IV therapy is an effective option for cancer pain, performed right in our office.
Intravenous (IV) fusion therapy is a pain management option for patients who have not found relief from oral medications or other treatment methods. After an initial evaluation to determine if the service is right for you, you can begin to enjoy the benefits of IV infusion, including:
- Performed in an outpatient setting
- Easy to administer
- Pain-free
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How it Works
With IV infusion therapy, pain medication is effectively delivered to where it is most needed—at the source. An IV line is placed in the patient’s arm, and the medication (mixed with saline in an IV bag) is able to flow in. The medication infuses slowly, and it can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the level of pain, type of medication, and specific pain management protocol that is used.
The medications that your doctor may choose to use can include magnesium, lidocaine, clonidine, ketamine, bisphosphonates, and more. The medication or medication combination will depend on your source of cancer pain.
Traditionally, IV infusion therapy has also been used to manage chronic pain caused by neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, facial pain, peripheral nerve injuries, and more.
What to Expect
Your response to IV infusion therapy can vary. Some patients only need a few treatments, while others need several. You’ll likely start to notice positive effects right away, but it could take a few treatments before you have substantial relief. Your doctor will give you a better idea of what to expect.
Understanding Cancer Pain
Cancer pain is most commonly caused by the cancer itself, and can vary depending on the location and stage of your cancer. For example, a tumor that presses on the spinal cord can result in pain, numbness, or weakness, while other types of cancer can cause bone pain as the cancer cells spread. If you’ve had surgery to remove cancer, you may experience pain through recovery.
Cancer pain can also be attributed to chemotherapy and radiation. It is not uncommon to experience pain, numbness, and tingling in your limbs and hands and feet due to testing and treatments.
To learn more about IV infusion therapy for chronic cancer pain, contact our orthopedic specialists today.