How Red Butte Pain Solutions Helps

Cancer pain affects many individuals fighting this challenging disease. Whether the pain stems from the cancer itself or the treatments you’re undergoing, managing it is crucial to maintaining quality of life. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we’re here to help residents throughout Arizona find the relief they deserve and improve their day-to-day comfort.

Cancer pain can be complex and varies widely from person to person. It may result from the cancer growing into or damaging nearby tissues. Alternatively, the pain might arise as a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Even if your cancer is in remission, pain can linger or reappear. No matter its cause, you don’t have to live with discomfort. We’re dedicated to helping you understand and manage your pain as effectively as possible.

Why Do People with Cancer Experience Pain?

Cancer pain comes in different forms and can vary in intensity. Some people experience sharp, shooting pain, while others feel a constant ache. To provide effective pain management, it’s important to distinguish between the different sources of pain, which generally fall into two categories:

Cancer Pain Caused Directly By Cancer

Cancer itself can cause various types of pain as it spreads and affects different body systems. Some common types include:

• Bone Pain and Vertebral Compression Fractures: As cancer spreads to the bones, it may weaken them, leading to fractures. Vertebral compression fractures, especially in cancers that spread to the spine, can cause intense back pain and may affect mobility. This type of pain is often deep, throbbing, and worsens with movement.
• Nerve Pain: If a tumor presses on or damages nearby nerves, it can cause neuropathic pain. This type of pain is often sharp, shooting, or burning and can radiate down a limb or to other areas. Nerve pain can make everyday activities challenging, as even minor movements can trigger sharp discomfort.
• Soft Tissue Pain: Cancer in organs or muscles, such as the liver, lungs, or abdominal muscles, may lead to dull, aching pain that worsens as the tumor grows. This pain is often constant and can intensify over time, making it harder to find relief.
• Phantom Pain: For those who have had surgery to remove a body part (such as a limb or breast), “phantom pain” may occur. This is pain that feels like it’s coming from the removed part and can range from mild to severe, often requiring specialized pain management approaches.

Cancer Pain from Cancer Treatments

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy are designed to target cancer cells but can sometimes damage healthy cells, resulting in various types of pain:

• Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: Chemotherapy can damage nerves, leading to a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This type of pain often causes tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the hands and feet. Neuropathy can be especially challenging because it may persist even after chemotherapy has ended, affecting mobility and quality of life.
• Radiation-Induced Pain: Radiation therapy aims to destroy cancer cells but can also cause damage to surrounding tissues, leading to skin irritation, tissue inflammation, and scarring. Radiation may also cause internal pain if it affects organs close to the treatment area, such as the lungs, bowels, or bladder. Some patients experience long-term pain in areas where radiation was applied, which may require ongoing management.
• Immunotherapy-Related Pain: Immunotherapy activates the immune system to fight cancer cells, which can sometimes lead to pain as the immune system attacks both cancerous and healthy tissues. Common pain symptoms from immunotherapy include joint pain, muscle aches, and sometimes swelling or stiffness in the joints. These side effects can feel similar to arthritis, making movement uncomfortable or painful.
• Surgical Pain: Surgery to remove cancerous tumors is often necessary, but it can lead to postoperative pain as tissues heal. In some cases, surgery may result in long-term nerve pain or scar tissue that causes discomfort. Pain after surgery may be temporary, but it sometimes requires additional treatments, especially if nerve damage has occurred.

Distinguishing between pain caused directly by cancer and pain from treatments helps us create a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we work with you to identify the most effective pain management techniques based on your unique situation.

Your Journey to Pain Relief

At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we prioritize a thorough assessment to understand the root cause of your pain. Our process begins with a detailed review of your medical history and any pain treatments you’ve tried before. Next, we conduct a physical exam and analyze recent diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. By understanding the source and nature of your pain, we can pinpoint the most effective treatment options.

Effective pain management is essential to improving your quality of life and overall health. When pain is under control, patients experience better sleep, reduced stress, and faster recovery. In fact, studies show that patients with well-managed pain can handle their cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, more effectively.

