Multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, significantly impacts your bone health. If you are living with this condition, you may experience bone pain as a prevalent and debilitating symptom. This pain results from cancerous plasma cells accumulating in your bone marrow, leading to various bone-related complications. According to research, 80 percent of people who are newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma develop holes, weak spots, and other types of damage in bones.
In this article, we’ll explore how multiple myeloma affects your bones, the mechanisms behind bone damage, and practical strategies for maintaining bone health.
Your bones are dynamic structures that constantly remodel themselves. This remodeling involves a balance between the breakdown of old bone tissue by cells called osteoclasts and the formation of new bone tissue by cells called osteoblasts. However, multiple myeloma disrupts this balance.
Dr. Elan Gorshein, a hematologist at Yale School of Medicine, tells Everyday Health that multiple myeloma causes osteoclasts to continuously break down your bone without the usual checks and balances. Simultaneously, it inhibits osteoblasts from repairing and forming new bone. This imbalance leads to weakened bones, resulting in holes, weak spots, and other types of damage known as lytic lesions. Dr. Azra Borogovac, a hematologist at the City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, explains that these lesions can lead to osteoporosis and other severe bone complications.
Research indicates that about 90 percent of individuals with multiple myeloma will develop lytic bone lesions. These lesions can occur throughout your body but are most commonly found in the spine, rib cage, and pelvis. These affected areas can cause significant pain and, in severe cases, may lead to spinal cord compression or fractures requiring emergency medical intervention.
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Despite the challenges posed by multiple myeloma, there are several effective strategies to protect and strengthen your bones, manage pain, and improve your quality of life.
Staying on top of your medication is crucial. Dr. Gorshein emphasizes the importance of adhering to prescribed treatments, including myeloma-directed therapies and bone-modifying agents. These treatments not only target the cancer but also help mitigate bone damage by reducing the number of myeloma cells that disrupt the bone remodeling process.
A healthy diet plays a vital role in your bone health. Studies suggest that a diet rich in fruits can reduce the risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a precursor to multiple myeloma. Eating fruits at least three times a week has shown the greatest benefit. Additionally, maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D is essential, as deficiencies are common in multiple myeloma patients. However, it’s important to consult your doctor before starting any supplementation.
Engaging in regular physical activity is beneficial for everyone, including those with multiple myeloma. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and weightlifting, are particularly effective in boosting your bone health. Aerobics and strength training can help reduce fatigue and prevent muscle weakness. Dr. Gorshein also recommends activities like biking, swimming, and yoga to maintain balance and flexibility, which can prevent falls and fractures.
In cases where fractures or spinal compression occur, surgical procedures can help stabilize your bones and relieve pressure on the spinal cord. These interventions are crucial in managing severe bone complications and maintaining mobility.
Quitting smoking is another critical step in protecting your bone health. Smoking cessation has been shown to improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. Therefore, if you smoke, it’s essential to seek support to quit as soon as possible.
Multiple myeloma significantly affects your bone health, causing pain and increasing the risk of fractures. However, with appropriate medication, a healthy diet, regular exercise, potential surgical interventions, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, you can manage symptoms and maintain a better quality of life. By understanding the impact of multiple myeloma on your bones and implementing these strategies, you can take proactive steps to protect your bone health and overall well-being.
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