Prostate Cancer and Back Pain: Common Pain Locations Men Shouldn’t Ignore
Hello dear readers, I’m Rosy Williams, and today I bring you a topic that hits close to home—Prostate Cancer and Back Pain. As someone who has supported a dear friend through this journey, I feel deeply compelled to share the truth, the symptoms, and the signs that often go unnoticed—especially the ones that show up in your back .
Many men dismiss lower back pain as a sign of aging or a result of sitting too long, but sometimes, it’s far more serious. If you or a loved one have experienced persistent back discomfort, this article is your sign to stop ignoring it. Let’s uncover the most common pain locations and understand what your body might be trying to say.
Why Linking Prostate Cancer and Back Pain Matters
Did you know that prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide ? Yet, it remains one of the most silent. The early symptoms are often brushed aside, and one of the most overlooked signs is unexplained back pain.
When I walked alongside my friend David—who was later diagnosed with advanced-stage prostate cancer—his only complaint was this annoying, dull ache in his lower back. It turned out, the cancer had spread to his bones.
This is why understanding the link between back pain and prostate cancer can literally save lives.
“Awareness isn’t fear—it’s power dressed in truth.”
How Does Prostate Cancer Cause Back Pain?
The prostate gland, located just below the bladder, is close to the spine and pelvic area. When prostate cancer progresses, it can spread (metastasise) to nearby bones , particularly the spine, hips, and pelvis.
This is what happened to David. He kept saying, “My lower back pain won’t go away, even after massage and rest.” Only months later, after insistence from his wife, he got tested—and was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer with bone metastasis.
“Sometimes what we think is just a backache could be our body’s way of begging us to pay attention.”
Real-Life Experience: What It Feels Like
David described his pain like this:
“It started as a tight muscle in my lower back. Then it turned into a sharp pain that would come and go. I thought it was my mattress. I tried physiotherapy, even acupuncture—but nothing worked. It wasn’t until I saw blood in my urine and my PSA test spiked that I realised this was something else.”
When a man tells you his back pain feels “deep inside the bone” or like it’s “gnawing”—please, don’t ignore it. It might be a sign of bone metastasis in prostate cancer.
“The body never lies. Only we do, when we say, ‘I’m fine.’”
Common Pain Locations in Prostate Cancer That Men Shouldn’t Ignore
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Lower Back Pain
The most common and frequently ignored sign. This pain may feel dull, constant, and radiating to the hips or thighs. Thigh or Leg Pain with Weakness
This may be caused by nerve compression due to tumours or bone lesions.-
Pelvic Pain
Located around the hips and groin, it may feel like tightness or pressure. -
Upper Back or Spine Discomfort
Especially in advanced prostate cancer, when the disease has spread to the spine.
When to Worry: Warning Signs That Accompany Back Pain in Prostate Cancer
If your back pain is joined by any of the symptoms below, get checked immediately:
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Frequent or difficult urination
Pain in the hips or upper thighs
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Blood in the urine or semen
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Erectile dysfunction
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Unexplained weight loss
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Fatigue and night sweats
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Sudden weakness or numbness in the legs
These are red flags that may indicate the cancer has grown beyond the prostate and is affecting other parts of the body.
How to Detect Prostate Cancer Early (Even Without Symptoms)
David’s biggest regret? Not getting tested sooner. The best part? You can prevent that.
Here’s what you should do:
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PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
It’s a simple blood test that detects elevated prostate levels. MRI and Bone Scan
Especially if back pain is unexplained and persistent.-
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Not pleasant—but a necessary touch to feel any abnormal prostate growth.
The Truth About Bone Metastasis in Prostate Cancer
Bone metastasis means the cancer has spread to the bones, usually in the spine, hips, or ribs. It causes:
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Severe, aching bone pain
Compression of the spinal cord
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Risk of fractures
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Limited mobility
David eventually had to walk with a cane. His doctors confirmed the cancer had reached his spine and pelvis.
Treatment Options: There Is Hope
While back pain caused by prostate cancer may signal a more advanced stage, it’s not a death sentence. Modern treatments offer relief and sometimes remission.
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Hormone Therapy
Reduces testosterone which fuels cancer growth. Chemotherapy and Bone Strengthening Drugs
Help manage pain and slow progression.-
Radiation Therapy
Targets affected bone areas.
David was put on hormone therapy and received bone-targeted treatment, which helped ease his pain significantly.
Emotional Support: A Pillar of Strength
Watching someone you love go through this pain is heartbreaking. But I saw the power of love, support, and honesty.
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Encourage testing early
Most of all—believe their pain is real
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Sit with them during appointments
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Help track their symptoms
“Love doesn’t cure cancer, but it strengthens the soul to fight it.”
Read More:
Men, your health matters. Your pain matters. Don’t let shame or fear stop you from seeking answers. If you’re experiencing persistent back pain, especially with urinary changes—get checked. It might be nothing, or it might be prostate cancer.
Let my friend David’s story be a reminder: Back pain is not always just back pain.
FAQs About Prostate Cancer and Back Pain
Q1: Can back pain be the only symptom of prostate cancer?
A: Yes, especially in advanced stages where the cancer has spread to bones.
Q2: Is prostate cancer curable if it causes back pain?
A: It’s treatable. While not always curable at advanced stages, quality of life can be improved.
Q3: What does prostate cancer back pain feel like?
A: It can be dull, deep, or sharp—persistent, and not relieved by rest or therapy.
Q4: Should I worry about back pain without urinary symptoms?
A: If the pain is ongoing, especially in the lower back or pelvis, consult your GP.
Q5: How fast does prostate cancer spread to bones?
A: It varies. In some cases, it may take years; in others, it progresses faster.
If this article touched your heart or helped you learn something new, please share it. You never know who might be silently suffering and searching for answers.
“Real strength is asking for help when your body whispers—something’s wrong.”
With all my love and hope,
Rosy Williams
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