1. Control Pain with Medication
If your pain level is mild, over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen may adequately control it. However, a large percentage of cancer patients need something stronger. Prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs often offer a great deal of relief for moderate pain. You may need to have opioids prescribed for you if you have severe pain. These are very powerful pain relievers, but they are also addictive, so they're only used in the toughest cases. Opioids can be given orally, intravenously or by suppository.
2. Get Counseling
Cancer often leads to depression, and people who are depressed have higher levels of pain than other people. If you're depressed, getting psychotherapy is important. Not only will you learn emotional coping strategies for your situation, you'll probably experience the added benefit of a reduction in your levels of pain. Make sure you see a licensed mental health counselor, preferably one who specializes in helping cancer patients.
3. Consider Surgery
If your pain is severe and localized, you may be able to have it relieved through surgery. Doctors can cut nerve bundles at certain areas of your spine to block the transmission of pain. This type of surgery is known as antinociceptive surgery, and it's best at controlling pain in the chest and the lower part of the body. Sometimes, simply removing the tumor through surgery is enough to relieve the pain.
4. Try Electrical Stimulation
You can also try getting treatments with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device. In this type of treatment, small electrical currents are sent into the painful area on your body through a hand-held device. These electrical currents stimulate your nerve endings to block the transmission of pain. Regular treatments with a TENS device are safe, painless and can lead to a long-term reduction in pain. You can go to a physical therapist for treatment with a TENS device, or you can buy your own device to use at home.
