Cancer can bring many challenges including physical, emotional, and psychological pain from the disease or as a by-product of treatment. Cancer is often treated by conventional treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy but oftentimes can be accompanied by painful side effects. Pain is often managed conventionally with medications, but given how pain can arise from many different facets, Dayspring Cancer Clinic approaches pain management holistically from all sides. Here is a sampling of some of the methods used that can provide relief, improve quality of life, and stimulate the body’s natural healing process.
1. Tramadol
Tramadol is a commonly prescribed opioid analgesic for moderate to moderately severe pain. It’s unique as it has both non-opioid and opioid properties. Tramadol affects how the brain perceives pain (opioid effect) while also influencing serotonin and norepinephrine (non-opioid effect) which are two neurotransmitters that signal pain. A benefit of tramadol compared to stronger opioids is that it can be a safer option for patients at higher risk of respiratory depression. Similarly, tramadol has less sedation or drowsiness and patients have fewer gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or constipation. Although it is an opioid, it is generally considered to have a lower abuse potential than stronger opioids. Tramadol can be used for the following:
Chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis
Injury-related pain
Post-surgical pain
Neuropathic pain
2. Non-Narcotic Treatments
Non-narcotic treatments for cancer can help manage pain by mitigating symptoms and side effects. These treatments provide relief from cancer while minimizing risks associated with narcotic medications. Here is a sampling of different products and their common uses.
· Acetaminophen: It works on the brain’s central system to help with fever reduction and pain relief. It’s often used post-surgery or as an alternative to oral pain relievers that may cause nausea or vomiting.
· IV and topical Lidocaine: Used particularly for neuropathic pain. It’s a local anesthetic and when given intravenously, can relieve certain chronic and neuropathic pain. It is used for patients with difficult-to-treat pain.
IV Fluids with Electrolytes: This is used to restore hydration and imbalances to help improve overall comfort. It is commonly used to reduce nausea and help with well-being with patients who undergo chemotherapy.
3. Cellsonic
Cellsonic therapy is an emerging technology that uses sound waves to deliver high-energy pulses to a target area in the body like a cancer or tumor. It is non-invasive and painless, which is an advantage over other options.
Precise targeting: Cellsonic therapy targets hard-to-reach areas like the brain, spine, or vital organs where cancer cells surround healthy cells. Its delivery in turn minimizes the painful side effects of less precise cancer therapies.
Reduce inflammation: Severe pain with tumors pressing on nerves can be reduced through Cellsonic therapy, which can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation of affected areas to promote healing. The benefit is improved patient well-being and consequent quality of life.
Immune response: Cellsonic therapy can stimulate the body’s immune response. By targeting tumor cells, the therapy can cause the release of antigens that signal the immune system to attack similar remaining cancer cells.
4. Morphine
When all other options are inadequate for providing pain relief, morphine is an effective alternative, particularly for severe, chronic, or cancer-related pain. Morphine is a powerful opioid medication that can be administered in a variety of ways (orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly). It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord affecting how the body perceives pain producing a sense of relief. Key benefits of morphine are:
Highly effective for severe and chronic pain.
Rapid onset. Within minutes with an IV or 30 -60 minutes orally.
Mood stabilization and anxiety reduction.
Precise adjustments for pain relief.
Works on various types of pain.
Pain is personal
At Dayspring Cancer Clinic, we personalize our therapies for each patient. This also includes how we best help patients manage pain from their cancers. If you are looking for more alternatives to your cancer therapies including pain management, talk to our team at Dayspring Cancer Clinic who has been helping patients navigate cancer with minimal pain for over 10 years. Schedule a consultation with our licensed naturopathic MD, Dr. Andrew Dickens by calling 480-699-7400 today or visit us at https://www.dayspringcancerclinic.com/.