Cancer pain relievers and other ways to relieve it

Almost all cancer patients feel pain. This can be part of the symptoms of cancer, as well as a side effect of treatment that is being undertaken. The pain can appear suddenly, last briefly, or last longer. Don't worry, there are various ways to overcome it, such as taking cancer pain relievers. This method is quite effective in treating cancer surgery wounds. Besides, is there any other way?

Pain relievers for cancer patients

In addition to a tired body, pain is a common complaint for cancer patients. The pain that arises varies from numbness, stiffness, burning, and pain such as being stabbed by a sharp object.

The appearance of pain can indicate that cancer cells are growing, spreading, and destroying the surrounding healthy tissue.

The abnormal cells that accumulate in the form of a cancerous tumor grow larger, pressing on nearby nerves, bones or organs. These tumors can also release chemicals that cause the body to react in the form of pain.

Apart from cancer itself, pain can also arise due to the side effects of treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. How severe the pain is usually depends on the type of cancer you have, the stage of the cancer, where the cancer is, and how much the patient can tolerate the pain.

Timothy J. Moynihan, M.D., a cancer specialist from the Mayo Clinic, said that taking pain relievers is one surefire way to deal with it.

Cancer pain relievers without a doctor's prescription

There are several pain relievers you can buy without a prescription. However, you still need to consult your doctor before taking any medication while on cancer therapy, especially if you have fever, kidney and / or liver disease, or digestive system disorders (especially ulcers).

Medicines that you can buy over the counter at the nearest drugstore or drugstore to treat mild to moderate pain include:

• You are advised to choose paracetamol (acetaminophen) as the first choice. This medication is used to relieve mild to moderate pain such as back pain, headache, or fever. Paracetamol rarely causes side effects, such as nausea, headaches, and insomnia.
• If paracetamol is not effective enough, cancer patients can use NSAID pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. Like acetaminophen, NSAID drugs can provide both pain relief and inflammation. However, this drug can cause stomach acid disorders.

Prescription cancer pain relievers

Sometimes, the pain caused by cancer treatment requires stronger doses of drugs, such as opiate pain relievers (fentanyl, hydromorphone, metadone, morphine, oxycodone, and tramadol). These hard drugs must be redeemed by a doctor's prescription. Be sure to follow your doctor's orders when taking these medications, including dosage and usage rules.

This cancer pain reliever is given in different ways depending on the patient's condition. Generally, drugs are consumed directly as usual by mouth, such as pills, capsules, tablets, and drugs in liquid form. Meanwhile, another method is to be injected under the skin into the tissue between the skin and muscle or if it is in the form of a cream, then it is applied to the skin.

The above drugs can be prescribed separately or in combination with other drugs such as:

• Anticholvulsants, help control nerve pain such as burning and tingling.
• Antidepressants, relieve pain and help you to sleep.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteorides, eg prednisone or dexamethasone.
• Bisphosphonates, such as pamidronic and zoledronic acid, for treating bone pain.
• A local anesthetic, such as a skin cream with capsaicin or lidocaine to help relieve pain in the skin and surrounding tissue.

The combination of pain relievers for cancer and each dose will be determined by the doctor based on the severity of the symptoms. The rules of use will be planned as tightly as possible to avoid interactions between drugs that may be fatal.

Do not change or stop the drug dose suddenly without your doctor's knowledge. If afterwards you still feel pain, contact your doctor for further tests.

Alternative treatment to taking pain medication

Apart from taking medication, there are many alternative treatments that can help cancer patients reduce their pain, such as:

1. Acupuncture

Apart from taking pain relievers, cancer patients can also choose acupuncture. This alternative medicine is done by inserting needles into certain pathways or meridians in the body.

According to Cancer Research UK, studies show that acupuncture works by stimulating the nerves so that the body releases endorphins in the spinal cord and brain. Endorphins can then have a pain-reducing effect.

Acupuncture also stimulates the body to release serotonin, a hormone that makes you feel good so that you feel less pain. Both of these effects can certainly help cancer patients reduce pain and fatigue.

2. Treatment of cancer surgery scars

Caring for surgical scars properly, including ways to relieve cancer pain. The reason is, if allowed to feel pain and even infection can occur. The National Health Service provides tips on treating wounds and speeding up the recovery process after the following cancer surgery.

• Take a pain reliever that your doctor prescribes. About 20 minutes later, the pain will decrease.
• It is important that you avoid blood clots, so you should move as soon as possible. It doesn't need to be anything complicated, just as simple as stretching your knees or ankles, and wiggling the soles of your feet.
• Keep the surgical wound clean and dry to avoid infection. Do not rub or rub the cut, as this will make the condition worse.
• Avoid removing stitches, staples, tape, or surgical glue on your own without your doctor's permission. If the wound feels itchy, tell your doctor about itching reliever. If you experience bleeding at the incision site, press the wound for at least five minutes using a clean tissue or towel.

3. Do relaxation therapy

Another option if you don't want to take cancer pain relievers is to take relaxation therapy. Try sitting or lying down in a pleasant place. Then, close your eyes and catch your breath while thinking about what you love.

In fact, you can also play CDs with melodies that make you calm and peaceful. This method is powerful enough to relieve minor body aches. In addition, it also helps cancer patients sleep better and reduce anxiety.

4. Compress with cold or warm water

Moderate pain can be relieved by treatment without cancer pain relievers. The trick, put a hot or hot water compress, or use hotpack sold in pharmacies. Apply a compress or hotpack to the painful area. Let stand for 5-10 minutes and remove the compress as well hotpack.

However, for those of you who are undergoing radiation therapy, avoid using this hot and cold therapy. Likewise, when you are going to or after chemotherapy, ask your doctor first. Also avoid using hot compresses on areas that have open wounds.

If you think about using a cream that contains menthol, check with your doctor first. The reason is, this cream can have bad side effects in certain medications.

5. Give massage or pressure

The pain can be in the form of a headache. If cancer patients want to overcome this without taking pain medication, try massaging your head. You can massage in slow, circular motions with or without lotion / oil.

Alternatively, you can also use a special vibrator that is placed on the head or body to reduce pain. However, if you have recently had radiotherapy, avoid massaging, pressing, or using a vibrator on areas of red and swollen skin.