Chronic Conditions
Cancer Pain
Pain from tumor, treatment or nerve involvement, managed alongside the patient's oncology team.
What cancer pain is
Cancer pain may come from the tumor itself, from bone involvement, from surgery, or from chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. It frequently changes over time and requires a plan that changes with it.
We work directly with oncology teams and, when oral medications produce unacceptable side effects, offer targeted nerve blocks and intrathecal drug delivery, which can deliver relief at a fraction of the systemic dose.
Common symptoms
- Deep bone pain or localized tumor pain
- Burning neuropathic pain after chemotherapy
- Abdominal or visceral pain
- Side effects limiting oral pain medication
Common causes
- Direct pressure or invasion from a tumor into bone, nerve or soft tissue
- Bone metastases, which are a common source of deep, aching pain
- Nerve damage from chemotherapy, producing burning neuropathic pain
- Pain from cancer surgery, including scar tissue and nerve irritation
- Radiation-related tissue changes near the treated area
How it is diagnosed
Cancer pain evaluation is done in close coordination with your oncology team, using their imaging and treatment history alongside our own pain-focused examination to understand exactly where the pain is coming from.
We distinguish between pain types, such as deep bone pain, nerve-related burning pain, and visceral or organ-related pain, because each responds best to a different kind of treatment.
When appropriate, a diagnostic nerve block can confirm a specific nerve or plexus as the source before proceeding to a longer-lasting procedure such as a celiac plexus block for pancreatic-related pain.
Treatment options we offer
Which of these applies depends on your examination and, where appropriate, a diagnostic block confirming the source of your cancer pain.
- Intrathecal Pain PumpAn implanted pump delivering medication directly to the spinal fluid, achieving relief at a fraction of the oral dose.
- Nerve BlocksTargeted injections that interrupt pain signals along a specific nerve or nerve plexus.
- Medication ManagementCareful, monitored use of the right medication class for your pain type, with clear goals and safety oversight.
- Spinal Cord StimulationAn implanted device that modulates pain signals before they reach the brain, trialed first so you know it works.
When to see a specialist
- Pain that is not adequately controlled by your current oncology pain regimen
- Side effects from oral pain medication that are limiting your quality of life
- New or worsening bone pain, especially with a known history of cancer
- Burning nerve pain that developed during or after chemotherapy
- Sudden severe new pain or new weakness, which should be reported to your oncology team promptly for evaluation
Common questions
Will you communicate with my oncologist?
What is intrathecal pain pump therapy and how does it help?
Can nerve blocks help with cancer pain even if the tumor is still present?
Is cancer pain treatment only for advanced disease?
Related conditions
- ArthritisDegenerative and inflammatory joint disease of the spine, hips, knees and shoulders.
- NeuropathyNerve damage causing burning, numbness and tingling, most often in the feet, legs and hands.
- Complex Regional Pain SyndromeA disproportionate pain response after injury, with skin, temperature and swelling changes in a limb.
- FibromyalgiaWidespread musculoskeletal pain with fatigue, sleep disturbance and heightened pain sensitivity.
Ready to get a real diagnosis?
Most patients are seen within two weeks. Call our office or send a request and our staff will help you choose the most convenient location.