The Connection Between Sciatica and Bone Metastasis
Bone metastasis can be the cause for sciatica pain and the presence of both of these medical conditions can result in severe discomfort. Learning about the connection between sciatica pain and bone metastasis can help a patient understand the physical problems, which will lead to the most efficient course of treatment.
Bone Metastasis and Sciatica Pain
Bone metastasis occurs when cancer from one part of the body spreads to the bones. This occurs most frequently in the cases of breast, lung and prostate cancer, although it's been reported to happen in about half of all cancer patients. When cancer enters the bones, a large number of complications are likely to occur. Often, one of the first symptoms of bone metastasis is a fracture, but sciatica pain can also signal this condition.
The sciatic nerve is the largest in the body, and is located in the lower part of the spinal column and travels down the leg to the foot. Any injury or pressure on this nerve causes pain, which may radiate to the back, hip, leg or foot. In the case of bone metastasis, sciatica pain can be caused by a spinal fracture or spinal cord compression, as a result of the cancer. The spine is usually the most common place for a fracture to occur in cancer patients with bone metastasis. The proximity of the spine to the sciatic nerve further complicates this medical problem. If a fracture occurs, the dislocation of the bone may cause pressure on the sciatic nerve and results in additional pain. If any portion of the sciatic nerve experiences stress or becomes damaged, the pain may not stay in a localized region, but may travel the length of the entire nerve pathway. Understandably, patients with both bone metastasis and sciatica pain will need medicinal help for the pain as well as aggressive treatment for the cancer.
Diagnosing Sciatica Pain
Anyone who has sciatica pain should consult a doctor to determine the exact cause. A thorough investigation into when the pain was first experienced will be recorded. To aid in a proper diagnosis, a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or a CT scan (computed tomography) may be performed. There will also be a pain assessment test, whereby the physician can observe the position of the body that causes the discomfort. Although there is a connection between bone metastasis and sciatica pain, there can be many other ways in which the sciatic nerve can be damaged or injured. A thorough examination by a doctor can ease your mind as well as your pain.
