Persistent back pain should not be ignored, as it can be an early warning sign for serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including certain cancers, according to medical experts.
Research indicates that nearly half of Britons actively avoid seeing a general practitioner for back pain, with a third citing difficulties in obtaining timely appointments as the primary reason for this delay. While back pain is common, affecting nearly 80 percent of people in the UK at some point, experts emphasize that it should be evaluated if it persists for more than a couple of weeks without improvement.
Conditions like myeloma, the third most common blood cancer in the UK, can present with back pain as a primary symptom. Patients often dismiss it as a pulled muscle, leading to a delay in diagnosis. Early diagnosis is crucial for myeloma, as while it is incurable, advancements in treatment allow many patients to live for years after diagnosis when treatment begins promptly.
Other cancers can also manifest with back pain. Pancreatic cancer, known for its often vague symptoms and late diagnosis, can cause pain in the middle of the back, potentially radiating to the shoulder blades or upper abdomen. For women, persistent lower back pain, potentially resembling period pain and accompanied by bloating or changes in urinary habits, could be an indicator of ovarian cancer.
Health service guidelines suggest that individuals whose back pain does not improve after three to four weeks should consult their GP. GPs can order blood tests and scans to rule out more serious underlying causes. However, experts note that the healthcare system faces challenges, with waiting times for specialist appointments sometimes exceeding a year, further complicating patient access to care for potentially serious conditions.
While the vast majority of back pain cases are not due to cancer, recognizing when the pain deviates from typical musculoskeletal issues is key. Medical professionals advocate for treating back pain as a significant medical issue, urging patients to seek assessment for persistent discomfort and for health services to improve accessibility for those needing help.