Lung Cancer With Vertebral Metastases Presenting as Low Back Pain in the Chiropractic Office: A Case Report

Lung cancer commonly metastasizes to the skeletal system, and when affecting the spine, it may initially be mistaken for a typical musculoskeletal source of back pain. We report a previously healthy 52-year-old male non-smoker with an eight-week history of low back pain that radiated into his left thigh and recent weight loss, yet no respiratory symptoms. Initially, the patient visited his primary care physician, who suspected a musculoskeletal condition and prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and muscle relaxant, then referred the patient to the chiropractor. Based on the patient’s pain pattern, limited mobility, and other features, the chiropractor suspected a lumbar disc herniation. However, the patient's condition worsened during a one-week trial of care, so the chiropractor ordered magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, as the findings suggested vertebral metastasis, promptly referred the patient to an oncologist, who confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma via positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography and biopsy. Chiropractors should be aware of warning signs of malignancy, such as unexplained weight loss or progressive worsening despite treatment. If providers suspect spinal metastasis, they should order advanced imaging such as an MRI and refer patients to an oncologist for timely care.