When to worry about persistent bone pain with multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma can weaken areas of bone, often causing aching in the back, ribs, hips, or other bones. Pain may be worse with movement or at night. A new ache can also come from muscles, joints, treatment, or an injury, so symptoms do not establish the cause by themselves. Your team may use an examination, blood tests, or imaging to look for changes and plan safe care.

Call your myeloma team about pain that persists, changes character, interrupts sleep, or limits normal movement. Keep notes about its location, triggers, and effect on walking or breathing. Take medicines exactly as prescribed and ask before using anti-inflammatory medicines or supplements, because kidney function and other treatment factors may matter. Avoid heavy lifting or forceful twisting until a clinician advises you.

Seek urgent help for sudden severe pain, a suspected fracture, new weakness or numbness, inability to walk, or new loss of bladder or bowel control. Confusion, marked thirst, repeated vomiting, or severe constipation can also signal a medical problem that needs rapid assessment. Fever or feeling very unwell during treatment should be reported urgently, especially if an infection is possible.

Ask whether the pain could reflect a weakened bone, whether you need imaging or blood tests, which exercise and lifting limits apply, and how to reach your team during evenings or weekends.