Back pain a sign of cancer? Warning signs, diagnosis and effective treatments

Nervous back pain

Back pain: common and less common causes

Common back pain

Most back pain is caused by non-cancerous problems:

Pressure Muscle strain and strain: Heavy activity, prolonged sitting, or sudden movement causes muscle strain.
Disc and herniated disc: Damage or wear of the intervertebral discs leads to pain, weakness, and limited movement.
Arthritis and osteoporosis: Decreased bone density and joint wear and tear cause chronic pain.

Back pain caused by serious diseases

Less common but important cases are:

Back pain is a sign of cancer; Spinal Cancer or Bone Metastasis
Myeloma (Bone Blood Cancer)
Inflammatory or Infectious Bone Diseases

Cancers that can cause back pain

Spine cancer and bone metastasis: symptoms of back pain are a sign of cancer of primary or secondary tumors that can cause persistent pain.
Myeloma (blood cancer) Bone): causing bone lesions and severe pain.
Kidney, ovarian, breast and prostate cancers: Metastasis to the spine can cause back pain.

Difference between normal back pain and cancer back pain

Characteristics of back pain Common cancer back pain Pain associated with activity Mostly nocturnal or progressive Responds well to treatment Resistant to usual treatments Associated symptoms are limited Weight loss, fever, weakness, numbness Cancer

Imaging

MRI of the spine: the best way to see bone lesions and pressure on the spinal cord
Bone scan: identify metastatic lesions and bone damage

Blood tests

Check for cancer markers associated with kidney, breast, prostate and myeloma cancers
Bone and cell function tests Blood

Biopsy

Sampling of a suspicious lesion to definitively diagnose cancer

Step-by-step diagnosis

Review of medical history and warning signs
Initial imaging (X-ray or MRI)
Blood test and examination of cancer markers
Biopsy if needed
Consultation with an oncologist

cancer back pain treatment

treatments Medicine

Surgery: tumor removal or spinal stabilization. Treatment of back pain without surgery is also possible in the pain clinic.
Radiotherapy: reducing tumor volume and reducing pressure on the spinal cord
Chemotherapy: controlling the growth of cancer cells
Strong painkillers: reducing severe pain and improving quality of life

Lifestyle care

Adequate rest and avoidance of strenuous activities
Healthy nutrition to support bone health and immune system
Physiotherapy under physician supervision to strengthen back muscles without straining the spine

Prevention and risk management

Early detection of cancers by following warning signs
Care of the spine with proper exercises and maintaining good posture
Regular follow-up for people with a family history of cancer or chronic pain

FAQ

Is every back pain a sign of cancer?

Most back pains are caused by muscle problems, but persistent or nocturnal pain needs to be investigated.

What kind of back pain can be a sign of cancer?

Nocturnal pain, progressive, with weight loss, weakness or numbness.

Which cancers cause back pain? Spine cancer, myeloma, kidney, ovarian, breast and prostate cancer What tests are needed for diagnosis?

MRI, bone scan, blood test and biopsy if needed.

What is the difference between normal back pain and cancer?

Normal back pain is related to activity and can be improved, cancer back pain is nocturnal and persistent.

Should chronic back pain always be investigated?

Yes, especially if there are warning signs.

What is the treatment for back pain caused by cancer?

Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and strong painkillers.

When should I see a doctor?

In case of night pain, numbness, weakness or weight loss without a specific cause.

Is exercise suitable for cancer back pain?

Yes, but it should be done under the supervision of a doctor or a physiotherapist and avoid excessive pressure on the spine. Read more about exercise after lumbar disc surgery.

Resources:

Mayo Clinic – Back pain and cancer

PubMed – Spinal metastasis and back pain

American Cancer Society – Multiple myeloma and bone pain

Differences in Back Pain Sign of Cancer and Muscle Cramps: Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment and PreventionNext

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021-88662604
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021-88662603
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0921-2168168
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0935-4331313
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Tehran, Jordan, after Mirdamad Qobadian West Street, No. 9, 1st floor, Dard Rad Clinic
Tehran office address
Alborz, Karaj, Golshahr St. 45 meters, Arghvan West, Maryam Hospital, Dard Clinic
Karaj office address

About the doctor

Dr. Mohammad Hossein Delshad, a super-specialist fellowship in pain control, has years of experience in the field of controlling severe back and spine pain. The process of pain control, procedures and nerve blocks are performed with ultrasound guidance in the operating room using a closed surgery method. In the pain clinic, they treat patients who are unable to perform open surgery for any reason, such as those who have underlying diseases, heart problems, or have undergone surgeries in the past.

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