Can radiation therapy cause joint pain?

Radiation therapy can be associated with joint or muscle discomfort, most often as stiffness or limited range of motion in the area close to where radiation is delivered. This tends to be location‑specific: for example, chest radiation may lead to shoulder stiffness, and head‑and‑neck radiation may cause jaw tightness. ^[1] These effects are generally temporary, but reporting them helps your care team evaluate and manage symptoms early. ^[2]

How radiation can lead to joint pain

• Local tissue effects (fibrosis and stiffness): Radiation can affect healthy tissues near the tumor, and while these cells usually repair themselves, the damage can lead to stiffness in nearby muscles and joints depending on the body area treated. ^[3] Chest radiation is commonly linked with shoulder stiffness, reflecting how local tissues (muscles, tendons, joint capsule) can tighten. ^[1]
• Area‑specific stiffness: Head‑and‑neck treatments may cause tightness in the jaw; chest radiation may cause shoulder stiffness; pelvic radiation can lead to weakness and stiffness that affect hip mobility. ^{[1] [4]}
• General side effects that amplify pain: Fatigue and reduced activity during treatment can contribute to joint soreness and deconditioning. ^[2]

What symptoms might you notice

• Stiffness or reduced range of motion in a joint near the radiation field (e.g., shoulder after chest radiation, jaw after head‑and‑neck radiation). ^[1]
• Localized discomfort that feels worse with certain movements or after periods of inactivity. ^[3]
• Soft‑tissue tightness (fibrosis) creating a “tight band” sensation in muscles near the treated site. ^[4]

When to contact your care team

It’s reasonable to monitor mild stiffness at home, but you should schedule a visit if you develop joint pain with swelling, redness, warmth, or fever, or if the pain is severe or limits your ability to use the joint. These features raise concern for inflammation, infection, or other conditions that need medical evaluation. ^{[5] [6]} Reporting symptoms promptly allows tailored interventions and prevents progression of stiffness. ^[2]

Practical ways to cope

• Gentle range‑of‑motion exercises: Daily, slow stretching to the point of a gentle pull (not pain) helps maintain mobility and reduce stiffness in joints near the treated area. ^[4]
• Physical therapy: Rehabilitation specialists can design programs for posture, flexibility, strengthening, and fatigue management, and provide manual techniques (e.g., myofascial release) to address radiation‑related tissue tightness. ^[7] Therapists can also help manage fibrosis‑related stiffness in specific regions (e.g., jaw and neck) to improve motion and ease discomfort. ^[8]
• Activity pacing: Light, regular activity prevents deconditioning and can lessen soreness without overloading painful joints. ^[7]
• Topical measures: Ice or heat may reduce discomfort for 15–20 minutes at a time; combine with gentle stretching afterward as tolerated. ^[6]
• Medications for pain relief: Over‑the‑counter analgesics (such as ibuprofen or naproxen, if safe for you) can help mild to moderate joint pain, and clinicians may prescribe additional pain treatments when needed. ^{[9] [10]}
• Skin and scar care: Proper skin care and scar management around the treated site supports comfort and mobility as tissues heal. ^[7]

Prevention and rehabilitation focus

• Early mobility during and after radiation: Starting supervised movement early can limit the development of stiffness and maintain joint function. ^[4]
• Targeted exercises for the treated region: For head‑and‑neck radiation, structured jaw mobility exercises reduce tightness and support function; similar principles apply to shoulder mobility after chest radiation. ^[11] Regular practice helps preserve range of motion and lessen pain. ^[7]
• Multidisciplinary support: Care teams often include physiatrists (rehabilitation doctors), physical and occupational therapists, who coordinate individualized plans to help you return to usual activities. ^[4]

Outlook

Most radiation‑related stiffness and joint discomfort are temporary and manageable with early recognition, movement strategies, and supportive therapies. ^[2] Because side effects depend on the body area treated and vary between people, personalized plans from your oncology and rehab teams offer the best relief and help you stay active. ^{[3] [4]}