Cancer-Related Pain
Your spine shouldn't stop you from living your life.
From neck stiffness to persistent back pain and sciatica, spinal pain can quietly take over your daily life. At The Pain Clinic, we take the time to find the root cause — and work with you on a path forward that fits your life.
About Cancer-Related Pain
Spinal pain is rarely just one thing.
It can show up as stiffness in the neck, a persistent ache in the lower back, shooting pain down the leg, or headaches that won’t go away. The causes are just as varied — and so are the paths to relief. Below are the most common spinal conditions we treat. Select a condition to learn more, or chat with our team if you’re not sure where your pain fits.
Common questions
Before you book
How does cancer cause pain?
In managing cancer pain, recognising that the disease can lead to significant discomfort is essential. This pain often arises from various sources. For example, as tumours expand, they may press against organs, bones, or nerves, causing varying degrees of pain. The spread of cancer to other body parts can also lead to discomfort. In Singapore, where a range of cancer treatment options like chemotherapy and radiation therapy are available, side effects from these treatments can further contribute to the patient’s pain. Effective cancer pain relief in this instance involves personalised strategies, developed by healthcare professionals, to address these diverse sources of pain, enhancing the patient’s quality of life.
How can cancer pain be treated and managed in cancer patients?
Cancer pain management in Singapore involves a personalised, multi-faceted approach. Pain specialists often prescribe opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl, for chronic pain relief. These medications are controlled substances and are prescribed with caution, requiring close monitoring due to potential risks and side effects. For neuropathic pain, which can result from nerve compression or damage by cancer, treatment may include anti-convulsants or anti-depressants.
Are there side effects to painkillers?
Yes, painkillers, particularly opioids used for cancer pain management, can have side effects. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. It is important for patients to communicate openly with their healthcare providers about these side effects. This is important, as the healthcare team can then adjust the medication regimen or suggest additional treatments to manage these side effects effectively, ensuring the patient’s comfort while maintaining pain relief.
What if I still have pain after taking painkillers?
For some cancer patients, pain may persist even after the administration of painkillers, especially in cases of advanced cancer. This situation can occur when the cancer has spread extensively or has affected the nervous system. In such scenarios, stronger or alternative pain management methods may be required. One such method is intrathecal drug delivery. This procedure involves a minor surgery to implant a drug reservoir that delivers pain medication directly into the spinal fluid to provide additional pain relief. This method is used under strict medical supervision and is considered for patients with complex pain management needs.
Still have questions?
Reach us by phone, email, or WhatsApp. We typically respond within one business day.