It occurs as a result of a wide range of diseases or physical conditions or both, and may severely impair the quality of life.
Bone pain can have several possible causes ranging from extensive physical stress to serious diseases such as cancer.
[citation needed] Thus, there are several types of bone pain, each with many potential sources or origins of cause.
A number of diseases can cause bone pain, including the following: Common causes of bone and joint pain in adults, such as osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis are rare in children, as these diseases are a sequelae of chronic wear and tear for several years.
When the cancer cells have metastasized, the mechanical dynamics of the bone matrix become weaker as skeletal strength decreases.
Often, tumor cells secrete growth factors that activate receptors close to primary afferent neurons.
Additionally, inflammatory lipids called prostaglandins, which are produced at high rates by cancer cells within tumors, activate nociceptors when they bind together.
[4] Another commonly used method for treating bone pain is radiotherapy, which can be safely administered in low doses.
If thorough understanding of the intra-neuronal mechanisms relating to pain can be developed, then new and more effective treatment options can be created and tested.