Cancer Pain Management Specialists

Causes of Cancer Pain

Cancer can cause chronic pain by putting pressure on or damaging structures in the body, such as nerves, organs and bones. When cancer spreads from its original site (primary tumor) to other areas (metastasis), it can lead to pain at these new locations. Additionally, treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can damage nerves, resulting in nerve pain in the arms and legs. Recovery from cancer surgery often involves acute postoperative pain as wounds heal. More aggressive surgeries might cause significant pain, which could either diminish with healing or develop into chronic pain.

Cancer pain can vary widely in its characteristics, intensity and location, depending on the type of cancer and its progression. Common symptoms of cancer pain include:

• Aching or throbbing. Dull, deep ache, constant or intermittent.
• Sharp or stabbing. Sudden, intense, localized pain.
• Burning or tingling. Sensations of burning or electrical shocks.
• Pressure or fullness. Feeling of pressure in affected areas.
• Bone pain. Deep, aching pain in bones.
• Visceral pain. Deep, cramping pain from internal organs.
• Muscle pain. Pain in muscles, often from treatment side effects.
• Breakthrough pain. Sudden, intense pain flare-ups.

Treatment Options for Cancer Pain

While cancer-related pain may not always be completely relieved, a comprehensive plan can significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life. Standard pain medications — including opioids — can often be effective, but side effects like nausea, fatigue and cognitive issues limit their use.

At Nura, we approach cancer pain with compassion. We offer minimally invasive treatments to address the physical aspects of pain. For persistent pain, we use advanced neuromodulation techniques like neurostimulation systems and targeted drug delivery pumps, providing effective alternatives to higher doses of oral, transdermal (skin patches) or IV medications.

• Medication Management
• Peripheral Nerve Blocks
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
• Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
• Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
• Targeted Drug Delivery (TDD)

When Every Moment Counts

The pain of terminal cancer can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. It can take away precious time with family and loved ones, as pain or the side effects of medications can limit meaningful social interactions. While some may choose sedation with opioids and anti-anxiety medications during their final days, many prefer to stay awake and lucid. At Nura, we strive to offer effective pain relief while minimizing the impact on mental clarity, providing options for those who wish to avoid high doses of opioids.