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Understanding Cancer Pain

Cancer pain is a complex and often multifaceted experience that can result from the cancer itself or the side effects of treatment.

What is Cancer Pain?

Cancer pain is a complex and often multifaceted experience that can result from the cancer itself or the side effects of its treatment. It is crucial to address and manage cancer pain effectively to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals undergoing cancer care.

Symptoms:

  • Persistent Aching: Dull or constant pain in affected areas.
  • Sharp or Shooting Pain: Sudden, intense pain, often associated with nerve involvement.
  • Radiating Pain: Pain that travels from the site of the tumor to other areas.
  • Physical Limitations: Pain may restrict movement and daily activities.

Causes of Cancer Pain

1. Tumor Growth:
Pressure, invasion, or damage caused by the tumor can lead to pain.
2. Nerve Compression:
Tumors pressing on nerves can cause sharp or radiating pain.
3. Inflammation:
Inflammatory processes triggered by cancer cells can result in pain.
4. Side Effects of Treatment:
Chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery may cause pain and discomfort.
5. Metastasis:
The spread of cancer to other organs or tissues can cause pain.

Types of Cancer Pain

1. Nociceptive Pain:
Resulting from tissue damage or inflammation, such as from surgery or tumor growth.
2. Neuropathic Pain:
Caused by nerve damage or compression, often resulting in tingling or shooting pain.
3. Bone Pain:
Common in cancers that metastasize to the bones, causing aching or sharp pain.
4. Phantom Limb Pain:
Experienced by individuals who have undergone amputation due to cancer.

Your Path to Comfort and Support

Understanding the complexities of cancer pain is the first step toward effective management. At Napa Pain Institute, we are committed to partnering with you on your journey to comfort and support. 

Some of the treatments we offer include: 

Our personalized and multidisciplinary approach aims to address the challenges associated with cancer pain and enhance your overall well-being.

 

Real Stories of Hope & Healing

Our Patients share their journeys

David B.

“She changed the quality of my life so drastically and in such a positive way I can honestly tell people that she and Napa Pain Institute changed my life.”

Carolyn C.

“I highly, highly recommend Napa Pain Institute for anyone dealing with chronic or acute pain. They will find you a solution. And they are all wonderful.

Bruce F.

“I would easily give them and their facility the highest rating. They care and you are always treated with respect”.

Jeff B.

"I transferred to Napa Pain Institute 3 years ago and it was the best thing I have ever done."

Connect With Us Now – Your Path to Comfort Begins Here

Begin Your Path to Pain-Free Living Now!

Neurovations, a patient care and innovation company, was founded in 1992 by CEO Dr. Eric Grigsby. We are a national leader in medical device and pharmaceutical innovation, clinical research, and a world-class education program focusing on pain and neuroscience. Dr. Grigsby is deeply connected to the healthcare community through our non-profit HealthRoots Foundation.

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DR. MELANIE D. JOHANSSON, MD, FACEP

Dr. Johansson comes to us as a fellowship-trained and board-certified pain management specialist with nearly a decade of experience. She completed her fellowship training at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD where she then became the associate program director of the pain medicine fellowship and an assistant professor of military and emergency medicine. She graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond, Virginia, was Pre-medicine at San Diego State University, and received her BSN from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Her breadth of experience comes from a full career of serving in the United States Navy where she was the recipient of multiple academic and military service awards including a Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, and numerous other individual, unit, and campaign awards. She has multiple published works and is the founding member of a military Pain Medicine Special Interest Group with the American Society of Regional Anesthesia.

In her free time, Dr. Johansson enjoys traveling, is newly married, loves dogs, and enjoys cooking and baking, as well as other creative pursuits. She has a particular interest in advanced procedural techniques for chronic pain relief and the effects of lifestyle on pain and healing. She looks forward to continuing our mission of providing our patients with the best care, every day.

Eric Grigsby, MD, MBA

CEO & Founder of Neurovations

Dr. Eric Grigsby enjoys a national reputation for excellence in the field of Pain Management. He has a background as a researcher, teacher and clinician and brings over 30 years of clinical experience to the Napa Pain Institute. Dr. Grigsby attended elementary and secondary school in his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Economics from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He formed an interest in Pain Management as a career while working at Boston Children’s Hospital in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.

After graduating from Boston University Medical School in 1984, Dr. Grigsby trained in General Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Pain Management at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He was invited to join the Medical Staff and teach at the Mayo Medical School until moving to California in 1989. The Dean of the University of California at Davis Medical Center then invited Dr. Grigsby to establish their first Pain Management Center, where he served as Medical Director until 1992. Following his post at UC Davis, Dr. Grigsby established his private Pain Management practice in Napa, California.

Today, he and his staff of over 50 professionals consult with patients throughout Northern California and the western United States.  More recently, Dr Grigsby completed his Masters in Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He speaks nationally on topics such as non-operative treatment of spinal disorders, the safe use of medications for the treatment of pain, and the legal and regulatory issues relating to the proper treatment of patients with chronic illness.