Cancer related pain is one of the most common, chronic side effects that people with cancer suffer from. It can be very debilitating, and can be very hard to treat. Let’s take a look at what causes cancer related pain.
Cancer Induced Bone Pain
Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is one of the most common causes of pain in cancer patients. Some cancers, like breast cancer and prostate cancer, often metastasize to the bone causing pain, or sometimes hematological cancers can cause bone pain. Bone pain can be quite severe, and adequate pain control is strongly linked to patient survival.
Standard ways this pain is managed is by prescribing pain medications, or in some cases, palliative radiotherapy is recommended. CIBP responds quite favourably to acupuncture, and studies show that pain control is more adequate when prescription pain medication is used in conjunction with acupuncture.
Aromatase Inhibitor Joint & Muscle Pain
Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are used for the treatment of hormone-sensitive breast cancer and are sometimes prescribed for ovarian and endometrial cancers. One of the most common side effects of this class of drugs is joint and muscle pain, and may affect up to 60% of women. The most common sites of pain are fingers and wrists, knees, lower back, and feet. Many women also report sensations of tightness and stiffness of the joints.
The causes of this joint and muscle pain are largely unknown, but some theories are related to estrogen deprivation. Estrogen is likely involved in the suppression of pain, and therefore when drugs are used to suppress estrogen further, pain may develop. A well-studied treatment for AI-induced bone and muscle pain is acupuncture, and many women in my clinical practice have experienced its benefits.
Neuropathic (Nerve) Pain
Neuropathic pain, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is commonly caused by certain classes of chemotherapy called taxanes, platins, and vinca alkaloids. Symptoms include burning, numbness, tingling, shooting pains, extreme sensitivity to hot or cold, and muscle cramps. Peripheral neuropathy can be quite bothersome, and once again, acupuncture has been found to provide healing benefits.
Pain can be treated with medicinal foods, herbal medicine, physical activity, and even through meditation! Book an appointment today to explore an integrative approach to pain management.