Our Approach to Cancer Pain Treatment

At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we focus on a personalized approach to care. This means considering key factors like:

• Your Cancer Type and Stage: This helps us understand potential pain sources and its progression.
• Previous Pain Treatments: If you’ve tried other pain solutions, we adjust to find what works best.
• Your Preferences: We respect your choices in pain management and thoroughly discuss all options with you.

Many options are available to treat cancer pain. Your treatment may include one or several of the following methods:

Medications

Medications are often the first line of defense. We may recommend:

• Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: For mild pain, acetaminophen or NSAIDs might be enough.
• Opioids: For moderate to severe pain, opioids can provide relief when used carefully.
• Antidepressants and Anti-seizure Medications: These can help with nerve pain, especially when combined with other treatments.

Targeted Medication Delivery

For pain that resists typical medications, targeted drug delivery can help. We deliver pain relief directly to the area causing discomfort, often with fewer side effects. This approach may include injections or an implantable pump that releases medication slowly over time.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Sometimes, specific procedures can address cancer pain directly. Examples include:

• Nerve Blocks: These injections block pain signals along a nerve pathway, providing relief.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: This technique uses heat to interrupt nerve signals, easing chronic pain.
• Neurolysis: For severe, chronic pain, neurolysis destroys nerves, often providing long-term relief. 

Interventional Procedures for Cancer Pain

Advanced cancer pain often calls for specialized procedures. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we provide several options:

• Ganglion Impar Neurolysis: Effective for lower pelvic pain, this procedure blocks nerves in the lower spine.
• Celiac Plexus Neurolysis: For abdominal pain, particularly from pancreatic cancer, this procedure targets nerves near the abdomen.
• Hypogastric Plexus Neurolysis: For pain related to the pelvic area, this procedure targets specific nerve clusters to reduce discomfort.
• Intercostal Nerve Blocks: These blocks are ideal for pain along the ribs or in the chest area.

Bone Tumor Ablation

For cancer that spreads to the bones, tumor ablation can help. This minimally invasive procedure destroys painful bone tumors, reducing discomfort and improving mobility. We often recommend it to patients who want pain relief without extensive surgery.

Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty

Some patients with cancer may develop spinal fractures due to weakened bones. Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures that stabilize these fractures, reducing pain and improving posture.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Managing Cancer Pain

Pain management doesn’t stop at medical treatments. Lifestyle changes can also make a difference. Here are some recommendations we often suggest:

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Regular movement can help you feel better. Physical therapy strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and may relieve pain. Your therapist will design exercises based on your comfort level and limitations.

Nutrition and Hydration

Eating well and staying hydrated help your body function better. Proper nutrition also supports your immune system, helping you manage pain and handle treatments more effectively.

Mental Health Support

Pain is not just physical; it can impact your mood and mental health. We encourage patients to seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and therapy can all make a difference.

What if my pain doesn’t respond to treatment?

If your pain persists, let us know. We’ll adjust your treatment plan until we find something that works.

How long will I need pain management?

Cancer pain management varies. Some may need it during treatment, while others may need ongoing support. We’re here for as long as you need us.

Are cancer pain treatments safe?

Yes. We prioritize your safety, discussing all risks and benefits of each treatment. Our goal is to give you effective pain relief with minimal side effects.

If your pain affects your daily life, it’s time to seek help. Pain that interferes with sleep, eating, or movement deserves attention. We encourage you to call us if:

• Your pain has become constant or severe.
• You have new or unusual pain.
• Over-the-counter medications aren’t working.

Red Butte Pain Solutions is proud to serve Arizona residents in Chandler, Ahwatukee, Phoenix, Tempe, Sun Lakes, Gilbert, Maricopa, Casa Grande, Laveen, and Mesa. We understand that managing cancer pain is a journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team believes in compassionate, effective care that improves your quality of life, so you can focus on healing and recovery.

Start Your Cancer Pain Treatment with Red Butte Pain Solutions

If you’re ready to take control of your pain, contact Red Butte Pain Solutions. Our team is here to help you manage your cancer pain and live more comfortably. With offices serving Chandler, Phoenix, Tempe, and surrounding Arizona communities, we’re never far away.

Pain shouldn’t keep you from enjoying your life. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we offer the expertise and compassion to help you find relief and reclaim your quality of life. Call today to start your journey toward a pain-free tomorrow.