[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/is-your-back-pain-caused-by-lung-cancer\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/is-your-back-pain-caused-by-lung-cancer\/","headline":"Is Your Back Pain Caused by Lung Cancer?","name":"Is Your Back Pain Caused by Lung Cancer?","description":"Is Your Back Pain Caused by Lung Cancer? June 3, 2025 Back pain is a common problem that is usually caused by bad posture, arthritis, or a strained muscle. However, sometimes back pain can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition such as lung cancer. It can be difficult to know which is […]","datePublished":"2025-06-03","dateModified":"2025-12-02","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/seo-user\/#Person","name":"Advance SEO","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/seo-user\/","identifier":7,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Regional Cancer Care Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","width":506,"height":228}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/person-with-back-pain.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/person-with-back-pain.jpg","height":600,"width":900},"url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/is-your-back-pain-caused-by-lung-cancer\/","about":["All Cancers"],"wordCount":1463,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIs Your Back Pain Caused by Lung Cancer?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJune 3, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBack pain is a common problem that is usually caused by bad posture, arthritis, or a strained muscle. However, sometimes back pain can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition such as lung cancer. It can be difficult to know which is which, leaving many patients wondering: What does back pain from lung cancer feel like, and how is it different from benign back pain?Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) is a state-of-the-art cancer treatment network with more than 100 medical oncologists and hematologists who treat patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers and benign blood disorders at 25 locations throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C. area. They strive to educate patients while providing innovative care.Here, RCCA experts discuss the relationship between back pain and lung cancer so people can make informed decisions about treatment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat Causes Back Pain?There are a wide variety of conditions that may result in back pain, ranging from minor injuries to serious health complications. The following conditions are all common culprits for back pain:Muscle strain or sprainFractured vertebraeInflammatory arthritisOsteoarthritisAnkylosing spondylitisRuptured or herniated discsDegenerative disc diseaseSpinal stenosisMyofascial painScoliosisOsteoporosisFibromyalgiaBack infectionsPregnancy and menstruationWhile some of these are minor and may heal on their own, others require medical attention. Individuals experiencing severe or chronic back pain should consult a physician to receive a medical diagnosis and discuss recovery options.It is important to note that the great majority of women and men who experience one or more of the symptoms listed will not have cancer. Nonetheless, it is important to consult a physician about these symptoms, particularly if they are pronounced, arose suddenly, or have persisted for an extended period.Early Symptoms of Lung CancerLung cancer signs and symptoms often appear slowly. In early stages of lung cancer, symptoms may be mild or nonexistent. As the cancer develops, however, new symptoms may emerge. The following are common symptoms of lung cancer:A chronic cough that does not go awayChronic lung infections, such as bronchitis or pneumoniaCoughing up blood or rust-colored phlegmChest pain that worsens when laughing, coughing, or breathing deeplyHoarseness or wheezingShortness of breathFatigueLoss of appetiteUnexplained weight lossAt this stage, back pain is unlikely. This is because the cancer has not spread far enough to impact the spine. Back pain develops only as the cancer spreads further to affect other parts of the body.Symptoms of Advanced Lung CancerLung cancer is malignant, meaning it spreads to infect other nearby cells. Over time, it may infect other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, bones, or nervous system. This is known as metastatic lung cancer. When cancer becomes metastatic, new symptoms develop in the parts of the body affected. Common symptoms include:Bone pain, often in the backLimb weakness or numbnessBalance problems or dizzinessHeadachesSeizuresJaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyesSwollen lymph nodesAt this stage, back pain is a possible consequence of lung cancer. It is most often caused by cancer-infecting structures within the spine, though there are other possible connections as well.How Does Lung Cancer Cause Back Pain?Back pain is uncommon during lung cancer’s early stages. As cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, however, it may begin to affect spinal structures. There are several ways that lung cancer can cause back pain. These include:Spinal Cord CompressionAs a lung cancer tumor grows, it can put pressure on tissues around it. If this occurs near the spine, it may result in spinal cord compression. This causes pain that spreads from the upper, middle, or lower back to the arms, buttocks, or legs. The nerve irritation may also cause numbness, weakness, stiffness, or