Back pain due to cancer is very rare but far more serious. A tumor on the spine presses on a nerve and weakens the bone, which in turn can result in spinal fractures, spinal instability, or pinching (compression) of the nerves.


General Symptoms of a Spinal Cancer:

Following symptoms are associated with a spinal tumor.

• Back pain along with vomiting, unplanned weight loss, chills, loss of appetite, nausea, or shakes

• Focal spine pain (worse in the morning)

• Pain that may be worse at nights than during the day

• Pain in the neck or back followed by neurological problems such as change in normal bowel or bladder habits, weakness, or numbness of the arms or legs is very common.

• Pain that does not diminish with rest

• When there is direct compression or manipulation of the affected area of the spine, pain is severe.e the spinal canal, causing pain.


Characteristics of Spinal Tumor:

• Primary spinal cancers – spinal tumors that originate in the spine - are most typically slow growing and benign.

• Primary spinal tumors have a tendency to occur in younger adults.

• In most of the cases of back pain due to spinal tumor, the cancer spread from another area of the body.

• Primary tumors are very rare.

If you are a patient of cancer that is present elsewhere in your body and you feel pain in your spine or neurological deficits, you should immediately call your doctor. Your doctor will determine if your cancer has spread to the spine.