Cancer pain can result from the cancer itself or its treatments, significantly affecting quality of life and daily function. Tumors may press on nerves, bones, or organs, causing pain, while treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can also lead to discomfort. Managing cancer pain is a critical part of treatment, and a multimodal approach—combining different therapies—can help improve comfort and well-being.

Pain management depends on the cause, severity, and individual needs. Medications range from over-the-counter pain relievers to prescription opioids for more severe pain. Other interventional options include nerve blocks, epidural injections, Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and intrathecal pain pumps, which deliver medication directly to the spinal fluid for effective, long-term relief. Integrative therapies such as acupuncture, physical therapy, or psychological support can also enhance pain control and improve coping strategies.

Your provider team will develop a personalized pain management plan tailored to your condition and treatment goals. Open communication about your pain levels is essential to ensure effective adjustments. With a multimodal pain management approach, cancer pain can often be controlled, allowing patients to maintain function and quality of life. If you or a loved one is dealing with cancer-related pain, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options available.