Back pain is a common issue that many individuals experience, particularly as they age.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence reports that approximately 60% of adults have experienced lower back pain at least once in their lifetime.
In the UK, lower back pain is the leading cause of disability, contributing to 11% of all disabilities.Aches or discomfort in the back are often attributed to musculoskeletal problems.
However, according to osteopath Gabriele Giordano, back pain can also serve as a warning sign for potentially life-threatening illnesses.
Wakadaily learnt that, In an interview Giordano highlighted that back pain can be a symptom of four different types of cancer.
These Includes:
“An unusual but also not too uncommon symptom of cancer is back pain,” he said.
“Back pain pre-treatment in cancer patients is due to a growth or a sign of metastasis where the cancer has spread to the back.
“More common types that will spread to the back are – breast, lung, testicular and colon as they’re anatomically close to the spine.
“In fact, 25 percent of lung cancer patients will report back pain as a symptom.”
Mr. Giordano explained that cancer-related back pain cannot be alleviated simply by changing positions, unlike ordinary back pain.
He proceeded: “Back pain can be caused by so many different issues and is a form of bodily pain that most of the human population will experience before the age of 50.
“However, what makes this symptom stand out from normal back pain is that it is constant, does not ease with changes in position or movement and can present more as a dull discomfort rather than a sharp or noticeable pain.
“You should definitely see a medical professional straight away, triage is important and getting the appropriate advice.”
According to Cancer Research UK, lower back pain can be felt if lung cancer spreads to the bones.
Mr Giordano restated ,“Symptoms that come with this form of cancer include night sweats, chills, fever, bowel/bladder issues and unexplained weight loss as your body is burning more energy than normal and thus requiring no diet or exercise to see a reduction in body weight.”
Additional typical indicators of lung cancer include:
A spread of lung cancer to the bones can lead to increased fragility in bones, elevated levels of calcium in the blood, causing dehydration and confusion.
If you notice any of these signs or back pain that is out of the ordinary, make sure to consult with your general practitioner.
