By Taylor McKnight
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment can be a very painful experience, both physically and emotionally. A good support system and help from loved ones can address the emotional challenges, but not so much the physical ones. These may include:
Nerve pain and damage (neuropathy)
Lymphedema
Infection risk
Pain and sensitivity in the skin and nails
Reduced mobility while recovering from surgeries
For those experiencing pain during their breast cancer treatment, doctors may prescribe opiates like morphine or oxycodone. However, some people may prefer to avoid opiates, or may be physically unable to take them. This could be because of pre-existing conditions, such as respiratory or kidney issues, or they may be in conflict with other prescription drugs being taken. Thankfully, there are a few alternatives that can help those with cancer alleviate the pain of chemotherapy, surgery, or other treatments.
Continue reading to learn about a variety of pain management techniques and specific considerations for those with cancer.
CBD Products
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the key ingredients in cannabis sativa, more commonly known as marijuana. CBD products are not psychoactive, as they do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which causes the feeling of being “high,” generally associated with marijuana. For individuals experiencing pain, CBD may provide benefits without mental fogginess or other psychoactive effects.
According to a report published by the National Institutes for Health, studies have shown that creams, oils, edibles, and other products containing CBD can help with pain management for cancer patients while also protecting against damage to the organs or nerves.
Always discuss CBD with your cancer care team to ensure that it is safe for your specific situation and any current treatments.
Nerve Block Procedures
With a nerve block procedure, a numbing agent is injected either directly into or close to a nerve. This has the effect of temporarily blocking pain signals sent by the brain from being received by other parts of the body.
The length of pain relief provided by the block will vary from person to person and depends on a variety of factors. There are many different types of blocks and injection sites used in these procedures. In severe cases, the attending physician may choose to permanently damage the nerve to make sure the pain doesn’t come back.
Integrative Therapies
“Integrative therapy” refers to a treatment plan that combines two or more therapy programs to more fully respond to a patient’s needs. In this case, it refers to combining therapy programs with the standard treatments and medicines provided by your oncologist or other doctors.
Integrative therapies can include acupuncture, physical therapy, massages, meditation, relaxation exercises, or even hypnosis, among many others. These can target either the physical pain itself and/or the emotional pain caused by cancer. Emotional stress can often manifest itself physically, and therapy aimed at reducing stress can often be very beneficial.
Check out SurvivingBreastCancer.org’s upcoming programs for mindfulness and movement including yoga, Pilates, meditation, qi gong, and more!
Medications
For those who would rather avoid opiates, there are many other medications that can be used instead. Your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants, anti-seizure medications, pills that treat anxiety, anti-inflammatories, or another targeted treatment designed to reduce pain. They can also be used when pre-existing pain becomes worse as a result of your cancer.
Steroid injections may be useful in some cases, but because they suppress the immune system, they may do more harm overall than good in some patients, particularly those undergoing radiation treatment or chemotherapy. Check with your doctor and see if a pain-reducing steroid injection can reduce your pain without harmful side effects.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
If your pain hasn’t responded to other treatments, your doctor may choose spinal cord stimulation as an alternative. A battery-operated device, similar to a pacemaker, is implanted near the spine. The device is then used to prevent pain signals from the nervous system in the affected area from reaching the brain.
Before the device is implanted, your doctor will likely want to run a trial version, where the device is placed on a belt and connected through a wire to the spine for a few days. If your pain levels are reduced by 50% or more through this temporary procedure, they will likely schedule the surgery to fully integrate the device into your system.
Pain Management is Individual and Unique
These are just a few of the many ways you might consider treating the pain associated with cancer. The best pain management plan for you will depend on your existing cancer treatment plan, your own wants and needs, and your physical condition. Remember to check with your cancer care team before beginning any new therapy or treatment.
Note: This article is designed to provide general information and not replace professional medical advice. Always discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for CBDistillery
Learn More:
SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support:
On the Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations
What to Know About Medical Marijuana for Breast Cancer