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Help for Cancer Pain Sufferers

Not everyone who has cancer will have pain. For those who do there are many treatment options available for pain alleviation. If you suffer with cancer pain discuss all of your options with your doctor who should be able to advise you on which treatments are best for your type of cancer. Do not undertake any kind of alternative treatment or self medication without letting your doctor know because some herbs might interfere with your cancer drugs.

  1. Medication

    • Relieve your mild to moderate pain with non-opiods. If you rate your pain level from one through four on a scale of zero through 10 then your doctor will probably suggest non-opiods like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If your pain is rated as being moderate to severe then your doctor may prescribe opioids, or narcotics. A prescription is required for these drugs. Opioids include medications like codeine, morphine, methadone and oxycodone. Other medications that might be used are steroids, anticonvulsants and antidepressants. Anticonvulsants and antidepressants can sometimes provide relief to the tingling and burning pain of nerve injury. Steroids can help reduce pain caused from swelling.

    Acupuncture

    • Try an ancient form of Chinese healing. Acupuncture uses thin needles, which are inserted into various points on the body to regulate the flow of energy. You may feel a slight tingling when the needles are inserted but once they are in place the acupuncture treatment should be painless. The needles stay inserted for up to 30 minutes. Acupuncture has been shown to help with cancer pain and nausea.

    Hypnosis

    • Learn self hypnosis from a qualified practitioner and use it to help manage your pain through the use of auto suggestion. It's easier to learn how to hypnotize yourself if you have it done by a professional first. The psychologist or psychiatrist will put you into a trance-like relaxed state where you can focus your attention on your pain and transform the sensation into a more pleasing one.

    Heat and Cold

    • Apply cold packs to help numb your pain. Some types of pain, especially muscle pain, respond better to heat. Do not use cold packs or heat on areas of your body, which have poor circulation. For cold packs you can use ice cubes wrapped inside a small towel or frozen gel packs. You can apply heat with a heating pad, hot water bottle or a hot bath. Be careful not to burn your skin. Do not use a cold pack or heating pad for longer than 10 minutes per session.

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