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INNOVATION pointing to such options as medication, a scale of 0 to 10), it's helpful for the that a pain medication strategy can physical therapy, acupuncture, massage doctor to have information about what be developed with a patient's daily therapy, chiropractic care, mind-body the pain feels like, whether it's constant activities in mind. "I don't prescribe support, and pastoral care. Depending or intermittent, and what factors make it these medications to patients so that on the situation, procedures that treat better or worse. Words that can describe they sleep all day or can't function," says the cancer or that block nerves from different types of pain include sharp, Dr. Rahman. "That's not the purpose. sending pain messages can also provide dull, throbbing, burning, and shooting. The purpose is for the patient to take the medication when needed and to function relief. The key to finding what's right for a given individual is a comprehensive pain PAIN MEDICATIONS at home, to function at work, and to live evaluation. "The pain can be physical, Although medications are not the their life." psychological, or psychosocial. You need only way to manage pain, they are For certain types of pain, a doctor an idea of exactly where the pain is effective and important options for may recommend a different type of coming from or what's making it worse." many people. Pain medications come medication. The tingling and burning An important goal of pain management in a range of strengths, from over-the- that can accompany nerve damage, for (and of care at CTCA® in general) is to counter remedies such as ibuprofen and example, may respond to treatment with treat the entire person. In some cases acetaminophen to strong prescription an antidepressant or antiepileptic drug. this may involve using more than one drugs such as oxycodone and morphine. Similarly, pain caused by swelling may approach to pain management. Use of If a physician approves over-the-counter respond to medications that reduce the pain medication in combination with a medications that provide adequate relief, swelling, such as an anti-inflammatory. nonpharmaceutical treatment such as these may be all that is needed. If more- relaxation, for example, may result in severe or persistent pain is an issue, HOLISTIC CARE PROVIDES HOPE better pain control and overall wellness however, a doctor may suggest stronger "In most patients cancer pain can be than either approach alone. Recognizing drugs. Use of these medications to treat successfully controlled with appropriate and treating common problems such as pain, says Dr. Rahman, can help a patient techniques and safe drugs," concludes Dr. depression and anxiety can also change maximize quality of life and ability to Rahman. "Working with a pain manage- the perception of pain. function. ment specialist, patients don't have to live For patients who experience pain, If strong pain medications are needed, with pain. The overall approach to pain the right place to start is a discussion experts in pain management can develop management should be comprehensive in with a primary care provider. "Usually, a treatment plan that fits a patient's short- nature and involve a holistic plan that in- due in part to the existing patient/ and long-term needs. In some cases it cludes using one or more of the methods physician relationship," says Dr. Rahman, may be necessary to try more than one discussed earlier." "the primary care provider knows the type of medication to find the one that The goal is not only to ensure that pa- patient better than anyone else and works best. "When you look at the basic tients feel better but also to allow them can implement basic pain management chemistry of these pain medications," to function better and to live the life they strategies." But strategies says Dr. Rahman, "they're like brothers want to lead. An individualized and com- aren't successful, a referral to a pain and sisters; they have a lot of similarities prehensive approach to pain management management specialist may be beneficial. but minor differences." So, if the first can help achieve this goal. When undergoing a pain assessment, a medication isn't adequate or produces patient will likely need to answer several intolerable side effects, there is likely questions about the nature of the pain. In another drug or treatment approach that addition to the location and the severity may work well. if these of pain (which is often measured on cfthrive.com Reference Pain Control. NIH Publication No. 12-6287. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer. gov/cancertopics/coping/paincontrol.pdf. Accessed November 12, 2012. It's also important to keep in mind FOR A FREE PRINT SUBSCRIPTION GO TO CFTHRIVE.COM spring 2013 | cancer fighters thrive 37