If you have cancer near the spinal cord, you’re probably wondering why it hurts so much. First of all, the cancer is not the primary cause of back pain. Most cancers of this type are metastatic to other parts of the body. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments for back pain associated with cancer near the spine. Here are some of them:
Radicular pain – caused by the cancer pushing against the nerves lining the spine – can be a severe and constant symptom. This type of pain is also called sciatica. The treatment for radicular pain depends on the type of tumor that’s causing it. It can range from a simple injection to surgery. If the pain is severe, it will likely be indicated by a spinal tumor. Once diagnosed, doctors will determine which type of tumor is causing it and what stage it’s in.
Early detection is key to treating spine tumors. If the tumor is small, it may not cause any symptoms. If it grows large, however, it may cause certain symptoms. Most common among them is back pain, particularly in the lower or middle back. The pain can get worse with strain and can even interfere with sleep. If it’s severe enough, the tumor may require surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve roots or spinal cord. Depending on the type of cancer, radiation therapy may also be necessary. In some cases, chemotherapy may be prescribed, although it has not been shown to be effective against most spinal tumors.
Back pain is usually caused by a strain or injury to the spine. While it’s unlikely that cancer is the cause, it’s important to seek treatment for any back pain because it can signal a more serious problem. Some cancers produce pain at nighttime, which may indicate that the cancer is spreading beyond its original site. There is no cure for pain from cancer near the spine, but it can be a symptom of another ailment.
If you are experiencing persistent back pain, the most common symptom may be a spinal tumor. A spinal tumor can press against the spinal cord and cause pain throughout the entire body. Other symptoms may include tingling in the arms or legs, inability to move your legs, or a hunchback. These symptoms can progress quickly to paralysis and even amputation. In rare cases, a tumor can spread outside the spinal cord.
Tumors in the spinal cord can be benign or malignant. A benign tumor stays localized and does not spread, while a malignant tumor can invade nearby tissues or even reach the spinal cord itself. If it grows to be too large, it can compromise the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots. A cancer near the spine can be life-threatening and permanently disable a person. If you have symptoms, seek medical attention. If you suspect you’ve got cancer, don’t ignore them.
