Self-Care
Home treatment may help to reduce cancer pain and improve your physical and mental well-being. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any home treatment you may use.
Here are some things you can try at home to relieve cancer pain.
Heat and cold
Heat and cold treatments can help with mild to moderate pain from cancer. Heat may relieve sore muscles. Cold may ease pain by numbing pain sensations. Try alternating heat and cold. After a heat or cold treatment, try some gentle massage for relaxation and pain relief.
Talk to your doctor before you try either heat or cold during chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
Be careful when using heat or cold treatment:
- Don't apply heat or cold to skin that may be red or tender from radiation treatment.
- Don't apply heat to an area where the skin is broken or injured. Heat can increase bleeding.
- Don't apply heat or cold packs directly to bare skin. Put a thin towel or pillowcase between the pack and your skin.
- Don't use heat or cold in an area where you have poor blood flow.
Gentle massage
Simple touch or gentle massage may help reduce pain and ease tension. You could ask someone else to rub your shoulders or back. You can massage your own feet, hands, or neck. Self-massage works best if you are in comfortable clothes and are sitting or lying in a comfortable position. Use oil or lotion to massage bare skin.
Avoid massage in any areas where you have visible tumors, open wounds, skin that is tender from radiation, or a blood clot in a vein.
Distraction
Distraction can help you focus your attention on something other than pain. Paying attention to something other than pain may make the pain easier to handle. Distraction can be useful whenever you are waiting for pain medicines to start working.
Physical activity
Physical activity can help reduce pain and fatigue. It can also prevent muscle spasms and stiffness in your joints. Stretching and range-of-motion exercises can help you stay strong, flexible, and mobile.
Being physically active also can help with your emotional and mental health. It may be hard to be active when you don't feel well. But if you are able, going for a walk or a swim may help you feel better, especially during cancer treatment.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before you increase your level of physical activity.