The goal of pain control is to prevent the pain that can be prevented, and treat the pain that can't be prevented. In order to do this:
Take your pain medicine on a regular schedule (by the clock) if you have persistent or chronic pain.
Do not skip doses of your scheduled pain medicine. If you wait to take pain medicine until you feel pain, it is harder to control.
Try using relaxation exercises at the same time you take your medicine for the pain. This may help to lessen tension, reduce anxiety, and manage pain.
Some people with chronic or persistent pain that is usually controlled by medicine can have breakthrough pain. This occurs when moderate-to-severe pain "breaks through" or is felt for a short time. If you experience this pain, use a short-acting medicine ordered by your healthcare provider. Don't wait for the pain to get worse. If you do, it may be harder to control.
There are many different medicines and methods available to control cancer pain. You should expect your healthcare provider to seek all of the information and resources necessary to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are in pain and your healthcare provider has no further suggestions, ask to see a pain specialist or have your healthcare provider consult with a pain specialist. A pain specialist may be an oncologist, anesthesiologist, neurologist, neurosurgeon, another healthcare provider, nurse, or pharmacist.
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