Top 6 Medical Tips to Manage Cancer Pain
Cancer has become common in recent times and is one of the leading causes of death today. But even at any stage, cancer can be painful, and it would be good to understand how you can deal with the pain as you cope and manage your condition. Experts like Dr. John Huffman, a board-certified pain management physician in Arlington, VA, can help you if you are experiencing significant pain due to your cancerous condition. Medical remedies can be used to control the pain and help you lead a quality life, as outlined herein. Have a look.
Get a Diagnosis
Like any other health complication, a diagnosis should be the beginning of finding a solution. Therefore, please book an appointment with your doctor to help them understand the nature of the pain you are experiencing. Your doctor will evaluate your condition to understand the reason for your pain and may recommend some painkillers based on your situation. Additionally, your doctor can figure out some of the medications that could be interfering with your current treatment causing complications such as pain.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Sometimes you can get medications from the local stores if your pain is mild. But be careful to understand the nature of your pain first before going for the medications. Give your doctor a call and consult them before rushing to the pharmacy or stores. Consulting with your doctor will help you understand the most suitable drugs you can purchase that will not interfere with any current treatment you might be undertaking. NSAIDs and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are common painkillers you can discuss about with your doctor.
Ask About Moderate Opioid
If your pain persists even after taking NSAIDs and Acetaminophen, you can consult your doctor for a prescription of more potent painkillers such as opioids. However, note that opioids may have some negative adverse side effects, and you should be careful when using them. Only use them as advised by your doctor. You can use Codeine and Tramadol for moderate pain and Morphine for severe pain. Remember to never self-prescribe for such medications.
Adhere to Treatment Plan
It is always advisable to adhere to any treatment plan even if you are not motivatied to do so. If you are on medications, please stick to your doctor’s instructions as you may experience sudden worsening pain if you skip doses. Note that pain is best treated when you can get to a level you can manage before it becomes overwhelming. If you keep on experiencing pain even with medications, it is good to consult your doctor as you might need your dose increased or changed.
Consider Local Anesthetics for Specific Pain Sites
Sometimes pain can originate from some localized regions, and targeted treatment can manage the condition effectively. For example, you might have mouth ulcers which you can effectively manage by applying local anesthetics commonly found as gel formulas. If you experience lower back pain, you can get relief through an epidural anesthetic. Your doctor may also recommend injecting medications directly into your spine.
Treat the Cancer
No matter the cancer stage, undergoing treatment for the condition itself will relieve the pain due to the condition. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or any other cancer treatment can decrease your pain significantly. Even if the cancer is incurable, your primary care manager can put treatment options in place to reduce the size of the cancer and manage other symptoms such as pain.
Reach out to Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists if cancer pain is one of the reasons you can not lead a quality life. Your provider will evaluate your condition and discuss the possible treatment plans for you. It is achievable to lead a pain-free life.