Is Upper Back Pain a Sign of Lung Cancer? Other types of cancer could cause back pain, too

Back pain is a possible symptom of lung cancer. However, there are numerous causes of upper back pain, and lung cancer is not one of them. Back pain is caused far more frequently by kidney stones and arthritis.

Back pain can also be caused by other types of cancer, such as kidney, pancreatic, or uterine cancer.

Lung cancer back pain is frequently caused by a tumour that has spread to the spine or is pressing on a nerve.

1 Pain can be dull or sharp. It is likely to be worse at night and when you take a deep breath.

This article will explain how to tell if your back pain is caused by lung cancer or another more common cause.

How Does Lung Cancer Back Pain Feel?

 

Back pain caused by lung cancer can be dull, like a muscle ache, or sharp, like a pinched nerve. However, back pain caused by lung cancer differs significantly.

• Common Back Pain Causes That Aren’t Cancer
• Muscle sprains (sprains and strains)
• Spine problems (degenerative disc disease, arthritis, ruptured or herniated discs, stenosis, broken vertebrae, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis, sciatica)
• Kidney issues (kidney stones, kidney cysts)
• Infections (kidney infections, urinary tract infections, osteomyelitis) (kidney infections, urinary tract infections, osteomyelitis)
• Chronic illnesses (osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, obesity, depression)
• Reproductive circumstances (endometriosis, ovarian cysts, menstrual cramps, pregnancy)
• Factors related to one’s way of life (age, poor posture, inactivity, sports injuries, working conditions like a desk job or heavy lifting)

Back pain caused by lung cancer can overlap with back pain caused by other conditions such as a ruptured disc, arthritis, and osteoporosis. If cancer has spread to the spine (metastasized), the symptoms may be similar to those of an upper back injury.

Back pain caused by lung cancer can be dull, like a muscle ache, or sharp, like a pinched nerve. However, back pain caused by lung cancer differs significantly.

The following are red flags that your back pain could be caused by lung cancer:

• Back pain that occurs at rest
• Back pain that is exacerbated at night
• Back pain that occurs in the absence of activity Back pain that worsens the longer you lie in bed
• Back pain that worsens when you breathe deeply
• Back pain that is not alleviated by physical therapy or other treatments
• Back pain may be accompanied by other symptoms of lung cancer, such as a persistent cough or shortness of breath. Other signs and symptoms of
• lung cancer to look out for include unintentional weight loss, chronic fatigue, and coughing up blood.

When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?

 

Malignant spinal cord compression can occur in some people with lung cancer that has spread to the spine. This is a life-threatening condition. You must seek medical attention immediately to avoid complications such as paralysis.

Malignant spinal cord compression symptoms include worsening back pain, leg weakness, and, in some cases, loss of urinary or bowel control.

What’s the Connection Between Back Pain and Lung Cancer?

 

Back pain is one of the first signs of lung cancer. In 6% to 25% of people, bone pain is an early symptom of lung cancer, and the spine is the most common location for pain. 6

Back pain in lung cancer can be caused by the following factors:

• A tumour is putting direct pressure on the back structures (most often in the mid to upper back rather than the lower back)
• A tumour irritates the nerves that connect to the lining of the lungs and the chest wall, causing sharp and sometimes chronic nerve pain.
• A tumour that has metastasized to the adrenal glands.

Back pain caused by a spinal fracture may prompt your doctor to perform a lung cancer screening. Around 40% of people with metastatic lung cancer have cancer that has spread to their bones. The spine and the large bones of the legs are the most common sites of spread.

Cancer that spreads to the spine’s vertebrae can cause brittle, weak bones and compression fractures. Pathologic fractures are breaks that occur in a cancer-weakened bone.

When Should You Be Concerned About Upper Back Pain?

 

If you’ve previously experienced back pain and treated it with pain relievers, ice packs, and rest, you may simply try to “wait it out.”

However, if your back pain does not improve with treatment, worsens over time, and/or lasts more than six weeks, consult your healthcare provider.

There are other serious causes of chronic back pain if you do not have lung cancer or another type of cancer.

Once a provider has determined the source of your pain, you can seek the most effective treatment.

How to Tell If Your Back Pain Is Caused by Lung Cancer

 

Consult your provider if your back pain is worsening or does not go away. Tell them about all of your symptoms, not just your back pain.

If it is lung cancer, an early diagnosis allows you to begin treatment as soon as possible.

Back Pain Treatments and Management

 

Chronic back pain, whether caused by lung cancer or another cause, can be difficult to treat. To achieve long-term relief, you will most likely need to use more than one type of treatment.

You might want to start with some at-home back pain treatments, such as:

• Practicing your posture
• Keeping hydrated and eating a healthy diet
• Avoiding waist twisting and bending (especially when lifting)
• Increasing physical activity, limiting sedentary time, and working on muscle strength (especially in your core)
• To improve your sleep, make changes (such as purchasing a new mattress or pillow).
• Getting to and keeping a healthy weight is important for your health.
• Rest and the use of ice and heat treatments
• Chronic back pain may be treated medically with a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as physical therapy.

For example, your provider may recommend that you try:

• Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Tramadol and other prescription pain relievers
• Muscle relaxants are prescribed medications.
• Patches or topical creams
• Steroid injections
• Shots that make your spine tingle
• Medication for antidepressants and/or anticonvulsants
• Working with a physical therapist to develop exercises that will help you strengthen your body.

If you have back pain from lung cancer and the pressure from a tumour is causing pain, your provider will discuss the various treatments available to you, which may include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Personalized medicine
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation treatment

If your cancer has spread to your bones, you may need radiation therapy as well as osteoporosis treatment drugs known as bisphosphonates. Denosumab, a drug, also relieves pain and lowers the risk of fractures in affected bones.

In addition to lifestyle changes and medical treatment, you should ask your provider about alternative therapies for back pain, such as chiropractic care, massage therapy, yoga, acupuncture, or pilates.

Back pain can be a sign of lung cancer and may be the first symptom you experience. However, your back pain is more likely to be caused by something more common, such as kidney stones or muscle strain.

When lung cancer causes back pain, the tumour usually presses on spinal nerves and vertebrae. Back pain from lung cancer does not improve with rest and is often exacerbated when you lie down or take a deep breath.

Call your provider if your back pain does not improve with at-home treatments. If it is caused by lung cancer, the sooner you are diagnosed and begin treatment, the better.

Consult a healthcare provider if your back pain is worsening or does not go away. Please include any additional symptoms you may be experiencing. If it is cancer, early detection allows for earlier treatment, increasing your chances of a favourable outcome.