My mother has copd and lately has complained about back pain.  She may also have additional lung issues but is refusing a pet scan saying she doesnt want to know. Are we facing signs of a more advanced complication. She is weak, on oxygen which she says doesnt really help.
Hi... Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease does not cause back pain. Only way how to relate back pain with COPD is that these patients are more prone for lung malignancy, which is it spreads to spine it can cause back pain, but it is rare. SO I WOULD ADVISE,1. Meet an orthopedic and get x-ray of back.2. Get a repeat chest x-ray/CT to rule for malignancy and other problems3. If they have PET, she can go for it as it is non-invasive.