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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Back Pain

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Mesquite, TX

I have been having lower back pain now for almost two years and it's getting worse. When I did my x ray, my cancer didn't think that my bones were being affected by MM. After doing a lot of reading about back pain and how it could be related. Who should I contact my regular doctor or the oncologist?

May 29
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I agree with Mark. You need an MRI, CT or PET scan. Start taking Calcium, Magnesium, D3 & K2 to strengthen your bones. Check out @A MyMyelomaTeam Member story.
Paula 🌹

May 30
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Back pain is a common and challenging symptom of myeloma. Here are some key points about back pain related to myeloma:

### Causes
- Myeloma Cells: Myeloma affects plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of abnormal cells that interfere with bone structure.
- Bone Lesions: Myeloma cells can create Show Full Answer

Back pain is a common and challenging symptom of myeloma. Here are some key points about back pain related to myeloma:

### Causes:
- Myeloma Cells: Myeloma affects plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of abnormal cells that interfere with bone structure.
- Bone Lesions: Myeloma cells can create osteolytic lesions, weakening bones and causing pain.
- Vertebral Fractures: These fractures can result from weakened bones, leading to sudden, sharp pain.
- Tumors: Myeloma cells can form tumors on bones, pressing on spinal nerves and causing pain.

### Effects on Quality of Life:
- Daily Activities: Back pain can limit mobility and reduce the ability to perform daily tasks and enjoy hobbies.
- Sleep: Pain can lead to insomnia and poor sleep quality.
- Fatigue: Chronic pain can cause ongoing tiredness and the need for frequent naps.

### Management:
- Medical Treatment: Early diagnosis and treatment of myeloma are crucial. Treatment plans may include:
- Medications: Pain relievers, including opioids, may be prescribed.
- Surgery: Procedures like kyphoplasty can reinforce fractured bones.
- Radiation Therapy: Used to treat tumors and osteolytic lesions.
- Back Braces: To stabilize the spine and reduce pressure.

### Personal Experiences:
- Member Stories: Many members of MyMyelomaTeam share their experiences with back pain, describing it as a persistent ache or sharp pain following certain movements.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the resources provided by MyMyelomaTeam and other medical references mentioned in the context.

May 29
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Debbie sometimes they do more tests to confirm. I hope you get answers soon

May 29
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Ouch. I had physical therapy for a herniated disk.

May 31
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Debbie you need more intensive testing. An X-ray is too opaque and is subject to interpretation. However a whole body nuclear PET scan reveals so much more!

You are injected with a nuclear dye, wait one hour and go through the machine for up to 90 minutes.

The cancer lights up and shows where and how large the cancer areas are. In my case it showed shoulder, spine, hip and even four spots on the liver.

Now that it is all gone there is no pain whatsoever.

I call the X-ray the cheap and quick method of diagnosis. The PET is expensive, some $10,000 per session that must be approved in advance from Medicare and/ or your insurance. But it reveals everything.

To give you perspective look at the X-ray of my shoulder. You can barely see the dark area where the cancer has β€œeaten” the bone. This area lit up like a Christmas tree in the PET scan.

If your pain is non MM related the scan may show a pinched nerve or muscular induced.

May 29

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