The non-pharmacological and local pharmacological methods of pain control

Abstract

There is an extensive variety of non-pharmacological and local pharmacological pain management techniques available for treating cancer pain. They do not create a ladder like the pharmacological treatments, and they should be continuously available to all cancer patients. Regular reassessment should identify patients who can benefit from different non-pharmacological methods during progression of the disease. Non-pharmacological methods should only be delivered in the context of holistic multidisciplinary approach. A few of the most widely accepted non-pharmacological local pharmacological methods include acupuncture, TENS, external neuromodulation, radio-frequency neuromodulation, APS, topical application of local anaesthetics, application of capsaicin patches, and Botox injections.