Back pain is common. But sometimes, it’s more than a pulled muscle or a slipped disc. In some cases, back pain can be a warning sign of cancer.
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we help patients understand the cause of their pain. If you or a loved one has back pain and a history of cancer, it’s important to explore all possibilities. Let’s explore how cancer causes back pain, the key warning signs, and treatment options that can help.
Can Cancer Cause Back Pain?
Yes—cancer can absolutely cause back pain. The spine is one of the most common places where cancer spreads. Some cancers start in the spine, while others travel (metastasize) from other areas like the breast, prostate, or lung.
Understanding the possible causes of cancer-related back pain can help patients and providers act quickly to get relief.
What Types of Cancer Most Commonly Cause Back Pain?
Certain cancers are more likely to cause back pain than others. These include:
- Breast cancer, which often spreads to the spine
- Prostate cancer, especially in men over 60
- Lung cancer, due to proximity to the spine and frequent spinal metastases
- Kidney cancer, which may grow into nearby structures
- Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow that weakens bones
Recognizing these associations helps guide imaging, testing, and early treatment.
Vertebral Compression Fractures
Cancer weakens bones, making them more prone to breaking even with minimal stress or movement. This weakening is especially common in multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer that erodes bone from the inside out. Other cancers, such as breast or prostate cancer, often spread to the spine and disrupt the bone’s normal repair processes. As the structural integrity of the vertebrae declines, the bones may collapse, causing vertebral compression fractures. These fractures can occur suddenly, often with sharp, stabbing pain in the mid or lower back. Patients may also notice height loss or a stooped posture. Left untreated, these fractures can lead to chronic pain and significant disability.
Spinal Metastases
When cancer spreads to the spine, it may form tumors that grow into the vertebrae or surrounding tissues. As these tumors expand, they can press on nearby spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself. This compression causes sharp, radiating pain that often travels into the arms or legs, depending on the level of the spine involved. In some cases, patients also experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, particularly if the spinal cord is compressed. The pain may worsen with movement, coughing, or sneezing. If left untreated, spinal metastases can lead to serious neurological complications, including loss of motor control or even paralysis. Prompt treatment is essential to preserve function and quality of life.
Leptomeningeal Disease
This rare but serious condition occurs when cancer cells invade the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. Known as leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, it causes diffuse back pain, neurological weakness, persistent headaches, and can result in bowel or bladder dysfunction due to spinal cord involvement. Patients may also experience vision changes, nausea, or cognitive symptoms. Because of its widespread effects on the central nervous system, this condition can rapidly worsen without prompt treatment. It is most frequently seen in advanced breast, lung, or leukemia and lymphoma cases but can also appear in melanoma and gastrointestinal cancers. Diagnosis typically requires an MRI and a lumbar puncture to examine spinal fluid for cancer cells.
Symptoms of Back Pain from Cancer
Back pain from cancer often feels different than mechanical back pain. Watch for these red flags:
- Pain that worsens at night or when lying down
- Pain that doesn’t improve with rest or movement
- New back pain in someone with a history of cancer
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or fevers
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or arms
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
If you’re experiencing any of these, seek medical help immediately.
Diagnosing Cancer-Related Back Pain
If cancer is suspected, your provider may order several tests to find the cause. These may include:
- MRI or CT scans to detect tumors, fractures, or spinal cord pressure
- Bone scans to check for metastases
- X-rays to evaluate bone structure
- Blood tests to look for cancer markers or anemia
- Biopsy if a new tumor is found
Early diagnosis is key to planning the best treatment.
Treatment Options for Back Pain from Cancer
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we tailor care to each person. Treatment depends on the cause, cancer type, and symptom severity. Our team offers a full range of medical and interventional options to reduce pain and improve function.
Medications
We often begin with medications:
- Anti-inflammatories help reduce swelling and ease mild pain
- Steroids reduce inflammation around nerves and tumors
- Opioids provide relief for severe or constant pain
- Neuropathic pain medications like gabapentin or duloxetine calm irritated nerves
Side effects may include drowsiness, constipation, or dizziness. We adjust doses carefully to balance relief and safety.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty treats compression fractures. A balloon creates space in the bone. Cement fills the gap, easing pain quickly.
This procedure improves mobility, posture, and quality of life with a short recovery period.
Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty also stabilizes vertebral fractures with cement. It’s helpful for bone-weakening cancers.
Unlike kyphoplasty, it does not use a balloon but can still significantly relieve pain.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation shrinks tumors pressing on the spine. It’s ideal for back pain cancer caused by spinal metastases.
It may be delivered over days or weeks and is usually well tolerated. Some patients experience skin redness or fatigue.
Bone Tumor Ablation
Bone tumor ablation uses heat or cold to destroy cancer in the spine or pelvis. It reduces tumor size and pain. We often pair it with kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty for extra support.
Patients often go home the same day and recover quickly.
Getting Relief and Answers
Living with cancer is tough. You don’t need to live with back pain too. Whether it’s a new issue or a nagging one, Red Butte Pain Solutions can help. We offer advanced options to treat cancer pain—from medications to interventional care.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or someone you love has back pain cancer, get help today. Don’t wait to get the answers and care you deserve. Call 602-633-4334 or Schedule now to get relief.