Pain Management and Lymphedema

Introduction

Pain is often a lingering aftermath of breast cancer treatment. If this is be due to increasing swelling as fluid accumulates in the affected areas, it is an early warning sign of the onset of lymphedema and/or an infection.

An even more important cause of this pain is a recurrence of the cancer. Therefore when ongoing pain is a problem, it is important to have your physician rule-out cancer recurrence problems as causes. [1]

Once a cancer recurrence has been ruled out, the best action is to obtain prompt treatment and ongoing management of the lymphedema. Unfortunately for many lymphedema patients, despite their best efforts, pain continues to be a major problem particularly when it involves joints, muscles, and scars.

Exploring Pain Treatment Options

No one wants to chronically need to take pain medication, and many patients may seek alternative “Drug Free Options” that will work for them. The following are suggestions for such remedies for chronic pain. [2]

The effectiveness of these alternatives varies according to individuals. An important part of their success is the ability to take control of his or her pain control method. The key message here, when trying a new method, is to remember, “If it doesn’t feel right for you, STOP! Listen to your body!” Just because a program is recommended by an “expert” does not necessarily mean this program is right for you.

Complementary and
Alternative Medicine Methods

Pilates is beneficial exercise.

The following CAM methods have been successful for some individuals in controlling pain. Before starting a new pain control program, particularly if it involves specific foods or supplements, consult with your doctor and your lymphedema therapist.

• Movement-Based Therapies, which involve physical exercises and practices, help musculoskeletal and joint pain. Examples include: physical therapy, yoga, Pilates, Tai chi, and Feldenkrais.
• Nutritional and Herbal Remedies, which involve food choices and dietary supplements, help all chronic pain including inflammatory conditions. It is very important that you ask your physician before adding supplements to your diet. Such as: an anti-inflammatory diet, Omega-3 fatty acids, ginger, tumeric, or MSM.
• Mind-Body Medicine, which uses the powers of the mind to produce changes in the body, helps all types of chronic pain. Such as meditation, Guided imagery, biofeedback, and relaxation.
• Energy Healing, which involves manipulating the electrical energy emitted by the body’s nervous system. In Chinese medicine this is known as chi and it is said to help pain that lingers after an injury heals, as well as pain complicated by trauma, anxiety, or depression. These techniques include: acupuncture, acupressure, Chigong, and  Reiki.
• Physical Manipulation, which involves hands-on massage or movement of painful areas, helps musculoskeletal pain, pain from adhesion or scars. Such as: massage, chiropractic, or osteopathy. Caution should be taken not to allow these methods to damage lymphedema affected tissues.
• Lifestyle changes, which involves developing healthy habits at home and work that will help to relieve all types of: chronic pain, sleep hygiene, positive work environment, healthy relationships, and exercise.[3]

References

[1] Why does lymphedema cause pain? by Andrea Cheville, MD. Lymph Links, July/September 2005 page 9.

[2] Drug-Free Remedies for Chronic Pain by Loolwa Khazzoom. AARP Magazine, January & February 2009.

[3] National Cancer Institute: Pain Management in Lymphedema

© LymphNotes 2009. This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health care professional.

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Category: Living With Lymphedema Updated: 2009-11-13