Around 84% of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. The pain may occur on one side of the spine or on both. The specific area where the pain is felt can often provide clues about its cause.
Back pain is a common issue that many people experience in their daily lives, with various potential causes. While it may be frequent, persistent and severe pain shouldn’t be overlooked. The location of the pain often helps identify its cause. In some cases, the pain may not improve with rest or medication, indicating an underlying condition affecting internal organs like the kidneys, pancreas, colon, or uterus.
Causes of Left-Side Back Pain
Muscle Strain Overuse or injury to the muscles can lead to strain, causing pain on the left side of the back. This is often due to poor posture, heavy lifting, or sudden movements.
Kidney Issues If a kidney stone becomes lodged and blocks the flow of urine, the kidney tends to swell, and spasmodic pain may be experienced, which can be very painful. At that point, you may experience these symptoms: Severe, sharp pain in the side and back, below the ribs.
Herniated Disc A slipped or herniated disc can press on the nerves, causing pain that radiates to one side of the back.
Sciatica If the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, it can result in pain that affects the lower back and radiates down one side, including the left.
Scoliosis or Spinal Curvature Abnormal spinal curvature can lead to an imbalance, causing discomfort or pain more on one side of the back than the other.
Injuries or Trauma Accidents or falls can cause localised pain on the left side of the back due to muscle or ligament damage.
Uterine Diseases Endometriosis and fibroids can be some of the causes of lower back pain in women. Endometriosis is most common in women in their 30s and 40s. Fibroids are tumours that grow in the wall of the uterus. They are usually benign.
Diagnosis of lower back pain
The diagnosis of lower back pain importantly involves a thorough medical examination by a specialist.Â
Which involves a medical history and physical examination, which gives a clear outlook of the symptoms, any recent injuries, previous back issues, and the severity of the pain.
A physical exam and medical history are often enough for a doctor to determine the cause of your pain. However, they may also need to do an imaging test. Potential tests include:
X-ray to detect any broken or misaligned bones.
A CT scan enables the detection of an injury to the soft tissues, such as the discs between vertebrae and potential tumours.
Myelogram, which uses dye to enhance the contrast in a CT scan or X-ray to help identify nerve or spinal cord compression
A nerve conduction helps in diagnosing any nerve-related issues.
A bone scan helps to detect any underlying bone issues.
Ultrasound to look more closely at soft tissuesÂ
Blood tests may be prescribed if any infection is suspected.
MRI scan if there are signs of a serious problem
Treatment for Left-Side Back Pain
Rest & self-care Adequate rest and application of ice packs on the effected region that is causing pain can alleviate pain if it is because of a sprain or muscle injury.
Pain Relief Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage mild to moderate pain. In severe cases, muscle relaxants or prescription medications may be needed.
Physical Therapy Having a combination of treatments like this may give you the best chance of easing your lower back pain.
Medical Treatment
When back pain originates from an issue affecting an organ, treating the underlying cause can reduce the discomfort. This may be a result of pancreatitis (infection and inflammation of the pancreas), kidney stones, or endometriosis in women.
Surgical Intervention Most back pain improves without surgery. If the pain is severe, accompanied by significant nerve damage (like numbness or weakness in the legs), or is caused by a structural abnormality like a herniated disc that doesn’t respond to other treatments, surgery may be an option.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Severe pain after an accident or fall
Back pain radiating towards the legs
Pain that worsens upon lying down
Redness or swelling in the back
Numbness or weakness below the back
Associated with fever
Blood in your urine
Frequent Urination
Frequently Asked Questions about Left side back pain
Back pain can be caused by various reasons, like sudden lifting of heavy weights, improper posture, muscle sprains, or injury to the back. These are a few causes that do not relate to any underlying health conditions. Pain that doesn't subside on rest, medication, or physical therapy needs examination by the healthcare expert.
Rest, pain medications, posture correction, and physical therapy may help in relieving back pain that may be caused by a sprain, improper posture, or any injury to the back. If the pain lasts in spite of trying the above methods, seeking medical help is mandatory.
Pain on the left side of the back can be due to conditions affecting various organs, like the kidneys, pancreas, colon, spleen, and, in women, the uterus. If the pain persists, it’s important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Left back pain could be considered serious if it is severe, accompanied by numbness or tingling in the legs, weakness in the legs, difficulty urinating, fever, unexplained weight loss, pain that radiates down the leg below the knee, or if it occurs after a significant injury or trauma; in these cases, seek immediate medical attention.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.
