Causes Of Left-Sided Back Pain And How to Treat It

According to Medicals News Today – Left back pain can be caused by common conditions such as joint or muscle disorders. However, it can also be triggered by diseases of the internal organs such as the kidneys and pancreas. Left-sided back pain is common in people with a history of kidney disease, although the pain will usually be accompanied by other symptoms.

Causes of left-sided back pain:

Here are the causes of left-sided back pain to look out for:

1. Kidney infection

Kidney infection can be the cause of left low back pain. The pain caused by this condition can be intense or dull, unlike low back pain caused by muscle disorders which is usually sharp.

Left back pain caused by the kidney will also get worse when pressed or when the patient moves.  

In addition to pain, other symptoms that usually appear in this condition include nausea or vomiting, goosebumps, fever, abdominal pain, increased frequency of urination, smelly or cloudy urine, the presence of pus or blood when urinating, and pain or burning when urinating.

2. Kidney stones

Apart from kidney infections, left back pain can be an indication of kidney stones. Left-sided back pain is felt when a stone in the left kidney wobbles or moves through the duct from the kidney to the bladder (ureter).

When experiencing kidney stones, patients not only feel left back pain but also pain when urinating, pain in the abdomen, or pain in the testicles in men.

Other symptoms include nausea or vomiting, pain when urinating, difficulty urinating, sweating, blood in the urine, and urinary tract infections.

3. Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the colon that can also cause pain on one side of the back, such as left-sided back pain. It can lead to bloody or even purulent bowel movements, diarrhoea, weight loss and pain in the anus.

Other symptoms include a sudden urge to defecate, fever, feeling tired, and stunted growth in children.

4. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids is a condition of tumour growth on the wall of the uterus, often referred to as uterine myoma. In fibroid disease, in addition to feeling left back pain, patients will also experience abnormal menstruation, pain during sexual intercourse, and increased frequency of urination.

5. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is the growth of tissue similar to the uterine wall on the outside of the uterus. This condition can cause pain in the left side of the back. The pain caused by endometriosis is usually sharp and irregular and is accompanied by menstrual pain, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

6. Pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause left back pain due to the baby developing in the mother’s body. The pain in the back can be sharp or dull. The appearance of pain due to pregnancy can be treated with exercise, rest, therapy and stretching.

7. Pancreatitis

Another organ disorder that can be characterised by symptoms of left back pain is pancreatitis. The pain comes from the upper abdomen that radiates to the waist.

The pain felt due to pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas is generally dull and gets worse when eating, especially when consuming foods that are high in fat.

Other symptoms include fever, weight loss, nausea or vomiting, and a rapid pulse.

8. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (sacroiliitis)

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction or sacroiliitis can also cause pain on the left side of the waist.

There are two sacroiliac joints in the body, each located on the side of the spine that is connected to the upper part of the pelvis.

When these joints become inflamed, the medical world recognises it as sacroiliitis. If the left back pain you are experiencing is due to sacroiliitis, then the pain can be more pronounced if you are moderate:

Standing

Climbing stairs

Running

Lifting heavy weights

Taking large steps.

9. Sciatica

Sciatica or sciatica is pain that occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed. Apparently, this medical condition can also cause left-sided back pain.

Generally, sciatica only affects one side, so it is not surprising that this medical condition can cause left hip pain.

The pain can get worse if the sufferer coughs, sneezes, or sits for a long time.

How to cure left back pain:

How to cure left low back pain may vary depending on the cause. In some cases, low back pain is usually a short-term nuisance while in others it can be a sign of a serious health problem.

If you know the cause of the low back pain you are feeling and the cause is not severe, then you can do some low back pain treatment at home as a first aid.

Some of the things you can do to relieve left-sided low back pain include:

1. Get enough rest

When experiencing low back pain, make sure your body gets enough rest. Avoid doing things that can make your back feel more painful such as bending your back or putting a lot of pressure on the back area.

Do not exercise with heavy intensity. Stop the activity if it makes the back pain more triggered. You are also advised not to lift heavy weights or sit for a long time.

When sleeping, avoid lying on the side of your back that is in pain. This can put a strain on the back and aggravate the pain you feel.

2. Take over-the-counter painkillers

Left hip pain can be relieved by taking over-the-counter painkillers. These types of medicines usually contain acetaminophen or paracetamol, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium which are useful in reducing the discomfort of back pain.

Over-the-counter painkillers can reduce inflammation that may be causing or aggravating left low back pain. Make sure to follow the usage recommendations on the medicine packaging.

3. Cold compress

The use of cold compresses can also help reduce swelling and pain on the left side of the back. You can make a cold compress by wrapping ice or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and placing it on the affected area.

Do not place ice or frozen vegetables directly unwrapped onto the skin surface. This may cause sores which will increase the pain.

4. Hot compress

In addition to cold compresses, left back pain can also be treated by using hot compresses which are useful for relaxing the muscles and increasing blood flow.

You can use a clean towel moistened with hot water, or use a heat pad. In addition, taking a hot bath or shower can also help reduce pain and relax the muscles.

Make sure the temperature of the compress or the water you use is not too hot so as not to cause burns on the surface of the skin.

5. Stretch carefully

Finally, what you can do to flex your muscles and relieve your left back pain is to stretch your muscles. Stretch carefully and gently, especially if the cause of your back pain is a muscle strain or pinched nerve. If possible, you can also do exercises that are suitable for back pain.

When should left back pain be seen by a doctor?

Left back pain should be seen by a doctor if the pain does not go away, or there is swelling, redness, and warmth around the joint. You should also see a doctor if you experience low back pain at night or when you are resting.

You will need to seek medical attention as soon as possible when you experience any of the following:

Back pain comes on suddenly;

Low back pain is triggered by a fall or other injury;

The joint looks deformed or is deformed or bleeding;

There is a popping or snapping sound in the joint during the injury;

The pain is intense or so strong and unbearable that it is difficult to perform daily activities;

Hip pain accompanied by stiffness in the hip;

Unable to put any weight on the waist;

Unable to move the leg or hip.

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