What are some ways to relieve cancer pain without drugs?

Many techniques are used alone or in combination with drugs to help control cancer pain. Some examples are:

• Relaxation techniques, such as visual concentration and breathing exercises, relieve pain by reducing tension in the muscles.

• Biofeedback helps people control their heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension with special machines. Biofeedback is usually used with other pain relief methods.

• Imagery means using your imagination to create mental pictures or situations to reduce pain. The relief can last during imagery and for hours afterward.

• Hypnosis is a trance-like state between sleeping and waking. It can be used to block the awareness of pain or to substitute another feeling for the pain.

• Skin stimulation involves applying massage, pressure, vibration, heat, cold and menthol preparations to the skin on or near the area of pain to reduce or block the feeling of pain.

• Acupuncture is a widely accepted method of pain relief. Thin needles are inserted into the body at certain points for 15 to 30 minutes. Each point controls the pain sensation of a different part of the body. No discomfort is felt when the needles are in place or removed.

For free copies of the National Cancer Institute booklets "Pain Control: A Guide for People with Cancer and Their Families" and "Understanding Pain Control," call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.

For names of local health professionals and organizations that can help you learn pain control techniques, talk with your doctor or contact your local hospice, pain clinic or cancer treatment facility.

Be sure to report any new pain to the doctor or nurse, who can determine the cause of the pain and help you make treatment decisions.

choose back button for more from this category, or below for CIS index