialized strategies. Treatments may include:
- Medications targeting nerve pain: Such as gabapentin or duloxetine.
- Nerve ablation: Like radiofrequency ablation for targeted, long-lasting pain relief.
- Bone tumor ablation: Minimally invasive procedures to shrink painful bone tumors. Learn more here.
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we personalize these treatments to each patient’s symptoms and goals.
The Importance of a Team Approach
Managing cancer pain often requires collaboration. We work with oncologists, surgeons, radiation specialists, and primary care doctors to ensure a coordinated plan. Our goal is simple: help you live as fully and comfortably as possible.
When to Seek Help for Cancer Pain
Pain should never be ignored or accepted as “just part of cancer.” If pain is limiting your sleep, mobility, or mood, it’s time to seek expert help. Early treatment not only prevents worsening pain but also helps preserve your overall quality of life. Addressing cancer pain promptly can restore comfort, maintain independence, and support emotional and psychological well-being.
How Red Butte Pain Solutions Can Help
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we believe that managing cancer pain is a crucial part of healing. We offer compassionate, expert care using the latest techniques to provide lasting relief. Our team will partner with you every step of the way to ensure your pain management plan fits your needs and your life.
You don’t have to face cancer pain alone. If you are struggling with cancer pain, we are here to help. Schedule now or call us at 602-633-4334 to learn more about your options for relief.