Cancer pain is a complex experience that affects both the body and mind, arising from the cancer itself, treatments, or related conditions. Pain in cancer patients may result from tumor growth pressing on bones, nerves, or organs, inflammation, or post-treatment complications. Because cancer pain varies widely—ranging from dull aches to sharp, burning sensations—personalized pain management is essential.
At our pain clinic, we offer advanced, evidence-based treatments to manage cancer pain, with the goal of enhancing quality of life and enabling patients to stay engaged with daily activities. Our approach is comprehensive, addressing physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of pain.
We utilize several specialized interventions to relieve cancer-related pain:
This procedure targets the celiac plexus, a nerve cluster in the abdomen that transmits pain signals from abdominal organs. By injecting anesthetic and/or neurolytic agents, a celiac plexus block can effectively reduce pain associated with abdominal cancers, such as pancreatic and stomach cancer. The block often provides significant relief, enabling patients to reduce reliance on oral pain medications.
The splanchnic nerve block is another powerful option for managing upper abdominal pain, especially in patients with abdominal or pancreatic cancer. By selectively numbing the splanchnic nerves, we can interrupt the pain pathway, providing relief and improving quality of life for patients experiencing severe visceral pain.
A hypogastric nerve block is an advanced pain management procedure that targets the hypogastric plexus, a network of nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the lower abdomen, pelvis, and genitals. This minimally invasive technique is effective for chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and post-surgical pain. By blocking pain signals at the source, it provides significant and long-lasting relief, improving the patient’s quality of life.
Targeted Nerve Block and epidurals are also available to control localized pain, including bone or nerve pain. We offer tailored techniques based on each patient’s pain profile, aiming to provide rapid relief and improved function.
Cancer pain is a type of pain experienced by some cancer patients as a result of tumor growth, nerve involvement, treatment side effects, or general body stress. Tumors can cause pain by pressing on bones, nerves, or other organs. Additionally, treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can cause painful side effects, like neuropathy (nerve pain) and tissue inflammation. Cancer pain can vary significantly among patients in intensity, type, and duration, and may require individualized management strategies.
Cancer pain is a type of pain experienced by some cancer patients as a result of tumor growth, nerve involvement, treatment side effects, or general body stress. Tumors can cause pain by pressing on bones, nerves, or other organs. Additionally, treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can cause painful side effects, like neuropathy (nerve pain) and tissue inflammation. Cancer pain can vary significantly among patients in intensity, type, and duration, and may require individualized management strategies.
Cancer pain typically falls into three categories:
At Plexus, we conduct a thorough assessment involving a review of medical history, pain patterns, and the type of cancer and treatments you’ve undergone. We might ask you to keep a pain diary, noting the intensity, duration, triggers, and relief patterns. Physical examinations, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tools may be used to identify the pain's source, allowing us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs
We offer a range of treatments to manage cancer pain effectively:
At Plexus, we offer a comprehensive approach to managing chronic back pain, including detailed evaluations, customized treatment plans, and advanced interventional techniques. Our goal is to help you achieve significant relief and enhance your quality of life.
Nerve blocks involve injecting an anesthetic or medication near nerves to disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. They can be highly effective, especially for localized cancer pain, such as pain around nerves in the spine or abdomen. Nerve blocks can provide extended relief, often lasting weeks to months, and can be used in combination with other pain management techniques.
Yes, several non-medication therapies can help with cancer pain:
Family members can support by helping with medication management, monitoring symptoms, providing emotional support, and helping with daily routines to reduce the patient’s physical strain. At Plexus, we provide resources for caregivers, including counseling and education, to empower them to manage their loved one's pain and care effectively
Chronic pain can affect mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression, which can, in turn, amplify pain. Our approach includes counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices to support mental health and improve coping strategies, helping patients feel more in control of their pain and treatment journey
