Do You Have Lower Back Pain With Colon Cancer

What Exactly Is Colon Cancer And How Does It Cause Pain

Colon cancer begins as small, non-cancerous clumps called polyps, which often produce no symptoms. Some of these polyps may become cancerous and can grow into the wall of the colon. Colorectal cancer begins in the innermost layer and can grow outward, effecting other layers of the colon. If undetected, the cancer can metastasize to other parts of the body.

The pain experienced with colon cancer is not always identified as a typical pain sensation, explains Imran Ali, MD, MS, MPH, and physician Fellow in Palliative Care/Geriatric Supportive Oncology training at NYC VA System/Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Colon cancer typically presents as a dull belly ache, if anything at all, Dr. Ali says. In the more advanced stages of colon cancer, the pain may feel cramp-like or similar to bloat. Pain that is persistent and severe can be a sign of colon cancer and should never be overlooked. If you are experiencing new abdominal discomfort that is persistent, it is important to request colon cancer screening.

Changes in bowel habits can be warning signs of colon cancer. Diarrhea, constipation, and changes in the consistency of stool should not be ignored. Sometimes we dismiss our own pain as discomfort, but how we defecate can tell us a lot about our health. Blood in the stool, fatigue, and unintended weight loss can also be early signs of colon cancer.³

Conditions That Cause Lower Back Pain And Constipation

It is also possible that you do not have IBS, but have constipation, which is also linked to lower back pain. Both constipation and lower back pain are fairly common medical issues, and are often nothing to be concerned about, but if they occur suddenly at the same time, it is advisable to see a doctor, as it might be a sign of a more serious issue. For example, the following are examples of conditions that cause both constipation and lower back pain to occur at the same time:

• Bowel obstruction

A bowel obstruction is a gastrointestinal condition in which digested material cannot pass normally or as it should through the bowel. A bowel obstruction can be caused by fibrous tissue that compresses the gut, which can develop many years after abdominal surgery. With a bowel obstruction, the blockage in your colon or rectum can create a dull pain that extends from the abdomen to the lower back.

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. In individuals with endometriosis, the tissues that should be lining the uterus can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the intestines. Bowel symptoms are very common with endometriosis, as is back pain. This is because endometrial cells can stick to the lower back and the front of the pelvic cavities.

• Liver disorders

• Urinary tract infections

More Than Just Spinal Cancers And Tumors Can Cause Back Pain For Patients This Is What To Look Out For

Back pain and soreness is incredibly common around the world, of all genders, races, and lifestyles. The causes for back pain, too, are hugely variedanything from a sports injury to poor posture, arthritis, age, overuse, and chest heaviness, among many others.

But if your back is causing a lot of pain, perhaps the last thing you may assume is that the pain is caused by cancer. Most alternatives seem more likely. As one article published by the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy mentions, While the prevalence of serious medical pathology causing is extremely low, it is the responsibility of the physiotherapist to screen and monitor for serious medical conditions and determine if referral to another health care practitioner is indicated.

In other words, while its far from the most common cause, and the one you probably least want to hear, it is possible, which makes seeking treatment for back pain all the more importantand finding a doctor who will dig into the root cause a very crucial element.

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Cancer Of The Skin And Tissue

Skin or tissue cancer such as melanoma may also cause lower back pain. When left undiagnosed and untreated, melanoma can spread and affect the area of the spine resulting in pain in the back. Symptoms that may go hand-in-hand with skin cancer are:

• Redness at the margin or border of the mole
• Mole changing its surface, becoming scaly, lumpy, or in some cases, bleeding
• An old sore that does not heal with interventions

Changes In Bowel Habits

Changes in bowel habits that can indicate colon or rectal cancer include the following:

• New-onset constipation or diarrhea

• Changes in frequency or size and caliber of bowel movements

• A bowel that doesnt seem to empty completely

• Stool that is narrower than normal

Occasional bowel changes can be caused by a dietary change, disagreeable food or a viral/bacterial infection. However, if you are experiencing something new and unexplainedand it lasts more than a couple of dayssee your doctor.

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Diagnosing The Cause Of Back Pain

Living with back pain can be very difficult. The pain can interfere with walking, sleeping, exercise, or your work. It is always a good idea to see a doctor if your pain doesn’t go away on its own.

The most common causes of back pain are:

• Muscle sprain/strain

Most low back pain can be treated conservatively, without surgery.

Link Between Lower Back Pain And Bowel Problems

When we talk about bowel disorders, we are referring to conditions that affect your small intestines. Bowel disorders can also affect other parts of your digestive system, like your large intestine. Bowel problems are usually caused by smoking, diet, microbial and immunologic factors, and a family history of Crohns disease.

