Pain Management in Cancer

19 Nov 2019

Pain and discomfort are a common concern when living with cancer. Pharmaceutical options are certainly effective, but sometimes come with unwanted side effects. Naturopathic medicine can have a lot to offer when it comes to managing your pain. These options can often be used alongside medication to reduce the reliance on pharmaceuticals.

Acupuncture

This ancient technique, dating back 5000 years is wonderful for pain management. There are a few ways to use the needles, too – in traditional acupuncture points, in pain points or muscle knots, with “dry needling” technique where the needle is moved around in a muscle, or with electrostimulation, where a current is run into the needles to cause small contractions and relaxation or to stimulate the activity of certain points. Acupuncture is a wonderful addition to a pain management protocol that can improve mobility, decrease intensity of pain, release muscle tension, and promote relaxation.

Curcumin and Boswellia

There are a few herbs out there that have great anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities. Curcumin (from turmeric spice) and boswellia block major inflammatory pathways, offering relief for not only arthritis but also pain due to cancer. Interestingly, both of these herbs have shown some anti-cancer activity in studies as well, so they may be beneficial on multiple levels!

IV Therapy

Intravenous therapy is the infusion of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients straight into the bloodstream. The use of high doses of vitamin C in IV can decrease pain and inflammation, while supporting energy for cancer patients. Patients going through chemotherapy or radiation often feel better with the additional use of IV therapy, reporting not only less pain but also less nausea and less fatigue. Vitamin C also supports adrenal gland function, which decreases stress and the burden of cortisol (stress hormone) on our bodies. And a more balanced mood can result in better sleep and lower pain levels.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

The foods we put into our bodies make a big difference when it comes to inflammation and pain. Often dairy can be surprisingly inflammatory for people, and cutting back on this category can curb pain. Finding out your food sensitivities through testing may be a good approach to see what your body is reacting to. The common sensitivities are dairy, gluten and wheat, corn, soy, egg, and citrus fruit – but it really can be any food. By cleaning up the diet and focusing on low sugar and processed foods, lower carbohydrate, lots of veggies especially leafy greens, healthy fats like olive oil, avocado oil, nuts and seeds, good quality protein, and berries, you are actively decreasing inflammation in the body and supporting vibrant health.

Pain can be a difficult reality of the cancer experience, but knowing your options and finding a combination that works for you is possible. We are here to help!

In Health,

Dr. Aleksandra Gasinski, ND

To book an appointment with one of our Naturopathic Doctors at Natural Choice Medical Clinic in Guelph, call 519-265-8035.

Photo by Luis Galvez on Unsplash