by Jude Roberts, Staff Writer
Some of the non-drug pain interventions, known as
complementary and alternative therapies, include the
use of massage therapy, meditation, acupuncture, and
herbal treatments. Something as simple as the use of
heat and cold, which can be administered by a
caregiver at home, can help to relieve pain. You can
get this information from a medical professional,
and they can provide you with a skin care plan,
information on positioning, and the proper use of
heat and cold. Heat generally relaxes the muscles
and gives a sense of comfort; however, do not set
heating pads on high because they may burn the skin
quite easily. Remember not to place heating pads
over or near areas where radiation marks are on the
skin, even when the treatments are over. Warm
showers, baths, hot water bottles and warm
washcloths can be soothing as well. Cold is best
used to alleviate pain that comes from inflammation
or swelling, soothing the muscles and skin. Physical
therapists can provide you with information on
appropriate exercises, massages or equipment that
can help patients move with less pain. For example,
massage sore spots like the back, neck and shoulders
using smooth, long strokes for about three minutes.
It’s best to use a lubricant that has been warmed,
and this can be done by placing a bottle of lotion
into a sink of hot water for 10 minutes.
Here are a few more suggestions on how a caregiver
can be a productive member of the pain
management/palliative care team:
- Educate
yourself on pain management
- Take
part in the pain management program by learning
what is needed, providing encouragement and
reminders
- Help
keep daily information about the kind of pain a
loved one is experiencing
- Check
on the level of pain being experienced by using
a 10-point rating scale (one being the least
amount of pain, and 10 being the worst level of
pain)
- Ask
questions of the doctor; seek consultation with
a pain specialist if you are not satisfied with
the doctor's recommendations
- Provide
your loved one with distractions that will help
get their mind off the pain
- Maintain
open communication about any pain-related
concerns
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