Doctors warn that continuous or worsening back pain, unresponsive to conventional treatments, could be an early warning sign of serious conditions such as lung cancer.
Dr. Sani Jain, head of oncology at Accord Specialty Hospital, noted that lung cancer can spread to the spine or pelvis, causing severe pain from bone metastases. It accounts for about 15% of spinal cord compression cases linked to cancer.
He urged concern when pain is deep, persistent, worse at night or at rest, and does not improve with painkillers or physiotherapy—particularly if accompanied by chronic cough, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
Experts emphasize that early detection of lung cancer significantly improves outcomes and advise seeking medical consultation immediately if these warning signs appear.
