Back Pain as a Symptom of Multiple Myeloma

Musculoskeletal and neurological conditions are among the most common medical problems that cause back pain. However, those are not the only conditions that lead to back pain. In fact, muscle disorders such as multiple myeloma can also cause back pain. Read on to find out exactly how this condition can lead to excruciating back pain.

Multiple myeloma is a condition brought about by the abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in your bone marrow. Doctors believe that the condition is caused by genetics, environmental factors, and other causes that are yet unknown. The condition begins with a single tumour in the bone marrow. This tumour then creeps into the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, kidney, and bones. This kind of tumour sets up in your plasma cells, which will then manufacture an abnormal amount of immunoglobulin. It will then trigger a series of activities that leads to the destruction of your bones, thus extending throughout the body.

The most common symptoms of multiple myeloma are headaches, haemorrhaging, severe and constant bone pain, fractures, deformations of the skeletal muscles, and height loss, among others. The tumour may also cause multiple infections. As you may have noticed, many of the symptoms can lead to back pain, especially since the condition affects the skeletal system as well as your muscles.

If you exhibit any of these symptoms, your doctor would normally order X-rays, blood chemistry, bone scans, bone marrow biopsy, urine chemistry, hematology, Bence Jones tests, and immunoelectrophoresis to determine if you do have multiple myeloma. Some signs your doctor will look for are monoclonal spike and an increase in the amount of your juvenile plasma cells. Once all tests are completed and you are indeed diagnosed with multiple myeloma, you will usually be advised to refrain from lifting heavy objects, as that may cause constipation. You may also be advised to avoid over-the-counter medications and to wear braces, casts, or splints to avoid fractures.

There is also a tendency for occult blood to set in and your doctor will probably advise you to watch for its symptoms. Strength training exercises are also often recommended for people with multiple myeloma. And your medical management scheme for this condition may also include a diet of forced fluids, transfusion therapy, and mouth and skin care, among other components.

Your doctor will continue to monitor you once the management scheme is setup because falling can be dangerous in your condition. Bruising and infections could set in, further aggravating your symptoms. For this reason, closely monitored activities and plenty of bed rest is an integral part of the management scheme. You may also be required to learn some stress reduction techniques. In severe cases of multiple myeloma, post-radiation and post-chemotherapeutic treatments may also be administered. You will also be instructed to monitor your symptoms and check for infections, bleeding, and imbalances of electrolyte levels.