Cancer Pain Management in St. Clair Shores, MI
Cancer Pain
Cancer pain can come from a tumor pressing on bones, nerves or organs, or from treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. At Advanced Physical Medicine in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, we work alongside your oncology team to ease that pain with nerve blocks, medication management, physical therapy and other treatments.
Types of Cancer Pain
Cancer pain is not one thing, and many people have more than one kind at the same time:
- Bone pain: a deep, aching pain when cancer affects the bones
- Nerve pain: burning, shooting or electric pain when a nerve is pressed on or damaged
- Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: numbness, tingling or burning in the hands and feet (see peripheral neuropathy)
- Pain after surgery: scar or nerve pain that lingers after an operation (see post-surgical pain)
- Muscle and joint pain: stiffness and aching from treatment, inactivity or certain hormone medicines
What Causes Cancer Pain?
Pain can come from the cancer itself or from the treatments used to fight it. Common sources include:
- A tumor growing into or pressing on bones, nerves, the spine or organs
- Chemotherapy, which can damage the small nerves of the hands and feet
- Radiation, which can cause skin, tissue and nerve changes in the treated area
- Surgery, including mastectomy and other procedures that can leave lasting nerve pain
- Long periods of rest that weaken muscles and stiffen joints
Pain can also be completely unrelated to the cancer, such as arthritis or back pain, and still deserves treatment.
How We Help With Cancer Pain
Dr. Stephen Wilson, MD, is double board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine and has more than 25 years of experience treating pain. We do not treat the cancer itself. We focus on your pain and function and keep your oncologist informed. Options include:
Medication Management
Our pain management plans match the medicine to the type of pain, including medicines made for nerve pain, with careful follow-up for side effects.
Nerve Blocks and Injections
Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, trigger point and epidural injections can target pain at its source. See our interventional procedures.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
For hard-to-treat nerve pain, such as pain after surgery, spinal cord stimulation may be an option, beginning with a trial.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps rebuild strength, balance and stamina during and after treatment.
Gentle Holistic Care
Medical acupuncture and other holistic pain relief options may ease pain and nausea for some patients. We check with your cancer team before any treatment.
When to See a Doctor for Cancer Pain
You do not have to wait until pain is severe. Book a visit if pain keeps you from sleeping, eating, working or doing what you enjoy, if your current medicine is not working or causes side effects, or if numbness after chemotherapy is affecting your balance. Bring a list of your treatments and medicines, and the name of your oncologist so we can coordinate care.
Pain control is part of good cancer care at every stage, not only near the end of treatment. Treating pain well can help you sleep, eat, stay active and keep up with your cancer treatment.
Call your oncology team right away, or seek emergency care, for sudden severe pain, new weakness or numbness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or fever during chemotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer Pain
Will treating my pain interfere with my cancer treatment?
We coordinate with your oncology team so pain treatment fits around your cancer care. Tell us about every medicine and treatment you are on.
Is cancer pain always treated with opioids?
No. Opioids are one option, but many people do well with a mix of other medicines, nerve blocks, therapy and other treatments. The plan depends on the type of pain.
Can neuropathy from chemotherapy get better?
For some people it improves gradually after chemotherapy ends, while for others it lasts. Treatment can ease the burning and tingling and help with balance.
Do you see patients after cancer treatment has ended?
Yes. Many of our patients are cancer survivors with lasting pain from surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, and that pain can be treated.
Do you accept insurance?
Advanced Physical Medicine accepts most major insurance plans. Some treatments, such as regenerative injections, may be self-pay, and our staff will go over coverage and costs with you before you start.
Get Help for Cancer Pain in St. Clair Shores
Book a visit with Advanced Physical Medicine at 24345 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores, Michigan, or call us at (586) 563-3300. We will find out what is behind your cancer pain and talk you through every option before anything is decided.
