Individuals that undergo chemotherapy often face a condition known as peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). It is very painful and can be chronic. In the past opioids have been used to help combat this pain, but opioid use brings about its own issues. As a result of this, many doctors and other prescribers have been looking for alternatives to opioids, but that is often quite difficult to accomplish, depending on the needs and background of the individual.
A team of researchers from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have been working on resolving this issue for people that are going through chemo and have found that controlling cholesterol levels in a specific way can have very good results when it comes to dealing with chemotherapy induced chronic pain.
They found that cholesterol control helped to activate the body’s network of microglia, which in turn helps the body’s immune system, and helps to reduce levels of pain that someone is experiencing when going through chemo.
Interestingly, this line of thinking originated with the study of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers already knew that cholesterol played a role in the neurological system and could impact the severity of this common type of dementia. Working with that as a starting point, they found that cholesterol also could trigger immunological responses related to other areas of health.
There’s a lot more research needed here, but it is incredibly encouraging. Not just for people who are undergoing chemotherapy, but anyone who is experiencing chronic pain. There’s a lot of room for improvement in this field, and researchers are now one step closer to helping people that are suffering.
The research team recently published their findings in The Journal of Experimental Medicine.
Individuals suffering from chronic pain because of chemotherapy may have a new avenue of help open for them.
Chronic pain is terrible. If you’ve ever experienced this, or know someone who has, then you can attest to this. Sometimes chronic pain lasts for years before a solution is found, sometimes there’s never a solution, just methods of helping to minimize the issues and bring bits and pieces of relief to the person suffering. Although this is a step forward when it comes to how chronic pain is managed, it isn’t a solution that is going to affect everyone. It’s not even likely to affect the majority of people that are struggling with chronic pain.
It’s really important to remember that chronic pain interferes with many aspects of life. Someone who is suffering from pain on a constant basis will not just have trouble with physical things like moving around the house, meal preparation, and toileting, but they’re also likely to have issues with things on an emotional basis. Depression and anxiety are very common with people that suffer from chronic pain.
If you’re looking for help for someone that suffers from pain, you’re likely looking for a lot of different things. Overall, you want someone who cares about your loved one and is willing and able to communicate with other providers so that care can be consistent, more helpful, and empowering.
We’d love to help you find the right solutions for your family’s unique situation. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions about how in-home care can help someone who does experience chronic pain.
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