The most familiar symptoms of bowel disorders are abdominal pain, swelling, bloody stool, constipation, diarrhea, and gas. What many people do not realize is that bowel problems are also related to lower back pain. The truth is that bowel problems and lower back pain are inextricably linked. This is because the nerves of both the back and the abdominal area run through the lower part of the spine.

If you suffer from abdominal pain and bloating, it is likely that you also suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. In addition to the classic symptoms like bloating and gas, individuals with IBS often develop extraintestinal symptoms, or symptoms that involve parts of the body beyond the gut. This can include sleep problems, headaches, trouble urinating, fatigue, muscle pain, pain in the pelvis or jaw, and back pain.

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How Spinal Cancer Pain May Feel

When back pain is caused by a cancerous spinal tumor, it typically:

• Starts gradually and worsens over time
• Does not improve with rest and may intensify at night
• Flares up as a sharp or shock-like pain in the upper or lower back, which may also go into the legs, chest, or elsewhere in the body

Other signs and symptoms that could potentially indicate the origin of back pain from cancer include unplanned weight loss, nausea, fever, chills, or other troubling symptoms.

What Organs Can Cause Lower Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people take time off work and school¹. In fact, its the number one reason for missed days at work. Back pain can suddenly hit or come on slowly and can impact both sides of your back.

Back pain is no fun to deal with and can be caused by several conditions, including problems with your internal organs. Here you’ll learn which organs cause lower back pain and why it can be felt on either side of your back.

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Which Cancers Are Most Likely To Produce Back Pain

Back pain can be a symptom of any cancer that has metastasized to the bones of the spine, but several cancers can also cause back pain before they spread. The most common are:

Lung cancer: Approximately 25 percent of all people withlung cancer experience back pain. In many cases, its the first symptom of the disease. A tumor in the lungs can produce back pain without spreading when it puts pressure on the nerves of the spine or directly grows into the bones and nerves in the chest wall or spine.

When back pain is caused by lung cancer, it is often accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms:

• A cough that persists for more than two weeks
• Difficulty breathing
• Recurrent chest infections
• Coughing up blood

Colon cancer: Cancer of the colon as well as other parts of the gastric system such as the stomach and rectum can cause back pain when the tumor infiltrates nerves near your spine and causes pain that radiates from the site of the tumor to the back. When colon cancer is the cause of back pain, it is often accompanied by a change in your bowel habits including diarrhea, constipation, cramps, or blood in your stool. Other symptoms include fatigue or sudden weight loss.

Breast cancer: Although back pain is a rare symptom of breast cancer, it can cause back pain if the cancer metastasizes to the lymph nodes near your spine or into the vertebrae next to the spinal cord

Tummy Pain Or Back Pain

Tummy pain or back pain are common symptoms of pancreatic cancer. The pain may start as general discomfort or tenderness in the tummy area and spread to the back.

Some people have no pain at all, and pain can vary from person to person. For example, it may come and go at first but become more constant over time. It can be worse when lying down, and sitting forward can sometimes make it feel better. It may be worse after eating.

If you are over 60, have lost weight and have tummy or back pain, your GP should refer you for an urgent CT scan or ultrasound scan within two weeks.

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Kidney Pain Related Causes:

• Kidney stones: Large stones can become lodged and cause sharp pain under the right rib cage. Many people who experience this also feel back pain.
• Pyelonephritis: This is an infection of the kidney, likely due to bacteria entering the urinary tract. Bleeding in the kidney due to severe trauma or hydronephrosis, which is the accumulation of urine in the kidney, can also cause pain under the ribs.
• Polycystic kidney disease: The accumulation of small fluid-filled sacs in the kidney. Polycystic kidney disease has a genetic link.

Treating Lower Back Pain In Austin Tx

While lower back pain can be an early sign of cancer, it is also important to note that many other reasons can explain it, as well. For example, an unattended injury from prolonged standing and lifting weights in the gym can strain the muscles in the back, causing pain.

If you are experiencing discomfort and persistent lower back pain, make sure to get early screening and diagnosis with a trusted physician. Resist from trying to find answers on medical websites. Despite having scientifically backed data and articles, it is still better to have a thorough consultation with your primary care physician.

The dedicated team of healthcare professionals at Endeavor Physical Therapy in Austin, TX can help you identify the root cause of your lower back pain. You may call us at 467-4546 or book an appointment using our online form.

