Multiple Myeloma Bone Pain

For people with multiple myeloma, bone pain is a common problem. Doctors can relieve or reduce bone pain associated with multiple myeloma in several ways, which may include pain medication, radiation, and nerve blocks. In addition, the healthcare team may suggest massage therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, or other alternative methods for managing multiple myeloma bone pain.

 

Multiple Myeloma Bone Pain: A Summary

Bone pain is a common problem for people with multiple myeloma. The patient's doctor or a specialist in pain control can relieve or reduce multiple myeloma bone pain in several ways, which include:
 
  • Pain medicine -- Medicines often can relieve multiple myeloma pain. Although these medicines can make people drowsy and constipated, resting and taking laxatives can help.
 
  • Radiation -- High-energy rays can help relieve bone pain associated with multiple myeloma by shrinking the tumor. 
 
  • Nerve block -- The doctor may inject alcohol into the area around certain nerves near the bone to block the multiple myeloma pain. This is called a nerve block.
 

Alternative Treatments for Multiple Myeloma Bone Pain

The healthcare team may suggest alternative treatments to relieve or reduce bone pain with multiple myeloma, such as massage, acupuncture, or acupressure. Patients may also learn to relieve multiple myeloma bone pain through relaxation techniques, such as listening to slow music or breathing slowly and comfortably.

(Click Alternative Multiple Myeloma Treatment for more information about multiple myeloma bone pain.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD