Cancer Pain - Other Treatment
When medicines are not enough to relieve cancer pain or when they cause troublesome side effects, other treatments may help.
- Radiation is the use of X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is used to destroy cancer growths that press on your nerves, bones, or spinal cord. The type of radiation that you receive depends on your cancer diagnosis, the area of your body that is affected, and your previous history of radiation therapy. Destroying growths relieves pressure on organs and nerves and reduces pain.
- A pump that is placed under your skin may be used to deliver pain medicine directly to your spine. Because the drug goes right to your spinal column, not as much of it is needed. That usually means that side effects are not as severe.
- Nerve blocks usually are used only after other treatments have not worked. A nerve block is a drug that is injected into or around a nerve to temporarily prevent the nerve from telling your brain about the pain. In some cases, deadening the nerve may not only reduce the pain but also lower the amount of medicine you need.
- Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS). This uses a mild electrical current from a power pack to relieve pain.
Exercise can help reduce pain and fatigue. It can also prevent muscle spasms and stiffness in your joints. But be sure to talk to your doctor before increasing your level of physical activity.
Being physically active also can help with your emotional and mental health. It can be hard to be active when you don't feel well. But if you are able, going for a walk or going swimming may help you feel better, especially during cancer treatment.
Short-term crisis counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may help you manage cancer pain or the discomfort from cancer treatments. Counseling may also help your partner or family members.
For more information, see:
What to think about
Radiation treatments may cause side effects, such as diarrhea and fatigue. The type of side effects that may develop depend on your cancer diagnosis, the area of your body that is affected, and the type of radiation that you have. You can use home treatment measures for diarrhea and fatigue to help you manage these side effects.
Nerve blocks can cause loss of feeling or, in rare cases, paralysis in the affected area or in the tissue surrounding the area.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Cancer Pain Topics
Today in Cancer
WebMD Special Sections
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.