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Colon Pain: What You Should Know

Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH, is board-certified in gastroentrology. He is the vice chair for ambulatory services for the department of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, where he is also a professor. He was the founding editor and co-editor in chief of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Pain in the abdomen that is caused by a problem with the colon can occur for several different reasons. Colon pain could be caused by constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome , colitis, diverticular disease, or colorectal cancer.

Because there are so many possibilities, finding the right diagnosis is important to getting the proper treatment. Seeking care from a healthcare professional will help, especially when theres pain that doesnt go away in a few days. If you are experiencing ongoing colon pain, contact your healthcare professional.

This article will explore reasons why you may have colon pain and the associated symptoms, when to see your healthcare professional, how they may diagnose your problem, and what treatment may be used.

Verywell / Katie Kerpel

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Two Years Of Chemo And Radiation

I knew my disease was serious, and going through chemo was just the half of it. It left me with cracks all over my feet and made walking painful, so Id have to bandage and bind them for comfort. It felt like I had paper cuts along my fingernail beds. If I touched something acidic like a tomato, my skin would burn. When I cried, the tears felt like they were burning my face. I had spontaneous nosebleeds without warning. The inside of my mouth became so sensitive that even bland food tasted as if it were covered in hot sauce, like I was chewing razors. In total, I did three round of chemo, which took roughly two years.

Radiation was a lot easier to deal with physically but much more emotionally taxing, as it sent me into early menopause. I started having hot flashes, waking up drenched in sweat with my hair sopping wet. Id be extremely hot and extremely cold in the same minute. Nobody wanted to ride in a car with me because I was so particular about the temperature. I had to have a hot drink and a cold drink near me constantly. I was emotional all time time. I remember one time seeing a guy driving like an idiotand I followed him for blocks so I could yell at him! I felt like a hormonal teenager all over again. I spent five weeks going for radiation treatment, including pelvic radiation, which is typical for rectal cancer.

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Symptoms Of Advanced Bowel Cancer

Advanced bowel cancer is cancer that started in either the back passage or large bowel and has spread to another part of the body.

The symptoms of advanced bowel cancer can include the symptoms for bowel cancer that hasnt spread. Other symptoms depend on which part of the body the cancer has spread to.

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Signs And Symptoms Of Bowel Cancer

The 3 main symptoms of bowel cancer are blood in the stools , a change in bowel habit, such as more frequent, looser stools, and abdominal pain.

However, these symptoms are very common. Blood in the stools is usually caused by haemorrhoids , and a change in bowel habit or abdominal pain is often the result of something you have eaten.

In the UK, an estimated 7 million people have blood in the stools each year. Even more people have temporary changes in their bowel habits and abdominal pain. Most people with these symptoms do not have bowel cancer.

As the vast majority of people with bowel cancer are over the age of 60, these symptoms are more important as people get older. These symptoms are also more significant when they persist in spite of simple treatments.

Most patients with bowel cancer present with one of the following symptom combinations:

• a persistent change in bowel habit, causing them to go to the toilet more often and pass looser stools, usually together with blood on or in their stools
• a persistent change in bowel habit without blood in their stools, but with abdominal pain
• blood in the stools without other haemorrhoid symptoms, such as soreness, discomfort, pain, itching, or a lump hanging down outside the back passage
• abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating always provoked by eating, sometimes resulting in a reduction in the amount of food eaten and weight loss

The symptoms of bowel cancer can be subtle and don’t necessarily make you feel ill.

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Problems Digesting Your Food

The pancreas plays an important role in breaking down food . Its common for pancreatic cancer to cause problems with eating and digesting food.

Symptoms of this include feeling full up quickly when you eat, a bloated tummy, lots of wind, and burping. But these symptoms can be common problems and arent usually due to pancreatic cancer.

What Happens If I Have Colorectal Cancer

If you have colon or rectal cancer, treatment depends on which type of cancer it is, how big it is, and whether it has spread. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Many people get more than one type of treatment. Its important to talk openly with your doctor and ask questions if you dont understand something. Here is a list of questions to ask your doctor that you can take with you.

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Causes Of Bowel Cancer

Cancer occurs when the cells in a certain area of your body divide and multiply too rapidly. This produces a lump of tissue known as a tumour.

Most cases of bowel cancer first develop inside clumps of cells on the inner lining of the bowel. These clumps are known as polyps. However, if you develop polyps, it does not necessarily mean you will get bowel cancer.

Exactly what causes cancer to develop inside the bowel is still unknown. However, research has shown several factors may make you more likely to develop it.