What Does Bone Pain Mean?

Our skeletons form the framework for an active and mobile life. They support the entire weight of our bodies and leverage our strength so that we can sit, stand, walk, twist, bend, lift, and carry. Because they work silently and out of sight, we don't often think about our bones...at least not until we sustain a painful injury to a leg or hipbone or develop a nagging backache.

Bone pain is often overlooked if it is not intense or the result of a broken arm or leg. We accept it as a normal consequence of daily life and aging. However, bone pain is a significant symptom that should be taken seriously and not ignored.

Pain is the body's way of notifying us that something is wrong and needs attention. Not as common as muscle and joint pain, bone pain can signal a simple fracture or overuse. It can also indicate serious conditions such as osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), primary malignancy (bone cancer), metastatic malignancy (cancer that has spread to the bone from another organ), osteoporosis (loss of mineralization), and sickle cell anemia, (disruption of blood supply), among others.

Prompt action should be taken to properly evaluate the cause of bone pain. Early and accurate diagnosis can protect against permanent bone damage, loss of mobility, and in some cases, prevent death.

Bone Conditions and Associated Bone Pain
Osteomyelitis – Bone pain that is deep, dull and nagging, or sudden and sharp when the bone is touched can be a symptom of osteomyelitis, infection of the bone. Untreated, osteomyelitis can destroy bone tissue and spread to nearby joints or other parts of the body. Spinal osteomyelitis is particularly dangerous because it can damage spinal nerves and even prove fatal.

Bone Cancer, Primary and Metastatic – The most common complaint of bone cancer patients is pain in the affected bone. It can be intermittent at first and perhaps worse at night. The pain may occur when the bone is used such as a leg bone when walking or hand bones when grasping or squeezing. Swelling in the painful area may also occur. Prompt diagnosis at the first signs of pain can help because the right treatment can delay or prevent further cancer spread, and help to alleviate complications and symptoms.

Sickle Cell Anemia – Acute (sudden and intense) pain in the thighbone, femur, and bones of the back and hand are due to blocked blood vessels and damaged organs. Without vigilant care, bone marrow can become infected, further inhibiting red blood cell growth and activity and bones can suffer permanent damage along with other organs.

Osteoporosis – Often there are no symptoms at all. The few that can occur are joint, neck and lower back pain, which are easily confused with other chronic conditions such as arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment of this disease that causes bones to become porous and brittle can prevent painful fractures and help to improve bone strength.

While the body may be prompting us to pay attention when it sends pain signals, it can be difficult to translate the exact message. Some sources of bone pain such as a fracture, can be obvious, while others such as osteoporosis may be elusive. Because bone pain is also common to several conditions it can sometimes lead to confusion and misdiagnosis. Today however, imaging tests, blood tests, bone x–rays and other diagnostic tools make it possible to attain an accurate diagnosis.