11 Feb How to Manage Cancer Pain – Pain Management Chicago Way
If you’re a cancer patient looking for pain management, then look no further than Illinois Pain. Here, they provide a number of different tools and methods to help you manage some of the most uncomfortable parts of cancer.
Treatments for Cancer Pain
When seeking pain management, specialists can help you find a number of different treatments. These are some of the most common treatments that you might find at a pain center in Chicago.
Medication
The majority of cancer patients find their pain relief with medication. Opioid painkillers are among the most common methods for treating pain.
However, these medications are known to cause a number of side effects and can be very addictive. People often find themselves interested in other treatments that can help alleviate pain and reduce the need for medication.
Massage
Some pain management doctors will recommend massages for the reduction of pain. Massage can help to reduce tension and decrease pain in sensitive areas.
Massage is also a great way to promote relaxation and reduce some of the physical stress associated with having a chronic illness.
Epidural Injection
An epidural injection involves the injection of medication into the body. Also known as steroid injections, these treatments work by helping to reduce nerve pain. These treatments are especially useful for people who have tumors that are pressing upon the nerves.
Epidural injections may also include the use of an anesthetic or analgesic agent, either to numb the injection site or to help reduce pain and inflammation in the area. This can reduce swelling and the related pain and discomfort.
Electrical Stimulation
Some pain management doctors will also make use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. This is a method of treating pain that is minimally invasive and causes few side effects.
Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks are a form of treatment that involves the injection of certain drugs into, or nearby, damaged nerves. These drugs prevent the nerve from sending pain signals to the brain and can be very useful for helping to reduce the discomfort associated with cancer.
Holistic Treatments
Patients may also opt to receive one of many holistic treatments. These treatments look at the body and mind as a connected unit and aim to provide relief for both physical and mental symptoms.
- Acupuncture, a form of physical treatment that has been used for thousands of years, is sometimes used to fight cancer pain and reduce stress
- Relaxation and meditation techniques can help people adjust to their lifestyle and manage their pain
- Acupressure is a similar treatment as acupuncture but relies on the use of pressure points rather than needles.
Conclusion
Cancer pain can be very difficult to manage. Fortunately, there are lots of different options that you can choose from in order to manage your pain.
If you are hoping to find a treatment that works especially for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a doctor at pain management Chicago. They will be able to help you identify the specific cause of your pain and find a reliable treatment