back pain and breast cancer

Hi

I have a sharp pain in my left lower back, especially when bending.  It feels like a "nervey" pain and I find I am ver slow getting out of a chair, bed, etc.  Could this have anything to do with my breast cancer (grade 2 in 2006)?

Thanks

D

[madgeOwens]

It sounds like sciatica

[Dennis MD]

Hi Dolly.
Lower back pain can be secondary to degenerative changes in the bone as one person gets older.  However, with a history of breast cancer, the presence of recurrence should be ruled-out.  The presentation of a cancer recurrence in the bone is very similar to that of degenerative changes, with pain as the most common complaint.
I would suggest seeking consult with your oncologist in order to know the cause.  For the meantime, you can take any over-the-counter pain medicine to relieve you of the discomfort.
Good luck.    

[japdip]

Although mets from breast cancer to bone is possible; I doubt what you describe falls into that category. Sounds like a degenerative thing ... you could certainly have a bone scan or MRI to clarify the cause of your pain. You might ck. with your Primary Care Physician or an Orthopaedic Physician for some advice.