Living with cancer can often feel overwhelming, from medication side effects to chronic pain. Pain is a common symptom associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and managing this pain can be difficult. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments for cancer-related pain, including behavioral health treatments.
Behavioral health treatment for cancer pain can provide patients with techniques that can help improve their emotional health and well-being. The Jersey City cancer pain treatment specialists of Jersey Premier Pain can discuss how behavioral health strategies could help you manage cancer pain and be invaluable for your overall cancer treatment plan. Call us today at 201-386-8800 for a consultation.
What Is Behavioral Health Cancer Pain Treatment?
Behavioral health cancer pain treatment is a therapy used to help people manage their physical and emotional pain associated with cancer. This treatment is based on the idea that the mind and body are connected and that a person’s behavior, thoughts, and emotions can affect how they experience physical pain. It is also known as psychosocial cancer pain management.
This approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) elements with other interventions, such as mindfulness techniques. It aims to help individuals better understand and manage their pain, reducing their suffering and improving their quality of life.
The therapist may provide education on how lifestyle changes can help reduce or manage cancer-related pain. This can include managing stress, exercising regularly, relaxing, and creating healthy sleeping habits.
Behavioral health cancer pain treatment can benefit people with all types of cancer, including those with advanced stages. It’s safe, non-invasive, and can be done from the comfort of one’s home or in a clinic setting. It might be worth considering behavioral health cancer pain treatment if you are looking for ways to manage your cancer-related pain.
How Does it Work?
Behavioral health cancer pain treatment targets pain’s emotional and psychological aspects rather than just its physical aspects. This approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, relaxation techniques, and support groups. Through these treatments, patients can gain insight into the sources of their pain, learn new coping strategies, and find ways to manage and reduce their pain.
In cognitive-behavioral therapy, patients work with a therapist to explore the thoughts and feelings contributing to their pain and then develop strategies to challenge and modify those thoughts. CBT can help patients reframe their experience of pain and adopt more positive coping strategies.
Mindfulness-based interventions involve teaching patients to observe and acknowledge their pain without judgment. It can help patients become aware of their pain in a more objective way and can reduce the distress they may feel in response to their pain.
Finally, support groups can provide a beneficial source of social connection and emotional support for those living with pain from cancer. These groups allow individuals to discuss their experiences with others going through similar situations, which can provide valuable insight and comfort.
What Are the Benefits?
By providing patients with strategies for understanding and addressing the factors contributing to their pain, behavioral health therapy helps them better manage their physical, emotional, and psychological responses to pain.
Research from the National Library of Medicine has shown that CBT can benefit cancer patients by reducing pain severity and frequency, improving coping skills, reducing distress, and controlling the cancer experience. The research also shows that cognitive behavioral therapy may improve physical function, mood, and overall well-being. Additionally, CBT can be tailored to each individual’s unique needs, making it an effective form of personalized cancer care. With the proper guidance and support, cognitive behavioral therapy can be invaluable for managing cancer pain.
Tips for Living with Pain
If you’re living with pain from cancer, there are many things you can do to improve your health, quality of life, and mental well-being while going through treatment, including:
- Stay active: Even if you are dealing with pain, staying active can help improve your overall physical and mental health. Talk to your doctor to determine what activity is best for your situation.
- Get enough rest: Give your body enough rest when dealing with pain. Restful sleep helps your body to heal and reduces stress levels.
- Mindful breathing: Incorporating mindful breathing techniques into your daily routine can help reduce pain intensity and manage the stress that often comes with it.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Practices like yoga, meditation, and tai chi can help to relax tense muscles and reduce pain levels.
- Eat a balanced diet: Eating a healthy diet can help you cope better with pain and maintain a healthy weight.
- Participate in activities that bring joy: Finding activities that bring joy and make you feel good is essential to coping with chronic pain.
- Connect with others: Connecting with family and friends can help boost your mood and distract you from pain. Reach out to those around you for support, or join a support group for people living with cancer.
- Advocate for yourself: Talk to your doctor about what treatments may be best for you and any other questions you have about managing your pain.
Jersey City Behavioral Health Cancer Pain Treatment
If you are suffering from cancer pain, Jersey Premier Pain can provide treatment options to help you manage and reduce your pain. We recognize the importance of personalized care, so our clinicians work one-on-one with you to develop a unique treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our treatments may include biofeedback, deep muscle relaxation, visualization, and other helpful techniques.
At Jersey Premier Pain, our goal is to provide compassionate and comprehensive care to help you cope with cancer pain. We strive to create a supportive environment and work closely with you to develop a plan to help you manage and reduce your pain. We understand the importance of self-care and strive to help empower you to live a healthy lifestyle and manage your cancer-related pain.
If you or someone you know is living with cancer pain, we are here to help. Contact us today at 201-386-8800 to learn more about our behavioral health cancer pain treatment services or book an appointment online.
Call Us: 201-386-8800 
