Causes / Predispositions
Chronic pain related to cancer is often the result of tumor(s) applying pressure to soft tissue, organs, nerves and/or bones.
Additional cancer related causes of pain include:
- Biopsies/Lumbar Puncture
- Bleeding Tumor
- Bones Damage from Steroidal Medications
- Burning Around Injection Sites
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Hormonal Changes
- Immune System Changes
- Inflammation
- Intestinal Blockage
- Lymphoedema
- Nerve Damage from Chemotherapy
- Nerve Injury from Surgery
- Phantom Limb Pain
- Urinary Blockage
Symptoms
Patients experience pain differently, and the nature/intensity of pain can vary depending on the source.
Cancer patients may experience:
- Neuropathic Pain – Burning, Prickling, Stabbing and/or Tingling
- Bone Pain – Aching and Throbbing
- Soft Tissue Pain – Throbbing, Sharp and Aching in the Joints, Muscles and Skin.
- Organ Pain – Deep, Sickening, Pressuring, or Persistent Dull Pain in the Torso.
Traditional Treatments
In patients experiencing pain directly related to tumor growth, surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be a likely course of action.
Health care providers often treat pain in cancer patients by prescribing medications/treatments such as:
- Oxycodone
- Morphine
- Hydromorphone
- Oxymorphone
- Buprenorphine
- Fentanyl
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Steroids
- Nerve Blocking
- Physiotherapy
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Trigger Point Injections
Treatment with Cannabis Medicine
The endocannabinoid system plays a role in the body’s pain signalling process, and research indicates that cannabis can suppress pain by activating the CB1 receptors.
Patients using cannabis medicine have reported varying levels of reduction in cancer related pain when consuming products containing both THC and CBD. However, additional research is needed to fully understand the potentials and possible side effects of cannabis as a treatment for cancer related pain.
Recommended Intake Method(s)
- Edible Oils – Useful as a preventative treatment. Effectiveness limited by slow onset.
- Inhalation via Vaporizer – Useful in achieving immediate relief due to fast onset.
Recommended Product Formulations
- Products containing ratios of 1:1 or 1:2 THC to CBD.
Notable Terpenes
- Myrcene – Analgesic, Sedating
- Linalool – Anti-Anxiety, Analgesic
- Caryophyllene – Gastroprotective, Anti-Inflammatory
- Pinene – Anti-Inflammatory, Antibiotic
