Lack of Pain Relief for Cancer Patients
In addition to the pain the disease itself can cause, cancer treatment often has many unpleasant side effects and complications. The level of pain experienced depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as what treatment a patient is undergoing. Typically, cancer pain results from advanced stages of cancer, tumors, or nerve damage. However, radiation testing, surgeries, chemotherapy, and other procedures can also result in pain or further complications. Pain can be intermittent or constant, mild, moderate, or severe, and can fluctuate from dull to achy or sharp.
Ranging from memory and cognitive issues to peripheral neuropathy, immobility, and widespread pain, cancer patients are expected to suffer the side effects of treatment in order to ultimately gain back their health. Unfortunately, due to the stigma that pain is simply a part of cancer, cancer pain is vastly under-treated.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the lack of cancer pain management can be explained by a variety of reasons. Doctors may be reluctant to ask about pain. Patients may refrain from speaking up. Most often, there is a fear of addiction or further side effects, as many pain management medications are strong opioid-based drugs. Regardless of the reason, the fact of the matter is that thousands of cancer patients are suffering in silence. Not anymore.
Why Chiropractic Care?
Among cancer survivors who seek chiropractic therapy, 84 percent have done so to alleviate pain, improve mood and sleeping habits, and relieve stress. Cancer patients also opt to see a chiropractor to help control headaches and nausea created by their current treatment regimen. But, why chiropractic care?
A chiropractor focuses on the relationship between the structure of the body and the function of the body, taking an all-natural, drug-free approach to treatment. Using non-invasive manual or instrument procedures, a chiropractor gently realigns the muscles and joints of the body.
Chiropractic care may help to improve energy and increase flexibility, mobility, and strength. It can also help improve nerve communication throughout the entire body, helping to improve feelings of numbness or tingling, and also boosting communication to the immune system. Together, this can improve current pain, as well as allow a patient to experience fewer colds and sinus issues during the course of cancer treatment.
When is Chiropractic Not Recommended?
While chiropractic can be beneficial for most cancer patients, there are cases in which doctors should proceed with caution. The type of cancer, current blood work, most recent imaging, and a patient’s current treatment regimen are all carefully examined prior to moving forward. Moreover, there are times in which chiropractic therapy may not be recommended.
For example, if the development of a secondary malignant growth at a distance from a primary site of cancer, known as metastasis, is found in the bone, a doctor will not move forward with chiropractic. If your platelet counts are low, chiropractic care will not be given. As with all treatments, chiropractic therapy should be offered in close consultation with the patient’s oncologist and other care team members.
In most cases, chiropractic care will be safe to proceed. However, most doctors and the team at ChiroCare of Florida won’t advise treatment for patients who have:
- any type of bone cancer (primary or secondary bone cancer)
- diseases of the bone marrow, such as leukemia
- severe bone thinning or broken bones
- diseases that affect the spinal cord
The Fight to Manage Pain and Complications
Cancer pain is much more than an all-over ache. Common side-effects or treatment complications include:
- Fatigue
- Stiffness
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Numbness
- Headaches
- Sciatic pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty walking
- Nausea and vomiting
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain)
Of course, chiropractic care cannot cure cancer. But, chiropractic care is a non-surgical, non-invasive option that offers relief for these many side-effects without prescribing medication. Manual techniques, as well as the strategic use of instrument-based therapies, can help to alleviate pain and tension, making patients more comfortable for the duration of their treatment and beyond.
At ChiroCare of Florida, our physicians tailor a treatment plan to suit your specific needs, while also bearing in mind your current battle. A chiropractic treatment plan is created with a thorough understanding of your current therapies and medications, as well as the type and stage of the cancer being treated. With this information in mind, your ChiroCare of Florida physician will hand-select specific chiropractic therapies.
Spinal Manipulation to Improve Nerve Communication
Spinal manipulation, also known as a chiropractic adjustment, is a common therapeutic procedure which chiropractors specialize in. It involves manually applying a controlled force to the spine or other joints of the body that have become restricted in their movement. Gentle but effective, spinal manipulation helps to free nerves that have become compressed or restricted. While this will help to alleviate pain, it will also improve body-wide nerve communication to improve side-effects such as peripheral neuropathy.
Ultrasound Therapy to Soothe Muscle and Joints
Ultrasound therapy is a completely non-invasive therapy that uses a traditional handheld ultrasound device to deliver deep heat to aching muscles and tissue. Ultrasound therapy can help soothe aches and pains, decrease tension, improve range of motion, and help repair injured tissue.
Medical Marijuana and CBD Products for Natural Relief
With the recent legalization of the use of medicinal cannabis, ChiroCare of Florida has made strides to be able to prescribe medical marijuana to help effectively treat all patients, especially those currently battling cancer. Medical marijuana has been noted to soothe nausea, lessen muscle and joint pain, and increase appetite.
In addition to medical marijuana, ChiroCare of Florida carries a variety of CBD products including topical salves and tinctures. An organic and all-natural treatment, CBD can help alleviate pain, headaches, and insomnia.
Cancer Pain Treatment at ChiroCare of Florida
Our team is dedicated to providing all patients with the highest quality of care. However, we understand that those currently battling cancer are already bogged down with traditional cancer treatments. For this reason, we aim to be an advocate for your health, giving you all-natural solutions for pain management as well as feasible options for improving your quality of life.
With 11 offices throughout the South Florida area, cancer pain treatment in South Florida begins at ChiroCare of Florida. Our experienced physicians will construct a personalized treatment plan, beginning with a thorough review of your medical history. Next, we will request medical image testings, such as X-rays, as well as current lab results to ensure our treatment is addressing your needs safely and effectively. Throughout treatment, your ChiroCare of Florida physician will consistently monitor your scans and X-rays, as well as lab results, to ensure safe delivery of chiropractic care.
Other non-procedure related treatments included in your plan may include physical rehabilitation and diet and nutrition advice. Together, we can make your fight against cancer more comfortable.
Seeking Chiropractic Care Today
Chiropractic care cannot cure cancer. But, it can help alleviate the pain that comes with the battle. At ChiroCare of Florida, it is our mission to help you begin living life pain-free. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and determine if chiropractic care is right for you. Cancer may begin the fight, but together we can finish it.
