Managing Cancer Pain
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Other Cancer Pain Treatment Options
It is often effective to use non-drug methods along with medicines for enhanced pain relief. There are no risks or side effects, but you must be willing to learn and use them. Family members, friends or caregivers can assist with these techniques. Here are a few examples of non-drug methods that may help relieve your pain:
Breathing, Relaxation and Imagery
Simple breathing, relaxation and imagery exercises have been shown to help reduce pain. You can do these exercises yourself or ask someone to assist you with them. Imagery, or using the imagination to create positive images, may also be helpful. For exercises to try, see
Breathing, Relaxation and Imagery Exercises.
Massage
If you are suffering from cancer pain, you might want to request a massage from a family member, friend or nurse. A back, hand or foot massage can reduce pain by relaxing tired muscles. Massage for relaxation is usually done with long, smooth, slow strokes. For greater comfort, you may want to use warm lotion, oil or cream.
Music
Favorite music selections often have a relaxing effect and may provide distraction from pain. If you have to stay in the hospital, you may want to bring some audiotapes of your favorite types of music along to assist in managing your pain. Music with a slower beat (about 60 beats per minute or less) or with no identifiable beat at all have been found to be most relaxing.
Cold or Heat
Cold packs or a heating pad may be effective in reducing pain, but, in general, cold works better than heat. Cold will help reduce swelling on a new injury, which may relieve pain and provide long-lasting pain relief after the cold pack is removed. Cold or heat should be applied for a minimum of 5-10 minutes and up to 20-30 minutes at a time. If you are interested in trying cold or heat, talk with your doctor or nurse.