Bone pain in the sternum and ribs is a well-known and unfortunately common experience with myeloma. It happens because myeloma cells build up in the bone marrow and interfere with the normal process of bone repair, creating damaged areas called bone lesions (or osteolytic lesions).
These lesions can weaken bones, making them Show Full Answer
Bone pain in the sternum and ribs is a well-known and unfortunately common experience with myeloma. It happens because myeloma cells build up in the bone marrow and interfere with the normal process of bone repair, creating damaged areas called bone lesions (or osteolytic lesions).
These lesions can weaken bones, making them more vulnerable to fractures — even from something as simple as a cough. The pain itself can feel very different from person to person. Some MyMyelomaTeam members describe it as:
- A deep, dull ache
- Burning or shooting pain
- Sudden sharp pain (which can signal a fracture)
- Pain that won't go away no matter what they try
It's really important not to just push through rib or sternum pain without telling your care team. A fracture in those areas can go unnoticed but still cause serious discomfort and complications. There are treatments that can help protect bones and manage pain, including:
- Bisphosphonates (like zoledronic acid) or denosumab (Xgeva) — these help strengthen bones and reduce complications
- Treating the myeloma itself — getting the disease under control can reduce the bone damage causing the pain
- Pain management tailored to your specific situation
When tracking your pain to share with your doctor, note where it is, how severe it feels, how long it lasts, and whether anything makes it better or worse. That detail really helps your team figure out the best next step.
5 days ago
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