Why does multiple myeloma cause pain?

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer in which abnormal cells reproduce in your bone marrow. New blood cells are made in the middle of bones by using bone marrow. Soft spots called lesions are left behind when the cancer grows.

Weakened bones can be very painful. About 85% of people with multiple myeloma will have bone damage or loss, leading to pain.

Bones can weaken to the point of fracturing or breaking. About 40% of people with multiple myeloma develop fractures. The pain from a broken bone can be severe.

Here is a look at the areas of your body where you might feel pain from multiple myeloma.

The spine can collapse if it becomes weak. This is a broken bone. The pressure on nerves in your spine can be caused by the fractured bones.

Keep in mind

If you have multiple myeloma and develop sudden back pain with weakness, pins and needles sensation, you should seek care immediately, either with an oncologist or an emergency department.

There are ways to treat compression fractures. Sometimes they need to have surgery on their spine. Some people may be candidates for minimally-invasive procedures.

  • Kyphoplasty: The surgeon places a thin tube with a balloon at one end into the collapsed vertebrae. The balloon is then inflated to restore the bone to its original position. Cement secures the bone into place.
  • Vertebroplasty: The surgeon injects cement directly into the collapsed vertebrae.

Your doctor may recommend that you wear a neck or back brace. You can take pain killers to manage your pain. Options include:

  • OTC pain relief such as naproxen or bicyle can be used over the counter.
  • Opioids for severe pain are prescription pain killers.
  • There are creams, patches, and creams that are used to relieve pain.

Before using any of these options, you should talk to your doctor. If your multiple myeloma has damaged your kidneys, OTC pain relief may make it worse.

Multiple myeloma can cause weakness of the hips and ribs. Many of the same treatments used to strengthen the back also relieve pain in the bones.

  • Radiation and chemotherapy are used.
  • Pain killers and OTC.
  • The drugs are called bisphosphonates.
  • There are supplements for calcium and vitamins D and D3.
  • Hip repair.

As bones break down, they release calcium into the blood. Excess calcium, called hypercalcemia, can lead to constipation and kidney stones. Chemotherapy and other treatments for multiple myeloma also cause this symptom by slowing the movement of digested food through your intestines.

A bloated, painful belly can be caused by the build up of stool in your intestines. Try these tips to treat the symptoms of sphinx.

  • “Fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole-grain bread are high in fiber. If you can’t eat any of these foods, you should work with a dietitian to find other options.”
  • Drink more water. It will help make your stools easier to pass.
  • Try to Exercise. every day. Increased activity helps increase the movement of food.
  • “Don’t hold it in, and don’t rush. You should be able to sit on the toilet for a while. When you feel like going, find a bathroom.”

“If these techniques don’t work, you should ask your doctor if you should take a fiber supplement or a laxative.”

The pain from your spine can be felt in your arms and legs. Nerve problems in your back can be seen by shooting pain, numbness, or weakness in these appendages. Multiple myeloma treatments can damage nerve cells.

The following treatments may help with nerve irritation, called peripheral neuropathy:

  • Gabapentin is a drug.
  • The antidepressants tricyclic.
  • The antidepressants include the reuptake inhibitor, serotonin-norepinephrine.
  • Tegretol is a drug called carbamazepine.
  • Opioid pain killers are used for severe pain.

These treatments may help with peripheral neuropathy, but they may not be effective.

If you develop peripheral neuropathy while receiving treatment, you should inform your doctor as they may need to adjust your treatment regimen and prescribe additional treatments to help.

Multiple myeloma is a disease that can be treated with Chemotherapy. It can help with bone pain. Chemo uses strong drugs to kill cancer cells.

Radiation therapy is another treatment that uses powerful X-rays to shrink tumors in bones. After chemo or radiation destroy cancer cells, new bone begins to regenerate. Bones become stronger and less likely to break.

Bisphosphonates are drugs that strengthen bones and prevent fracturing. By supporting bones, these medications can also reduce pain. The The drugs are called bisphosphonates. that doctors often prescribe for multiple myeloma are pamidronate (Aredia) and zoledronic acid (Reclast).

Denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva) is not a bisphosphonate, but it is a similar drug also used to help treat bone loss from cancer.

You can get these drugs through an injection. Your doctor may give you a drug called a bisphosphonate. You may be able to get these shots less often as your bones strengthen.

Your doctor might also recommend that you take calcium and vitamin D supplements. These nutrients also help keep bones strong.

Non-drug interventions can be tried.

  • A massage.
  • Cold or heat applied to the area.
  • Physical therapy.
  • Exercise.

Does multiple myeloma pain move around?

Multiple myeloma can be painful in the hips, rib, back, and other areas. If the disease is progressing, you may experience pain in new areas of your body. It may be worse to move.

Do you get muscle pain with myeloma?

Weakness in the legs and muscles is a symptom of myeloma.

Does multiple myeloma metastasize to other parts of the body?

Multiple myeloma can spread to other parts of the body.

There are many ways to manage multiple myeloma pain before it makes you miserable. It is important to follow the treatment plan your doctor suggests.

“If your pain is not being well- managed, talk to your doctor. You may have tried other techniques that you haven’t tried yet.”