What's the difference between bone pain and muscle pain, and what does bone pain feel like?
Bone pain from myeloma tends to feel different from muscle pain. It's often described as a deep, dull ache that doesn't go away easily. Many MyMyelomaTeam members describe it as excruciating or miserable pain that persists Show Full Answer
What's the difference between bone pain and muscle pain, and what does bone pain feel like?
Bone pain from myeloma tends to feel different from muscle pain. It's often described as a deep, dull ache that doesn't go away easily. Many MyMyelomaTeam members describe it as excruciating or miserable pain that persists regardless of what they try.
Here's what bone pain from myeloma commonly feels like:
- A very deep, dull pain that's hard to pinpoint
- Sharp, sudden pain (especially with vertebral compression fractures)
- Pain that's constant and doesn't respond well to typical pain relief
- Severe enough to interfere with sleep, eating, or walking
Muscle pain, on the other hand, typically feels more surface-level and may improve with rest, stretching, or massage. It often feels like soreness, cramping, or tension in specific muscle groups.
With myeloma, bone pain happens because abnormal plasma cells build up in your bones, causing tumors and damage. This creates weak spots (osteolytic lesions) and can lead to fractures. The pain is commonly felt in the back, ribs, hips, skull, arms, and legs.
If you're experiencing persistent pain, it's important to describe exactly how it feels to your doctor so they can determine whether it's bone-related and adjust your treatment accordingly.
January 12
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