Can lung nodules cause back pain?

In general, back pain may occur when lung nodules are large, involve the pleura, or are malignant; small nodules without invasion usually do not cause pain. If concerned, it is recommended to seek medical advice early. Detailed analysis is as follows:

When lung nodules are relatively large (diameter exceeding 3 cm) or located close to the pleura, they may compress or invade the pleura and surrounding nerve tissues, potentially causing back pain. Some malignant nodules (such as early-stage lung cancer) can also lead to radiating back pain if local invasion occurs. The pain is often described as dull or aching and may worsen with breathing or coughing, indicating a potential risk of disease progression that requires vigilance.

Small lung nodules (diameter less than 1 cm) that are located away from the pleura and determined to be benign (e.g., inflammatory nodules, hamartomas) typically do not cause back pain. These nodules do not compress or invade surrounding tissues or stimulate nerves to produce pain. Back pain in such cases is more likely caused by other factors such as muscle strain or spinal problems, and is not directly related to the nodule.

After detecting a lung nodule, regular follow-up examinations (such as CT scans) are necessary to monitor changes in the nodule's size and shape. If back pain develops, prompt medical evaluation is important to determine whether it is related to the nodule. Avoid self-diagnosing the nature of the nodule; professional assessments are essential for accurate diagnosis and development of an appropriate management plan.