Body aches are a common side effect of lung cancer treatments. They can affect your joints (sometimes called "arthralgia") and muscles (sometimes called "myalgia"). While body aches may feel uncomfortable or concerning, they can often be prevented or eased with help from your healthcare team.
Signs and symptoms of body aches
Body aches from cancer treatments can affect people in a variety of ways. They can:
- Feel like a deep, dull, or sharp ache
- Occur in a small area of your body or be widespread
- Be mild or severe
- Last a short or long time
Lung cancer treatments that can cause body aches
Several types of lung cancer treatments can cause body aches including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy.
Some types of chemotherapy and immunotherapy can cause flu-like symptoms, including body aches. This happens because the immune system is activated, which causes inflammation that can lead to joint and muscle pain.
Radiation therapy can make your joints feel stiff and achy in the area that is radiated. Most targeted therapy treatments for lung cancer can also increase the risk of developing joint and/or muscle pain. If you receive more than 1 type of treatment at the same time, your risk of having flu-like symptoms such as body aches increases.
Managing body aches
Body aches caused by lung cancer treatments can often be managed at home with help from your healthcare team. By addressing pain through various methods, you can improve your overall comfort and well-being.
Practical tips:
- Try light stretching and exercise such as yoga, walking, or swimming.
- Use a gentle heating pad.
- Take a warm bath or shower.
- Try meditation to help with relaxation and ease pain.
Acupuncture, massage, and occupational or physical therapy may also help ease aching joints and/or muscles. Talk to your healthcare team about which option(s) might be right for you, including medicines to ease pain caused by your specific treatment.
When to contact your healthcare team about body aches
It’s always a good idea to tell a member of your healthcare team when you notice a side effect from treatment or a symptom that concerns you. Often, these problems can be prevented or eased with help from your healthcare team or through palliative care services. Body aches are a common side effect that is often easily treated, but can sometimes cause more serious issues.
Ongoing or severe body aches can lead to:
- Fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Depression
- Loss of sleep
- Appetite loss
If your body aches are making it hard for you to complete daily tasks or enjoy activities that are important to you, contact your healthcare team to reassess your treatment options.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find more resources and support?
Contact the GO2 HelpLine at 1-800-298-2436 or email support@go2.org to connect with caring and highly trained staff who listen, answer your questions, and provide support. We offer many free programs and educational resources to meet your needs.
How long do body aches due to lung cancer treatment last?
Body aches due to lung cancer treatment vary depending on the type(s) and dosage of treatment received. They can be short-term or long-term, mild or severe, and center around one area or across the body. Contact your healthcare team if your body aches interfere with your quality of life and/or ability to complete daily tasks.
How can I manage body aches due to lung cancer treatment at home?
Simple ways to manage body aches due to lung cancer treatment at home include gentle stretching and exercise, heat therapies such as heating pads and warm baths, and some medications for pain relief or muscle relaxation.