Cancer pain can result from the cancer itself, such as a tumor pressing on nerves, or from cancer treatments, like chemotherapy or surgery.
Causes of Cancer Pain
- Facet joint injections are a minimally invasive treatment to relieve back or neck pain.
- A local anesthetic and/or steroid medication is injected directly into the facet joint.
- Imaging guidance is used to ensure accurate placement of the injection.
- Historically, these injections were used for chronic pain conditions like arthritis or injuries in the facet joints of the spine.
- Today, many physicians prefer performing targeted nerve blocks on the nerves that supply sensation to the facet joints.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
- Symptoms: Pain can be aching, throbbing, or burning. It may be constant or come and go, and its intensity can vary.
- Diagnosis: Doctors typically diagnose cancer pain by taking a detailed patient history, performing a physical exam, and sometimes using imaging or lab tests.
Treatment Options
- Conservative Treatments: These include pain relievers, from over-the-counter medications to opioids, and complementary therapies such as massage and acupuncture.
- Interventional Treatments: For more severe pain, options may include nerve blocks, neurostimulation, intrathecal drug delivery systems, or radiofrequency ablation.
Treatment Goal
- The primary goal is to effectively manage pain, increase comfort, and improve the patient’s quality of life.