The majority of patients that have been diagnosed with cancer experience pain in one form or another. The pain can be a result of cancer itself or the interventions used to treat cancer. At MVM Health – Pain, Vein, and Wellness, our highly trained specialists focus on identifying the cause. After precise identification of your pain source, our specialist will recommend treatment options that provide maximum relief with minimum risk. Since your pain is unique we tailor every individual cancer pain management treatment plan to fit your needs.
Treatments
- Lumbar Sympathetic Nerve Block
- Peripheral Nerve Block
- Celiac Plexus Block
- Hypogastric Plexus Nerve Block
- Intrathecal Pump Implant
- Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant (Trial Procedure)
- Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant
Types of Cancer Pain
According to the National Cancer Institute, 20% to 50% of patients diagnosed with cancer experience some form of pain. Among those patients, 40% of survivors still experience lingering pain after treatment had ended. Pain associated with cancer can present in a variety of different ways. The amount of pain a patient may be experiencing may depend on the type of cancer, the stage or extent of the disease, and the individual’s pain tolerance. Pain can range from mild and occasional to severe and constant. There are also different types of pain a patient may experience.
- Acute pain refers to pain that is sudden, but short-lived. This type of pain can increase over time and presents intermittently.
- Chronic pain is persistent and lasts for long periods of time. Severity can range from moderate to severe.
- Somatic pain is felt in the tissues of the body, such as the muscles, bones, ligaments, and joints. This pain often presents as a stabbing or aching sensation.
- Neuropathic pain is described as a burning or tingling sensating. It is caused as a result of an injury or damage to one or more components of the nervous system (spine, brain, or nerves) as seen when tumors put pressure on the spinal cord.
- Visceral pain is dull, wide-ranged discomfort that is often difficult to locate. This occurs when cancer is present in the internal organ such as the liver, pancreas, or stomach.
Cancer Pain Treatments at MVM Health
We understand that any pain caused by cancer can be frightening, but thankfully cancer pain is treatable. Our goal is to ensure that every patient is given the opportunity to have a better quality of life. Our doctors are experienced in effectively treating a variety of pain-related conditions associated with cancer. These conditions include post-radiation pain, post-surgery pain, cancer-related bone and joint pain, and peripheral neuropathy. Our clinic offers many treatments for cancer pain, such as:
- Peripheral nerve block is a procedure in which local anesthesia is injected into the surrounding area of the nerve to inhibit or delay sensation. This aids in effectively alleviating pain. Available nerve block locations include:
- Intercostal Nerve Block – located under the ribs
- Lateral Femoral Nerve Injection – located in the leg
- Genitofemoral Nerve Block – located in the abdomen
- Inguinal Nerve Block – located near the groin
- Genicular Nerve Block – located in the knee
- Lumbar Sympathetic Nerve Block – a nerve block that is used to alleviate pain in the lower back and leg
- Celiac Plexus Block- a nerve block utilized to alleviate abdominal pain
- Hypogastric Plexus Nerve Block- a nerve block utilized to alleviate pelvic pain
- Intrathecal Pump Implant- a procedure in which a small pump is implanted between the muscle and the skin of the abdomen. The device then pumps small quantities of pain medication directly into the spinal fluid.
- Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant – Spinal cord stimulation (also called SCS) uses electrical impulses to relieve chronic pain in the back, arms, and legs. It is believed that electrical pulses prevent pain signals from being received by the brain.
How can you help your doctor understand your cancer pain?
Pain is the most feared side effect of cancer and can be debilitating to patients undergoing treatment. It may erode your energy, make sleeping or eating difficult and take a toll on your mental and emotional health. It can cause irritability, anger, and sadness. It is important to remember that all pain, even cancer pain can be treated.
Our physicians will work with you to pinpoint the precise cause of your pain as well as offer a variety of treatment options curated to your needs. Any form of pain management has the risk of side effects but working with our specialist, to understand the benefits and risks of each pain treatment and how to manage the side effects can aid in deciding which treatment is best for you.
Your doctor should assess how strong the pain is at every visit. Writing down as many details as possible or keeping a journal can be an excellent tool to ensure that you are reporting your pain accurately. This will assist our specialists in finding the best treatment plan for you.
Some things to keep track of your relating to your pain are:
- How severe the pain is
- What type of pain (stabbing, dull, achy)
- Where you feel the pain
- What brings on the pain
- What makes the pain worse or better
- What pain relief medication, massage, and hot or cold packs are currently being used, how do they help, and any side effects they cause
- Using a pain-rating scale from 0 to 10 — with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst
Getting Help with Cancer Pain at MVM Health – Pain, Vein and Wellness
However mild or severe your pain may be, do not be afraid to ask for help. The earlier you start a pain treatment plan, the easier it is to control. Cancer at any stage is an exhausting battle filled with uncertainty. As long as fear and pain can be controlled, life can be lived fully.
At MVM Health – Pain, Vein, and Wellness we believe that comfort, trust, and transparency are the foundation of a healthy physician-patient relationship. Our Ivy League professionals are dedicated to empowering our patients to be involved and informed in decisions regarding their care. As experts in pain relief, our mission is to provide long-lasting pain relief to the whole person – with a special focus on integrating cutting-edge pain procedures with both compassion and understanding.
Backed by state-of-the-art technology, our clinic is proud to offer you and your loved ones quality pain relief by offering a wide variety of advanced pain procedures and alternative treatments. Our doctors are accepting new patients in East Stroudsburg, Scranton, Wilkes Barre, The LeHigh Valley, and the surrounding areas. For more information contact us at (570) 445-2200 or request an appointment online.
