TumorCancer
As in almost all areas of the body, tumors (neurinoma or meningioma) can be found in the spinal column. These tumors and, in unfavorable cases, their metastases (= daughter tumors) can sometimes cause considerable back pain. It is very rare that back pain is caused by cancer.
If the reason for the back pain is unclear, if it has been present for a long time or if its nature changes, a doctor should always be consulted for clarification. It is rare that back pain is caused by cancer of the spine. Metastases caused by a tumor elsewhere in the body are most common.
In just under one percent of all cancers of the spine, the tumor is the first to start growing in the spinal column, i.e. in the bone. Tumors of the spinal cord itself can also rarely lead to back pain. Most cancers of the back can be surgically removed if detected early.
Regardless of whether they are metastases or not, the symptoms are often similar. First, severe back pain occurs, often at rest and at night. Depending on how the tumor is located, it may later develop sensory disturbances that often cause pain.
Paralysis of the arms or legs can also occur. Larger tumors often lead to muscle weakness or gait and bladder problems. Since the probability of a metastasis is very high, the symptoms of a possible original tumor should always be considered and a search for it should be conducted.
Injuries in the area of the spinal column
Injuries to the spinal column are, for example, caused by traffic accidents, which resulted in whiplash injuries. In worse cases, shifts in the vertebral body, nerve root fractures or even vertebral fractures can be held responsible for the cause of back pain.
Congenital causes: Spina bifida
This includes the classic “lumbago” (lumbago). This is an acute irritation of a nerve. The lumbago is therefore not due to wear and tear (see above). You can find more information under our topic: Lumbago.
