MyMyelomaTeam

Lower back pain is really common with myeloma, and it can come and go without an obvious trigger — so you're definitely not alone in wondering "why today?!" It's worth keeping a simple log of when pain flares up, how long it lasts, and what seems to help or make it worse. This can give your care team valuable clues.

A few Show Full Answer

Lower back pain is really common with myeloma, and it can come and go without an obvious trigger — so you're definitely not alone in wondering "why today?!" It's worth keeping a simple log of when pain flares up, how long it lasts, and what seems to help or make it worse. This can give your care team valuable clues.

A few reasons back pain can occur with myeloma include:

- Bone lesions forming in the spine, which can cause fractures or pressure on nerves
- Vertebral compression fractures, which can cause sudden or ongoing pain
- Myeloma treatments themselves, as some medications list back pain as a side effect Using a heating pad can offer temporary relief, but use it carefully to avoid burns — always place a cloth between the pad and your skin and limit sessions to short periods.

Other options that may help include:

- Ice packs as an alternative to heat
- Physical therapy, which a MyMyelomaTeam member said gave them "what I needed to walk again"
- Complementary therapies like acupuncture, gentle yoga, or medical massage
- Adjusting your sleeping position — one MyMyelomaTeam member found that adjusting the head of their bed eased back and neck pain

It's really important to mention this pain to your oncology team, especially since it comes and goes. Avoid taking OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin without checking first, as they can interfere with myeloma treatments.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Back Pain and Myeloma: What It Feels Like