Introduction
When you experience back pain, it’s natural to assume it’s due to a muscle strain, arthritis, or a herniated disc. However, in some cases, persistent back pain can be an indicator of an underlying health condition, such as lung cancer. While not a common symptom, approximately 25 percent of individuals diagnosed with lung cancer experience back pain. Understanding the connection between lung cancer and back pain is crucial for early detection and prompt treatment.
Causes of Back Pain in Lung Cancer
Lung Tumors
As lung tumors grow larger, they can exert pressure on the surrounding bones, tissues, and nerves, leading to back pain. The location of the tumor and the structures it impinges upon can determine the severity and nature of the pain. For instance, tumors that press against the chest wall and the membrane lining the lungs are known to cause back or chest pain.
Pancoast Tumor
Pancoast tumors are a rare form of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for 3 to 5 percent of all lung cancer cases. These tumors originate in the topmost part of the lungs and can grow upward, interfering with the nerves around the shoulders and shoulder blades, resulting in sharp shoulder and upper back pain.
Bone Metastasis
In advanced stages of lung cancer, cancer cells can spread (metastasize) from the lungs to other parts of the body, including the bones. When cancer cells invade the bones, they alter the bone’s structure, creating small holes that weaken the bones and lead to severe bone pain. If the cancer spreads to the spine, it can cause spinal cord compression, leading to symptoms such as back pain, weakness, numbness, and even paralysis.
Cancer Has Spread Beyond Lungs
Back pain can also occur if lung cancer has metastasized to other organs, such as the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. As the cancer progresses and spreads, it can put pressure on various structures in the body, resulting in back pain.
Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Certain types of chemotherapy or other cancer treatments can also cause back pain as a side effect. This pain may develop during the treatment period or weeks after the treatment has concluded.
Identifying Lung Cancer Back Pain
What Does Back Pain in Lung Cancer Feel Like?
The experience of back pain in lung cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer, its location, and the extent of its spread. Some individuals with metastatic lung cancer have described upper or lower back pain that radiates outward, sometimes accompanied by feelings of numbness or weakness in the legs. Others have reported a tingling sensation racing down their legs alongside back pain, which may indicate nerve involvement.
How Could Back Pain From Lung Cancer Feel?
Back pain caused by lung cancer can feel dull, like a muscle ache, or sharp, like a pinched nerve. However, it often has distinct characteristics that set it apart from other causes of back pain. For instance, lung cancer-related back pain may be present at rest, worsen at night, or intensify when lying down or taking deep breaths. Additionally, it may not respond to physical therapy or other treatments typically effective for musculoskeletal back pain.
Common Causes of Back Pain That Are Not Cancer
It’s important to note that back pain can stem from various non-cancerous causes, such as muscle injuries, spine disorders (e.g., degenerative disc disease, arthritis, herniated discs), kidney problems (e.g., kidney stones, cysts), infections, chronic conditions (e.g., osteoporosis, fibromyalgia), reproductive issues, and lifestyle factors like poor posture or age.
Managing and Treating Back Pain
Treating Lung Cancer
Addressing the underlying lung cancer is often the first step in managing back pain associated with the condition. As the lung tumor shrinks in response to treatment, the pressure it exerts on surrounding structures, such as nerves, may diminish, alleviating the back pain.
Medication for Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen, can help alleviate mild to moderate back pain caused by lung cancer. However, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure these medications are safe for you to take, considering your specific condition and treatment plan. For more severe back pain, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications, including opioids like morphine.
Hot and Cold Treatments
Ice therapy can be effective in reducing swelling and inflammation associated with acute back pain, while heat therapy can help reduce tension and increase flexibility. If your back pain strikes suddenly, try applying ice for 15 minutes, followed by a 15-minute break, and repeat as needed. If the pain persists for more than 48 to 72 hours, consider applying heat instead.
Palliative Care
If your back pain persists despite these measures, consider asking your oncologist for a referral to a palliative care specialist. These healthcare professionals are focused on managing pain and other symptoms associated with cancer at every stage. They can help determine the specific source of your back pain and may recommend approaches such as physical therapy, acupuncture, nerve block procedures, or surgery.
Treatments and Management of Back Pain
Treating chronic back pain, whether caused by lung cancer or other conditions, can be challenging and often requires a combination of approaches. In addition to the treatments mentioned above, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle modifications, such as improving posture, staying hydrated, avoiding twisting or bending at the waist, engaging in regular physical activity, achieving a healthy weight, and optimizing sleep habits. Alternative therapies like chiropractic care, massage therapy, yoga, acupuncture, or Pilates may also be beneficial for some individuals.
When to Seek Medical Help
When to Go to the ER
In some cases, lung cancer that has spread to the spine can lead to a condition called malignant spinal cord compression, which is a medical emergency. If you experience worsening back pain, weakness in the legs, or loss of urinary or bowel control, seek immediate medical attention to prevent potential complications like paralysis.
How to Tell If Back Pain Could Be Lung Cancer
If your back pain is not improving with treatment, worsens over time, or persists for more than six weeks, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider. Be sure to inform them of any other symptoms you may be experiencing, such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, unintentional weight loss, or coughing up blood. An early diagnosis of lung cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
FAQs
1. Can back pain be the only symptom of lung cancer?
While back pain can be a symptom of lung cancer, it is rarely the only symptom. Lung cancer is more commonly associated with symptoms like persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood.
2. How do I know if my back pain is related to lung cancer or something else?
Back pain caused by lung cancer often has distinct characteristics, such as worsening at night, persisting at rest, or intensifying when taking deep breaths. If your back pain does not improve with treatment and is accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained weight loss or coughing up blood, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider.
3. Is back pain a common symptom in the early stages of lung cancer?
Back pain is not a typical symptom in the early stages of lung cancer. It is more commonly associated with advanced or metastatic lung cancer, where the tumor has grown larger or spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or spine.
4. Can lung cancer cause lower back pain?
Yes, lung cancer can cause lower back pain, particularly if the cancer has metastasized to the lower spine or pelvic bones. However, upper back pain is more commonly reported in cases of lung cancer.
5. What are the treatment options for back pain caused by lung cancer?
Treatment options for back pain caused by lung cancer may include treating the underlying cancer with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies, as well as pain management strategies like over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, hot and cold therapy, physical therapy, palliative care, and in some cases, surgery.
6. Can back pain be a sign of recurrent lung cancer?
Yes, back pain can be a symptom of recurrent lung cancer, especially if the cancer has spread to the bones or spine. If you have a history of lung cancer and experience new or worsening back pain, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider promptly for proper evaluation and treatment.