Things you can do to reduce cancer pain

Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. TENS may temporarily help pain that is in one area of the body. But more studies are needed in people with cancer pain to know this for sure.

Your doctor or nurse will stick small pads onto your skin. The pads release a small electrical charge. This causes a tingling feeling in the skin. It stimulates the nerves that run up the spine to the brain. TENS blocks the nerves carrying the pain messages.

TENS may be worth a try because it’s easy to use and has few side effects. You can ask your doctor or specialist nurse if it could help your type of pain.

Complementary therapies

People with cancer may use complementary therapies alongside their medical treatment. This can help them to feel better and improve quality of life. Complementary therapies may help you to cope better with symptoms such as pain.

Some of the complementary therapies that might help with cancer pain include:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves putting fine needles into the body at particular points. The needles are left in place for a short time. The practitioner then removes them.

Massage therapy

Massage is a technique that applies pressure to parts of the body. A therapist uses techniques such as stroking, kneading, tapping or pressing. It aims to relax you mentally and physically. 

Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy uses concentrated oils that are made from parts of plants (essential oils). The therapist uses these oils to apply pressure to parts of your body.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a technique that applies gentle pressure to your feet or hands. It aims to bring about a state of relaxation and help the body's own healing process. 

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to put you into a trance like state. This means your body is deeply relaxed but your mind is active.

Meditation

People practise meditation to help their minds and bodies become calm and relaxed. There are different types. Most involve being still and quiet, but some involve movement. 

Some of the complementary therapies are widely used in the NHS. You might find them in:

• cancer hospitals and clinics

• hospices

• GP practices

Ask if it is available to you on the NHS.

Find out more about these different complementary therapies and how they might help with pain

Tips for you, your family and friends

There are many ways that you and your family can help to control your pain.

You may have noticed that your pain seems worse if you’re anxious or worried. It often seems worse at night if you can’t sleep and there’s nothing else to distract you. 

Here are some things to try that can help relieve your pain.

• Change your position regularly to prevent stiffness and areas of sore skin.

• Hot or cold packs can help relieve pain, but wrap them in a soft towel so they don't damage your skin.

• Watching TV, reading or chatting can help to take your mind off your aches and pains.

• Relaxation - use tapes or listen to some calming music and think of somewhere beautiful you'd like to be.

• Try to breathe slowly and deeply when you are tense.

• Talking to someone about your pain, perhaps a counsellor, can help to relieve stress and tension and make it easier to cope.

These things might help you to take some control over your pain and make it seem better for a time. Learning relaxation exercises can be very helpful if you can’t sleep.

Remember not to get too tired. Visitors can be a wonderful distraction, but when you’re not well it’s often better to see people just for short periods.

There are organisations, support groups and books to help you understand pain control and get the treatment you need.

Find out more about other organisations and support for cancer pain