Is back pain a sign of cancer? Warning signs, diagnosis and effective treatments
Dr. Mohammad Hossein Delshad
تهرانpain companions
Back pain a sign of cancer? Warning signs, diagnosis and effective treatments
- Hanieh Zahedi
- October 13, 2025
- 12:16 PM
- No comments
Back pain: common and less common causes
Common back pain
Most back pain is caused by non-cancerous problems:
- Pressure Muscle strain and strain: Heavy activity, prolonged sitting, or sudden movement causes muscle strain.
- Disc and herniated disc: Damage or wear of the intervertebral discs leads to pain, weakness, and limited movement.
- Arthritis and osteoporosis: Decreased bone density and joint wear and tear cause chronic pain.
Read more: The best sleeping position for back pain
Back pain caused by serious diseases
Less common but important cases are:
- Back pain is a sign of cancer; Spinal Cancer or Bone Metastasis
- Myeloma (Bone Blood Cancer)
- Inflammatory or Infectious Bone Diseases
Read more: Lum Disc Laser
Discogel (Absolut Gel)
Cancers that can cause back pain
- Spine cancer and bone metastasis: symptoms of back pain are a sign of cancer of primary or secondary tumors that can cause persistent pain.
- Myeloma (blood cancer) Bone): causing bone lesions and severe pain.
- Kidney, ovarian, breast and prostate cancers: Metastasis to the spine can cause back pain.
Read more: Lumbar disc endoscopy
Difference between normal back pain and cancer back pain
Characteristics of back pain Common cancer back pain Pain associated with activity Mostly nocturnal or progressive Responds well to treatment Resistant to usual treatments Associated symptoms are limited Weight loss, fever, weakness, numbness CancerImaging
- MRI of the spine: the best way to see bone lesions and pressure on the spinal cord
- Bone scan: identify metastatic lesions and bone damage
Blood tests
- Check for cancer markers associated with kidney, breast, prostate and myeloma cancers
- Bone and cell function tests Blood
Read more: Williams exercise
Biopsy
- Sampling of a suspicious lesion to definitively diagnose cancer
Step-by-step diagnosis
- Review of medical history and warning signs
- Initial imaging (X-ray or MRI)
- Blood test and examination of cancer markers
- Biopsy if needed
- Consultation with an oncologist
Read more: coffee for back pain
cancer back pain treatment
treatments Medicine
- Surgery: tumor removal or spinal stabilization. Treatment of back pain without surgery is also possible in the pain clinic.
- Radiotherapy: reducing tumor volume and reducing pressure on the spinal cord
- Chemotherapy: controlling the growth of cancer cells
- Strong painkillers: reducing severe pain and improving quality of life
Read more: The best ampoule for Back pain
Lifestyle care
- Adequate rest and avoidance of strenuous activities
- Healthy nutrition to support bone health and immune system
- Physiotherapy under physician supervision to strengthen back muscles without straining the spine
Prevention and risk management
- Early detection of cancers by following warning signs
- Care of the spine with proper exercises and maintaining good posture
- Regular follow-up for people with a family history of cancer or chronic pain
Read more at Best exercise for Sciatica
FAQ
Is every back pain a sign of cancer?Most back pains are caused by muscle problems, but persistent or nocturnal pain needs to be investigated.
What kind of back pain can be a sign of cancer?Nocturnal pain, progressive, with weight loss, weakness or numbness.
Which cancers cause back pain? Spine cancer, myeloma, kidney, ovarian, breast and prostate cancer What tests are needed for diagnosis?MRI, bone scan, blood test and biopsy if needed.
What is the difference between normal back pain and cancer?Normal back pain is related to activity and can be improved, cancer back pain is nocturnal and persistent.
Should chronic back pain always be investigated?Yes, especially if there are warning signs.
What is the treatment for back pain caused by cancer?Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and strong painkillers.
When should I see a doctor?In case of night pain, numbness, weakness or weight loss without a specific cause.
Is exercise suitable for cancer back pain?Yes, but it should be done under the supervision of a doctor or a physiotherapist and avoid excessive pressure on the spine. Read more about exercise after lumbar disc surgery.
Resources:
Mayo Clinic – Back pain and cancer
PubMed – Spinal metastasis and back pain
American Cancer Society – Multiple myeloma and bone pain
Differences in Back Pain Sign of Cancer and Muscle Cramps: Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment and PreventionNextWrite your opinion Cancel Reply
Contacts
021-88662604
Contact number
021-88662603
Contact number
0921-2168168
Contact number
0935-4331313
Contact number
Tehran, Jordan, after Mirdamad Qobadian West Street, No. 9, 1st floor, Dard Rad Clinic
Tehran office address
Alborz, Karaj, Golshahr St. 45 meters, Arghvan West, Maryam Hospital, Dard Clinic
Karaj office address
About the doctor
Dr. Mohammad Hossein Delshad, a super-specialist fellowship in pain control, has years of experience in the field of controlling severe back and spine pain. The process of pain control, procedures and nerve blocks are performed with ultrasound guidance in the operating room using a closed surgery method. In the pain clinic, they treat patients who are unable to perform open surgery for any reason, such as those who have underlying diseases, heart problems, or have undergone surgeries in the past.
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