tingling in the back, arms, or legs.Leptomeningeal MetastasisThe leptomeninges are the inner layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. If the cancer spreads or metastasizes to the leptomeninges, or if it enters the spinal fluid, it can cause back pain and other complications. Pain from leptomeningeal metastasis may be accompanied by other problems, such as headaches or weakness in the arms or legs.High Calcium LevelsIf lung cancer spreads or metastasizes into the bones, it may cause calcium levels in the blood to increase. This condition is called hypercalcemia. The excess calcium disrupts normal body functions, including bone health, nerve function, and clotting. Common symptoms include back pain as well as nausea, thirst, weakness, or headaches.Paraneoplastic Neurological SyndromeIn some cases, the patient’s immune system may mistakenly attack nervous tissue instead of lung cancer. This results in paraneoplastic neurological syndrome. The syndrome causes back pain even when lung cancer has not spread to that part of the body. It may also create other symptoms of nerve damage depending on what structures are under attack.What Does Back Pain from Lung Cancer Feel Like?It can be difficult to tell whether back pain is caused by lung cancer or another condition. Certain characteristics of pain, however, are warning signs that may indicate cancer. Patients should consult a physician if they experience:Deep, aching back painPain that gets worse at night, possibly disrupting sleepPain that radiates down to one or both arms or legsNeck pain that occurs simultaneously with back painPain that does not worsen when movingPain that does not respond to normal relief methodsWhile these hallmarks are common in back pain caused by lung cancer, they are not sure signs of cancer. They can also be seen in back pain from other sources. Individuals with severe or chronic back pain should always consult a physician about the symptoms.Treatment Options for Back Pain from Lung CancerIf a medical diagnosis confirms that pain is caused by lung cancer, the patient and their cancer care team may begin to formulate a treatment plan. RCCA offers a variety of innovative treatments. These include:Chemotherapy:Patients are given powerful drugs that kill fast-growing cells, including cancer. Drugs may be delivered orally or through an intravenous injection.Targeted therapy:Specially designed drugs target cells with specific characteristics, letting them kill cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue.Immunotherapy: The patient’s immune cells are modified with the tools to identify and attack cancer cells, while providing the immune system a boost.Radiation therapy:High-energy rays are directed at cancer cells, eradicating them or slowing their growth. This treatment is often used alongside other methods.Surgery:A surgeon manually removes as much of the tumor as possible. Reconstructive surgery is also available to restore function lost to cancer.Clinical trials:Consulting patients to participate in a carefully designed and managed study to test new drugs and treatment methods.Palliative care, meanwhile, is available to improve patients’ quality of life while undergoing treatment. This can include physical therapy, medications, and other pain management methods to relieve back pain caused by lung cancer, helping patients live comfortably.Find Expert Cancer Treatment at an RCCA Location Near YouA cancer diagnosis can be debilitating. Patients struggling with lung cancer can receive treatment at Regional Cancer Care Associates. RCCA specialists provide care to more than 30,000 new patients and 265,000 established patients each year. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, cutting-edge diagnostics as well as access to approximately 300 clinical trials in community-based centers close to home.Contact us today to learn more.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twe are here for you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more information or to schedule an appointment, call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the\u00a0RCCA location\u00a0nearest you.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\trequest an appointment\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRELATED ARTICLES\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDeciding Where to Receive Cancer Care: RCCA Oncologists Outline Key 5 Considerations\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cMy uncle\u2019s neighbor was diagnosed with the exact same cancer, I think, last year and his specialist has been wonderful. I\u2019m going to get you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen You Diagnose (or Suspect) Cancer: 3 Reasons to Refer Your Patients to RCCA\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cWhat happens next?\u201d \u201cWhere should I go for treatment?\u201d They are questions physicians often hear after informing a patient that they have identified confirmed or\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Blood Work\u2019 and Cancer Detection: 2 RCCA Oncologists Explain What Doctors Look for in Your CBC\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cYou\u2019re going to feel a little pinch.\u201d Each year, tens of millions of Americans hear that phrase, or words to the same effect, just before\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Is Your Back Pain Caused by Lung Cancer?","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/is-your-back-pain-caused-by-lung-cancer\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]