If Your Cancer Treatment Causes Bone Pain

Some cancer treatments can cause bone pain. Bone pain can feel like a dull ache, a burning sensation, or a sharp, intense pain. It can range from mild to severe. The pain can affect your ability to function and your quality of life. If you have bone pain, consider keeping a diary to help your provider figure out what is causing your pain and what may help relieve it. Consider tracking:

  • What you were doing when the pain started

  • What the pain felt like (achy, sharp, dull)

  • How long the pain lasted

  • If the pain was constant or intermittent

  • What made the pain better or worse

  • How severe the pain was

  • If the pain interfered with your daily activities, like walking and sleeping

Causes of bone pain

Bone pain can be caused by many things, such as:

  • The cancer itself if you have bone cancer or a cancer that has spread (metastasized) to a bone
  • Medicines called granulocyte colony stimulating factors (G-CSFs). They help your body make more white blood cells. They are used to prevent infection when your white blood cell counts are low.
  • Hormone therapy used to treat cancer
  • Some chemotherapy medicines

Your healthcare provider can determine the cause of your bone pain.

Treating bone pain from metastasis

If your bone pain is caused by cancer that spread to your bones, your provider may advise ways to shrink the bone tumors. Sometimes the treatment for your main type of cancer can also help shrink bone metastases. Other treatments may include radiation or surgery. Treatment choices depend on the type and location of your cancer. Ask your healthcare team about the best option for you.

Treating bone pain from cancer treatment medicines

If your bone pain is caused by G-CSF medicines or hormone therapy, talk with your healthcare team. In some cases, they may change your medicine or dose. Or they may recommend other medicines or strategies to reduce pain.

Other methods of reducing bone pain

These are steps you can take to further reduce your discomfort. Talk with your healthcare team about these options before starting any new medicines or treatments.

Pain medicines

Common over-the-counter medicines may be enough to reduce mild pain. Or your provider may prescribe stronger pain medicine. Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new medicines.

Integrative therapies

Many people get pain relief from alternative methods, such as:

  • Acupuncture
  • Massage
  • Relaxation methods
  • Meditation
  • Heat or cold packs

Always discuss these options with your provider first before trying any new therapies.