Medications
One of the first medications you might take for pain is an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). For more moderate to severe pain, your physician may prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug or a stronger pain medication, such as an opioid like morphine, oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, others), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), or fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, others).
“Some medications act quickly to relieve pain, while others are long-acting and help provide continuous pain control,” Dr. Nakagawa says.
A palliative care doctor can work with you to control lung cancer pain.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy, which is one of the main treatments for lung cancer, can help ease pain by shrinking tumors that are pressing on bones and other structures. Radiation is either delivered from a machine outside the body (external beam radiation therapy) or through radioactive substances placed close to the cancer (brachytherapy).
Radiation relieves cancer pain in 60 to 80 percent of people who receive it. But it can also cause a short-lived sunburn-like effect to the skin.
Nerve Blocks
Lung cancer can cause pain when it presses on nerves. A nerve block injects a local anesthetic near the affected nerves to stop pain impulses from reaching the brain. It may require several sessions, though, to fully take effect.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy teaches you how to move in ways that cause less pain. Your physical therapist can also prescribe assistive devices like a walker to relieve pressure on bones or other painful areas.
“Gentle physical activity, stretching, and physical therapy can help reduce stiffness and maintain mobility,” says Nakagawa. Research finds that physical therapy improves not only lung cancer pain but also lung capacity and function.
Acupuncture
It may be more helpful for someone with mild pain, as opposed to someone with moderate to severe pain, says Campbell.
Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can take your mind off pain. These and other mindfulness techniques involve slowing your breathing and centering your thoughts on the present moment. Yoga and tai chi are forms of exercise that combine deep breathing and mindfulness with movement.
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