Multiple myeloma typically causes pain in the back, ribs, and sternum, as well as other regions of the body. Pain in the back is a common symptom of multiple myeloma, since it is caused by the accumulation of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow.
Weight-bearing bones, such as the spine and hips, are particularly affected, resulting in severe pain and stiffness in the affected areas. This is because the accumulation of cancer cells in the bone marrow reduces the amount of healthy, active bone in the areas, which can cause weaknesses or breaks in the bones.
The pain associated with multiple myeloma can be quite severe and may be made worse by other factors such as cold, physical activity, and emotion. Many people with multiple myeloma experience pain in their back, ribs, and sternum, though the exact location and intensity may vary from person to person.
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What does multiple myeloma back pain feel like?
Multiple myeloma back pain can often feel like a deep, sharp, shooting pain located in the affected area. It may feel like something is pressing on your lower back or ribs, and it can sometimes be accompanied by a feeling of discomfort or uneasiness.
The pain can come and go and may be more intense when you move in certain ways, like when bending or twisting. It may also worsen when you lie down or with physical activity. To complicate matters, the pain may be felt not just in the back, but also in other areas of the body such as the neck, arms, or legs.
In addition to the pain, some people may experience tingling, numbness, or weakness, which can be related to nerve damage caused by the myeloma.
What is the most prominent symptom of multiple myeloma?
The most prominent symptom of multiple myeloma is bone pain, typically felt in the back and ribs. Bone pain is the result of abnormal cells within the bone marrow putting pressure on the bones themselves.
Other symptoms of multiple myeloma can include fatigue, frequent infections, anemia, kidney problems, easily broken bones, and an increased tendency to bleed. Some rarer symptoms can include joint pain, numbness or tingling in the extremities, and confusion.
In some cases, people with multiple myeloma may not present any symptoms at all, making it difficult to diagnose.
What are the symptoms of myeloma in the spine?
Myeloma, or multiple myeloma, is a form of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the body. It can cause tumors in different areas of the body, including the spine. Symptoms of myeloma in the spine can vary, depending on the size of the tumor and the area of the spine affected.
Common signs and symptoms of myeloma in the spine include:
• Pain– Pain is the most common symptom of myeloma in the spine. It can be felt in the lower back, neck, arms, and legs and can range from dull and aching to severe and sharp.
• Weakness or numbness– Weakness and numbness in the legs or arms can occur due to nerve compression in the spine caused by a tumor.
• Loss of bowel or bladder control– Pressure on the spinal cord can cause a person to lose their ability to control their bladder or bowel.
• Unexplained weight loss– People with myeloma in the spine can experience unexpected weight loss due to a variety of factors, including anemia caused by the cancer.
• Trouble walking– If the tumor is in the lower part of the spine, it can lead to difficulty with walking and coordination.
Most people with myeloma in the spine experience multiple symptoms. It is important to see a doctor right away if you experience any of the above symptoms. An accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for managing the condition.
What helps back pain from multiple myeloma?
Generally speaking, the best way to manage back pain due to multiple myeloma is to reduce or eliminate activities that cause pain and to focus on gentle stretching and exercise. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to reduce inflammation and pain in the muscles and joints.
Heat and cold applications may also be effective at providing relief. In more advanced stages of multiple myeloma, cancer-directed treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be recommended to provide more substantial symptom relief.
Additionally, medications that target certain nerve pathways and block pain signals may also be used to help manage pain. In some cases, surgery may also be an option.
Where does multiple myeloma usually start?
Multiple myeloma typically begins in the bone marrow, the spongy interior of bones. This is where healthy new blood cells are formed. In people with multiple myeloma, instead of producing healthy cells, the bone marrow forms a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell that does not serve any useful purpose.
These abnormal plasma cells eventually cluster together, forming a tumor that begins to damage the bone and other tissues, resulting in a wide range of symptoms. The most common sites of multiple myeloma include the spine, rib, pelvis, and long bones such as the femur or thighbone, although it can affect any area of the body.
Do you sleep a lot with myeloma?
The amount of sleep a person with myeloma gets may vary depending on individual, and can be affected by treatment and fatigue. Many people with myeloma experience extreme fatigue and exhaustion, and this may lead to sleeping more than usual.
Additionally, some medications used to treat myeloma can cause drowsiness and/or insomnia which can disrupt normal sleeping patterns. It is important to discuss any sleep issues with a doctor to ensure that myeloma treatment and management remain on track.
Pain can also play a role in how much sleep is achievable, and pain medications may be prescribed to aid in achieving better sleep. It is important to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep each night to allow the body to rest, heal and recover.
Is myeloma pain worse at night?
The pain associated with myeloma can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the disease. Generally, the pain is not worse at night, but it may become more noticeable as the day goes on.
In some cases, the pain can become more intense over time due to the progression of the illness. Furthermore, certain medications and treatments may also contribute to a more intense experience of pain.
In general, the specific type of pain and discomfort associated with myeloma includes bone pain, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea and sensitivity to cold.
It is important to keep track of and discuss any changes in your pain with a doctor or healthcare provider to develop an individualized plan of care to best manage your symptoms. Additionally, there are a variety of therapies that may be beneficial in helping to alleviate pain, such as physical therapies, medications, or deep breathing and relaxation techniques.
What does bone pain feel like with myeloma?
Bone pain associated with myeloma can vary in severity and intensity depending on the individual. Generally, bone pain is described as a dull and achy sensation, but it may also be sharp or piercing.
Often the pain appears suddenly, can spread to other areas of the body, and usually increases with movement or activity. Along with the pain, there may be swelling and tenderness in the affected area.
The pain can also be accompanied by joint stiffness, particularly in the morning. Bone pain caused by myeloma is typically worse at night and especially during colder weather. Additionally, the pain can worsen with exercise and usually eases with rest.
For some, the pain can become so severe it interferes with daily activities. In these cases, it’s important to seek medical attention and discuss possible treatment options.
How do you know when multiple myeloma is getting worse?
These include an increase in bone pain, difficulty walking, falls or fractures, shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting, anemia, frequent infections, bone tenderness, an increase in the number of bone lesions detected by imaging, an increase in M protein levels, and an increase in the levels of other proteins in the blood.
Additionally, other symptoms of multiple myeloma such as anorexia, nausea, weight loss, excessive thirst and frequent urination, night sweats, and pruritus can become more severe. If any of these symptoms become persistent or severe, it is important to discuss them with a healthcare provider to rule out the possibility of multiple myeloma getting worse.
How debilitating is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a highly debilitating disease where malignant cancer cells form in the bone marrow and can spread to other tissues and organs in the body. Due to the nature of the cancer, its symptoms can vary greatly, but they can be serious and greatly impact a person’s ability to live a normal life.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma include bone pain, nausea, fatigue, constipation, and abdominal swelling. Weakness, weight loss, difficulty breathing, and infections can also occur.
As the disease progresses, it can affect multiple body systems. This can include damage to organs, bones, and nerves, leading to extreme levels of debilitating pain, fractures, and weakness. If untreated, this can even lead to paralysis.
In addition to physical impairments, the disease can also cause psychological and emotional distress, including depression and anxiety.
Therefore, multiple myeloma can be highly debilitating, impacting both a person’s physical health as well as their mental health. With treatment, the effects of the disease can be somewhat managed, although the disease is not curable.
Those with the condition should seek medical care to manage the symptoms and slow the progression.
