Treatment For Pain – OnCare Cancer Center Treatment For Pain
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Treatment for pain:
Specific treatment for pain will be determined by your physician based on the following:
Methods for reducing pain are classified as either pharmacological or non-pharmacological. 1.What is pharmacological pain management? Pharmacological pain management for cancer refers to the use of pharmaceutical medications. Oncology clinics usually offer several pain management options for any procedure that may be painful, such as a bone marrow aspiration or lumbar puncture. There are many types of medications and several methods used for administration, from very temporary (10 minute) mild sedation, to full general anesthesia in the operating room. Pain medication may be given in one or more of the following methods:
Some people can build up a tolerance to sedatives, muscle relaxers, and pain relievers. Over time, doses or types of medication used for pain relief may need to be increased or changed. Fear of addiction to narcotics is common, although, in most cases, it is rarely a problem. It is important to understand that the ultimate goal is comfort, which means taking appropriate measures to alleviate your pain. Questions to ask about your pain medication: Each time a pain medication is prescribed by your physician, consider seeking answers to the following questions:
What if I need to change my pain medicine? If you are dissatisfied with the medication you have been prescribed, consult your physician or cancer treatment team. There may be other ways to alleviate the pain, including switching to a different pain medication. Changes may also be recommended regarding the way you are taking the medication. Be sure to talk with your physician when you are uncomfortable, as a different pain medicine, different dose, or different combination of pain medications may be required if:
2.What is non-pharmacological pain management? Non-pharmacological pain management is the management of pain without medications. This method utilizes ways to alter thoughts and focus concentration to better manage and reduce pain. Methods of non-pharmacological pain include: Education and Psychological Conditioning Not knowing what to expect with cancer treatment is very stressful. However, if you are prepared and can anticipate what will happen, your stress level will be much lower. To decrease your anxiety about cancer treatment, consider the following:
Distraction is usually used to help children, especially babies. Using colorful, moving objects or singing songs, telling stories, or looking at books or videos can distract preschoolers. Older children and adults find watching TV or listening to music helpful. Use distraction appropriately, and not in place of an explanation of what to expect.
Guiding you through relaxation exercises such as deep breathing and stretching can often reduce discomfort. Other non-pharmacological pain management may utilize alternative therapies such as comfort therapy, physical and occupational therapy, psychosocial therapy/counseling, and neurostimulation to better manage and reduce pain. Examples of these non-pharmacological pain management techniques include the following:
Comfort Therapy Comfort therapy may involve the following:
Physical and Occupational Therapy Physical and occupational therapy may involve the following:
Psychosocial Therapy/Counseling Psychosocial therapy/counseling may involve the following:
Neurostimulation Neurostimulation may involve the following:
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