About Breast Cancer & Back Pain
Breast cancer primarily targets females, although it can strike men, too. The disease, whose medical name is adenocarcinoma, originates in the glands or ducts of the breast, while a cancer that originates within the tissue of the breast is caused by a sarcoma.
In some cases, breast cancer is asymptomatic; in other cases, a lump or changes in the skin develop. Back pain is not normally a symptom of breast cancer, but it can be caused by metastases (the spread of cancer to the bones in the back) or by treatments used to fight the disease.
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Back Pain Before and After Treatment
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Back pain associated with breast cancer can mean different things: If it occurs before treatment begins it may signify that the cancer has metastasized, while it it begins after treatment has begun it could be a result of therapies being used to fight the disease. Bone and joint pain is a common side effect of treatments for primary best cancer and may be persistent and chronic. Either way, it is important you speak with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
Non-Metastatic Causes of Back Pain
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Pain in the joints or bones is a common side effect of some chemotherapy medications, and while it normally effects the lower extremities it can also affect the back, especially the lower back. The pain may appear in the nerves, ligaments, joints or muscles of the back and usually begins during a chemotherapy session and gets progressively worse. Pain associated with chemotherapy may last for up to a year or more after the treatment ends.
Tamoxifen, a drug used in the treatment of breast cancer, can also cause joint stiffness and pain that resembles arthritis. Again, this is normally in the hips and legs, but may also affect the back. -
Treatment for Non-Metastatic Bone Pain
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The most common treatment for back pain associated with cancer therapy is prescription painkillers. Doctors usually begin by prescribing NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs available over the counter, such as Tylenol). If they do not work, doctors may opt for stronger treatments such as opiate or tricyclic antidepressants. Massage therapy and heat may also be helpful, as does physical therapy, yoga, swimming and any other activity that builds muscle strength without taxing the back. Ultimately, however, time is the best cure for non-metastatic back pain associated with breast cancer therapies.
Metastatic Back Pain
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Pain in the bones of the back may indicate metastasis as a result of the primary cancer spreading.
Treatment for Metastatic Hip Pain
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Once breast cancer metastasizes it is not curable, and pain management is the only course of treatment. Laser beam radiation also helps minimize back pain, and tamoxifen may help slow the growth and spread of cancer cells in the bone. There are also new drug therapies called bisphosphonates, which have been effective stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells.
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