Multiple myeloma is cancer that develops in your bone marrow. The cancer destroys bone around a collection of plasma cells, which can weaken the bones. As multiple myeloma progresses, it fills up bone marrow with cancer cells, which puts pressure on the bones. People can experience bone pain from head to toe, which can be very painful.
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Pain Management
Pain medication
Over the counter products like ibuprofen or acetaminophen found in Advil and Tylenol can help with mild pain. Patients should talk to their doctor prior to self-medicating since these drugs can interfere with other prescribed medications or cancer treatments. As the disease progresses and the pain is stronger, patients may get a stronger prescription to control the pain. Patients are often prescribed drugs like codeine or morphine.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays that penetrate the tissues of the body to reach and destroy cancer cells. It can be used to treat areas of bone damaged by myeloma that have not responded well to chemotherapy and are causing pain.
Alternative Medicine
Naturopathic medicine uses natural therapies to help with pain and reduce the hormonal side effect that come with cancer treatments. This can include herbal and botanical preparations, dietary supplements, homeopathic remedies, physical therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care.
Implantable Pump
These small pumps are surgically implanted and deliver small amounts of pain medication directly to the spinal cord. Implantable pumps can automatically deliver pain medication to the nervous system to reduce severe pain more effectively than standard pain management methods in patients with cancer. When patients feel pain, the spinal cord is responsible for receiving and transmitting pain signals; pain medication is delivered to this area blocks these signals, ultimately relieving the patient of pain.
NEXT: Symptoms & Other Health Problems Related to Multiple Myeloma