As we bring in the New Year we want to also bring awareness to cervical cancer. January, the month where Americans begin their yearlong journey to their resolution, is also Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, we often treat patients who suffer from chronic cancer pain. As an effort to raise awareness and give support to cancer research, we want to provide essential information that someone may need to help a friend in need or for their own knowledge.
Cervical cancer occurs when a virus called the human papillomavirus, HPV, affects the cervix. The cervix is a female reproductive organ and when abnormal cells grow out of control can cause cancer. HPV is contracted by having sexual contact with an individual already affected by the virus. It can usually be detected with a Pap test. Not all HPV viruses lead to cancer, but women should get HPV shots to prevent any kind of resulting condition.
Cancer, not just cervical cancer, can result in serious pain from both the cancer itself and from aggressive treatment. When cancer is present, the cells destroy the surrounding tissue. Pain can ensue from the location where the cancer started or from where it metastases. When a cancer tumor grows, it can put immense pressure on surrounding nerves, bones, and/or organs, which can produce debilitating pain.
Cancer pain may also be from treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Radiation can leave painful scars and burning sensations, which chemotherapy can cause mouth sores, diarrhea, and nerve damage, among some symptoms.
Cancer pain is treated though chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, even though these are contributors to the pain. Over the counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be used. Opioid medications including codeine, morphine, and fentanyl may be prescribed but should only be used under the direction of a doctor.
Nerve blocks are another form of treatment for cancer pain. A local anesthetic is used to stop messages along the nerve pathways from reaching the brain. Acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, and meditation are also great alternatives to aggressive treatment and all have positive results.
Cancer is a scary diagnosis. It can become even scarier by not getting the right treatment. Keep an open mind when it comes to ending your pain. Every person is different and will find results in the unlikeliest of places. For more information on how Southwest Spine and Pain Center can help with your cancer pain, contact a medical professional today. Southwest Spine and Pain is the premier Utah pain clinic. Visit www.cancer.org to learn more about cancer and ways to stay healthy and find support.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With four locations and same day appointments, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2014
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