Nonpharmacological Interventions of Cancer Pain Relief, 2004

Physical pain is one of the most feared consequences for patients with cancer. Chronic pain may be at all stages of cancer especially advanced stage. While pharmacological treatments are the central component of cancer pain management, but optimal pain management may require attention to psychosocial variables and the inclusion of nonpharmacological strategies. Management of cancer pain must be individualized; effective pain management can improve the quality of life throughout all stages of the disease. According to review of studies, nonpharmacological methods of cancer pain management include:- Physical interventions: massage, touch, pressure, vibration, heat, cold, electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), acupuncture, exercise and physical therapy.- Thinking and Behavioral interventions: Relaxation, hypnosis, guided imagery, biofeedback, autogenic training, distraction (talking, reading, music, television…) patient education, psychological support, support groups and counseling. Thomas and Weiss (2000) introduced three effective nonpharmacological strategies in reducing cancer pain: 1) Patient psychoeducation, has empowered patients to actively participate in pain control strategies.2) Supportive psychotherapy can assist patients in managing the stressors associated wit h cancer. 3) Cognitive-Behavioral therapy helps patients to recognize and modify thoughts, behaviors and the factors that contribute to physical and emotional distress. Many researches have proved the effects of these interventions on reducing cancer pain as methods complementary and alternative therapy (CAM). Cancer pain is a complex phenomenon and psychosocial variable and emotional distress (anxiety, depression…) has emerged as predictive of patient pain levels. Appropriate cancer pain management requires assessing characteristics of pain, attention to its different aspects and helping Nurse, physician, psychologists, family and other health professionals that is as an example of true comprehensive and integrative care.