GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT: CHRONIC PAIN
It is the treatment of chronic cancer-related pain which requires a different approach to that for other chronic pain or acute pain.
• The aim of treatment is the prompt relief of pain and prevention of its recurrence.
The principles involved in the treatment of chronic cancer-related pain are:
thorough assessment
good communication
reassurance about pain relief
discourage acceptance of pain
encourage patient participation
Thorough assessment is fundamental to successful treatment. Assessment of the type of pain (e.g. neuropathic, bone) will assist in deciding which modalities of therapy or which analgesics are appropriate. Assessment of the stage of a patient's disease may provide information about the cause of pain and also indicate which therapeutic modalities are appropriate.
Good communication is essential for good pain control. The doctor needs to listen carefully to the patient's description and in turn provide a clear explanation of the cause of the pain, the treatment options, and their relative merits and potential side effects. Good communication with other members of the treatment team will ensure a coordinated approach to pain control.
Many patients believe cancer is inevitably associated with severe pain and that the pain is unrelievable. Patients must be reassured that their pain can and will be relieved, both immediately and on a continuing basis, and a positive attitude encouraged.
Acceptance of pain by patients should be actively discouraged. Allowing patients to participate in the management of their pain builds trust and improves co-operation and compliance with treatment.
The treatment of chronic cancer-related pain:
is an integrated part of a multidisciplinary plan of total care
should be appropriate to the stage of the patient's disease
employs the appropriate treatment modality
may involve multiple treatment modalities
must be consistent, not variable
requires continuity of care
involves repeated reassessment
Pain cannot be treated in isolation and other psychosocial and spiritual aspects of suffering which cause or aggravate pain need to be assessed and treated for pain control to be successful. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of chronic pain is therefore a clinical necessity and the treatment of pain is an integrated part of the overall plan of total care.
The treatment of pain should be appropriate to the stage of the disease; treatment for an ambulant patient will differ from that for one who is bed-bound.
Treatment should be consistent and not variable. Repeated changing of analgesics or any unnecessary changes are to be avoided. The patient needs a clear picture of the planned therapy, including the likelihood of any necessary changes. Unexpected or sudden changes cause insecurity and may lead to a loss of confidence by the patient in the treatment team. Continuity of care is similarly important.
Repeated reassessment is necessary to monitor both efficacy and side effects of the treatment given and to make appropriate changes necessitated by disease progression.
The modalities of treatment available for chronic cancer-related pain are:
treatment of the underlying cancer
analgesics
adjuvant analgesics
neurostimulatory treatment
anaesthetic, neurolytic and neurosurgical procedures
physical therapy
psychological therapy
lifestyle modification
treatment of other aspects of suffering which cause or aggravate pain — physical, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual
Different types of pain respond better to particular treatments, as is the case with radiotherapy for bone pain and the use of anticonvulsants for neuropathic pain. In practice, combinations of different modalities are often used. Modification of the underlying pathology causing pain, by treatment of the cancer itself, can be an effective means of pain control.
*18\55\2*
Information on this site is provided for informational
purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical
advice provided by your physician or other medical
professional. You should not use the information contained
herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or
disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read
carefully all product packaging and labels. If you have or
suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact
your physician or health care provider. Information and
statements regarding dietary supplements have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Consult a health professional if you have any questions.