Pain can result from treatment, surgery, or even the cancer itself. While pain may be an expected part of a cancer diagnosis, that doesn’t mean you need to live with it without intervention.
Finding and implementing a pain management plan may take time, and it will almost certainly be a trial-and-error process, but don’t get discouraged. What works for one patient’s pain may be ineffective for you, or you may find that pain management strategies that have worked for you in the past become less effective over time. It is critical that you have an open dialogue with your healthcare team about the type and severity of pain you are experiencing so you may more effectively treat it. If something isn’t working to manage your pain, let your care team know so you can move on to a different intervention.
There are multiple types of pain that you might experience, and they may be treated better by some interventions than others.
It’s important to note that any therapy, intervention, or medication used to manage pain will come with side effects, some more severe than others. Have an honest conversation with your prescriber before beginning treatment to understand the side effects you may experience and how to best manage them.
This describes pain within the organs of the body. It may be described as pressure, aching, or a deep “squeeze,” and may also be difficult to pinpoint. It may be treated with:
Somatic pain refers to pain in the muscles, joints, skin, or bones. It may be described as aching, throbbing, stabbing, cramping, or sharp. This type of pain may be treated with the following:
Many patients use alternative or complimentary methods to manage their pain that can be used with or instead of traditional pain management techniques, such as prescription medication. If you are interested in pursuing CAM, have a discussion with your doctor first to see what they recommend. Some common techniques include:
Opiates (naturally derived from poppy plant) and opioids (derived naturally or lab created) are derived directly from the poppy plant or are synthesized to mimic the chemicals the poppy naturally produces. Opiates, especially morphine, have historically been viewed as the “gold standard” for pain management, but like all medications, opiates come with a variety of side effects.
News coverage frequently discusses the addictive potential of opiates, and it is true that they may be habit forming and difficult to stop taking. However, research has shown that cancer patients who take prescribed opiates (as prescribed) are unlikely to become physically dependent on the drugs. If you have a history of substance abuse, let your provider know before beginning an opiate regimen for pain management.
The benefits of medical marijuana and pain management are well documented among cancer patients. Marijuana remains federally illegal in the United States, but many states have enacted medical and recreational marijuana laws. If you live in a state where it is legal to prescribe marijuana and you are interested in trying it for pain management, have an open and honest discussion with your provider.
It is important to remember that experiencing pain and discomfort is a normal side effect associated with a cancer diagnosis. You are not weak for being in pain, and addressing your pain is not a sign of weakness. Pain management is not a time for humility – it is a time for honesty. Listen to your body and have a discussion with your care team. If you feel that your pain isn’t being adequately addressed, or that your concerns are being dismissed, you may find success by seeking a second opinion or finding a pain management clinic.
Don’t suffer in pain – address it head-on and take care of yourself.
