Myeloma Pain Management

Causes of Multiple Myeloma Pain 

Multiple myeloma pain can originate from various sources. Knowing what type of pain you're experiencing can help guide treatment:

• Bone pain: This type of pain often occurs when myeloma cells affect the bone structure. 
• Neuropathic pain: Pain can result from nerve compression or damage, sometimes caused by tumors or treatment side effects. 
• Treatment-related pain: Pain can occur due to certain medications, injections, or procedures used during care. 
• Muscle or joint pain: Reduced activity, inflammation, or the effects of medication can also cause pain.

Pain varies from person to person, but it is often manageable with the right approach. 

Multiple Myeloma Pain Relief

Pain relief for multiple myeloma requires a combination of treatments tailored to the type and severity of discomfort. 

Treatments may include:

• Medications, including pain relievers.
• Targeted therapies that address bone damage.
• Procedures, like radiation or surgery, if necessary.

Supportive measures like physical therapy, gentle exercise, and complementary approaches can also help improve mobility and ease daily life.

Multiple Myeloma Pain Management Resources

A tailored approach to managing multiple myeloma pain addresses the disease itself and its treatment effects. Here are a few myeloma pain resources to help you learn more about pain management.

Anesthesiology Pain Management

Anesthesiology pain management uses targeted medications and procedures to control moderate to severe pain, helping myeloma patients stay comfortable during treatment and maintain their ability to move and function daily.

The Anesthesiology Pain Management Tri-institutional Fellowship (https://www.mskcc.org/hcp-education-training/fellowships/anesthesiology-pain-management) is jointly coordinated with New York Special Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and New York-Presbyterian.

Cancer Pain

Cancer pain management addresses discomfort caused by the disease itself or its treatments, using a mix of medication, nerve blocks, and supportive therapies. Its goal is to keep pain under control so patients can focus on treatment and maintain quality of life.

Learn more about cancer-related pain  (https://www.myeloma.org/multiple-myeloma-pain)and how it can be managed from our resources. 

Chronic Pain Management

Long-lasting pain can affect sleep, mood, mobility, and overall health, which is why chronic pain management is essential. Effective treatment helps keep symptoms in check, making it easier to stay active and engaged in daily life. 

ASRA Pain Medicine provides details about the role of pain management (https://asra.com/patient-information/chronic-pain-management) specialists. These specialists are physicians with training in acute pain, chronic pain, cancer pain, and sometimes a combination of these. The resource explains how these professionals can help patients.

CancerCare

Comprehensive cancer care includes support throughout every stage of the disease, from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. 

The CancerCare organization provides resources and support (https://www.cancercare.org/tagged/pain) to patients via telephone and in-person counseling, support groups, education, and publications. They also provide financial and co-payment assistance. Professional oncology social workers provide personalized care at no cost. 

General Pain

If pain is hindering daily life, addressing it early can make a big difference. Proper treatment can ease discomfort and help patients live and move more freely. 

Pain (PDQ®) — National Cancer Institute (https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/pain/pain-pdq) provides general information about cancer pain, including types of pain, exams to determine pain control, and medication.

Get the Support You Need

The International Myeloma Foundation provides patients and care partners with the resources and support to manage life with myeloma. Whether you're looking for information or local support groups where you can connect with others who understand your journey, we have resources to help. Explore downloadable resources (https://www.myeloma.org/patient-caregiver-information), get involved in myeloma advocacy, attend webinars, or reach out to us today.