MyMyelomaTeam

Back pain is one of the most common and difficult symptoms with myeloma, so your husband is definitely not alone in dealing with this. The good news is there are several ways to find relief, and his care team can help find the right approach for him.

Managing the myeloma itself is the first step — the earlier and more Show Full Answer

Back pain is one of the most common and difficult symptoms with myeloma, so your husband is definitely not alone in dealing with this. The good news is there are several ways to find relief, and his care team can help find the right approach for him.

Managing the myeloma itself is the first step — the earlier and more effectively it's treated, the better the chance of staying ahead of back pain. Beyond that, here are some options his doctor may consider:

Medical treatments:
- Bone-building medications like bisphosphonates or denosumab to protect bones
- Radiation therapy to treat bone lesions pressing on nerves
- Kyphoplasty — a minimally invasive procedure using bone cement to stabilize fractured vertebrae
- A back brace to reduce pressure on the spine
- Prescribed pain medications (though opioids carry risks like constipation and dependence)

Important caution: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin should NOT be taken without checking with his oncology team first, as they can interfere with myeloma treatments. There are also complementary therapies that may help alongside his treatment plan:

- Acupuncture or acupressure
- Gentle yoga or exercise
- Meditation
- Physical therapy
- Medical massage
- Heating pads or ice packs for temporary relief

One MyMyelomaTeam member shared that physical therapy was a game-changer: *"I cannot say enough good about PT. It gave me what I needed to walk again."*

Another found that simply adjusting the head of their bed helped ease both back and neck pain.

It's worth having a detailed conversation with his doctor about what's causing the pain specifically, as the right treatment really depends on the cause, location, and severity.

 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