Colon cancer can sometimes cause back pain. Changes to bowel movements that occur with back pain may indicate late-stage colon cancer.
Colon cancer occurs when a malignant tumor develops in a person’s large bowel or colon.
The main symptoms are changes to a person’s bowel movements or routine. However, a person may not notice any symptoms until they have late-stage colon cancer. Other symptoms may also appear at this later stage.
Back pain can sometimes occur with colorectal cancer. It is typically radicular pain, or nerve pain. This type of pain results from pressure on the underlying nerve root, such as when a tumor or swelling presses upon the spine.
Read on to learn more about the possible link between colon cancer and back pain.
Colon cancer can cause back pain in several ways.
Metastatis
One way colon cancer can affect the back is through metastasis, when cancer cells from the colon travel to other parts of the body, such as the bones or spine.
If the cancer cells spread to the spine, it can cause compression of the nerves or spinal cord, leading to back pain.
Obstruction
Another way that colon cancer can cause back pain is by obstructing the colon. This can lead to a buildup of stool and gas, which can cause bloating and discomfort in the abdomen.
The pressure from the obstruction can also radiate to the back, causing pain.
Treatment side effects
The treatment a person receives for colon cancer can also cause back pain.
Some chemotherapy medications, such as Herceptin (trastuzumab), can cause back and bone pain in some individuals.
Back pain due to colon cancer may occur in the lower back. This is due to pain radiating from the cancer site in the lower abdomen.
When back pain occurs, it is typically alongside other symptoms and in the later stages of colon cancer.
Anyone noticing a change in their bowel habits should seek medical advice. If they already have a diagnosis of colon cancer, they should also inform their doctor about these changes.
The symptoms may not be due to cancer, but tests can help confirm this.
A person should also contact their doctor if they experience frequent or constant back pain, regardless of whether they have a colon cancer diagnosis. The doctor can help diagnose the underlying cause and advise on suitable treatments.
Colon cancer does not cause pain until the later stages. As it progresses, a person may feel pain in the abdomen, usually on the left side, as well as in the liver, bones, and other parts where cancer has spread.
If the tumor is pressing on a nerve, back pain may occur.
Colon cancer is one type of cancer that can cause back pain, but any type of cancer that spreads to the spinal cord can cause back pain. Spinal tumors and various late-stage cancers can have back pain as a symptom.
Lower back pain can occur with late-stage colon cancer. Some treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also lead to back pain in people with colon cancer.
Anyone with back pain or unusual bowel activity should seek medical advice. Their doctor will likely conduct tests to identify the cause of symptoms and advise on suitable treatments.