Understanding and Managing Lower Back Pain on the Left Side: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

What’s Causing Pain in my Lower Back on the Left Side?

A sharp pain in the lower back on the left side can be attributed to various causes, although most cases are not severe and can be managed effectively. Lower back pain is a prevalent issue, with approximately 84 percent of adults experiencing it at some point in their lives. The location of the pain can provide valuable insights into its underlying cause. The lower back consists of five vertebrae, with intervertebral discs providing cushioning between them, ligaments holding the vertebrae in place, and tendons attaching muscles to the spinal column. Additionally, organs like the kidneys, pancreas, colon, and uterus are situated near the lower back and can be a source of pain on the left side.

Lower back pain on the left side causes

When experiencing lower back pain on the left side, there are several potential causes to consider. Some causes are specific to the left side, while others can cause pain in any part of the back. The common causes include:

1. Muscle strain or sprain: The most common cause of low back pain is a muscle strain or sprain. A strain refers to a tear or stretching in a tendon or muscle, while a sprain involves a tear or stretching in a ligament. These injuries often occur due to improper twisting or lifting, heavy lifting, or overstretching of the back muscles. Symptoms may include swelling, difficulty in movement, and back spasms.

2. Sciatica: Sciatica refers to pain resulting from compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs through the buttocks and down the back of the leg. This condition is typically caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis compressing a portion of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body and manifests as an electric or burning pain in the lower back that radiates down the leg. The pain may intensify during coughing, sneezing, or prolonged sitting. In severe cases, weakness and numbness in the leg may occur.

3. Herniated disc: A herniated disc occurs when one or more discs between the vertebrae become compressed and bulge outward into the spinal canal. These bulging discs often exert pressure on nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. Herniated discs are a common cause of sciatica as well. Factors contributing to herniated discs include injury and age-related degeneration. Recent episodes of low back pain are often associated with a herniated disc.

4. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage between the vertebrae. The lower back is particularly prone to osteoarthritis due to the stress incurred during walking. While normal wear and tear are primary causes, previous back injuries can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. Symptoms typically include pain and stiffness, with twisting or bending of the back exacerbating the discomfort.

5. Dysfunction of sacroiliac joints: Dysfunction of the sacroiliac (SI) joints, also known as sacroiliitis, refers to inflammation of the joints located on each side of the spine where it connects to the top of the pelvis. Pain in the lower back and buttocks is the most common symptom of sacroiliitis. Activities such as standing, climbing stairs, running, putting excessive weight on the affected leg, or taking large steps can worsen the pain.

6. Kidney stones or infection: Kidney stones may form in the kidneys, leading to sharp pain on one side of the lower back. Factors contributing to kidney stone formation include waste buildup or inadequate fluid intake. Smaller kidney stones may pass without symptoms, while larger stones may require treatment and can cause pain while urinating, blood in the urine, vomiting, nausea, fever, and even kidney damage. Kidney infections often begin as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and share similar symptoms with kidney stones. Timely medical attention is crucial for the treatment of both conditions.

7. Endometriosis: Endometriosis occurs when endometrial cells, which resemble the lining of the uterus, grow outside the uterus. These cells can swell and bleed during menstruation, leading to pain and other complications. Endometriosis is most common in women in their 30s and 40s. Pain is the primary symptom and can manifest as severe menstrual cramps, lower back pain, pelvic pain, pain during sex, and painful bowel movements or urination during menstruation. Other associated symptoms include spotting between periods, heavy periods, digestive issues, bloating, and infertility.

8. Fibroids: Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop within the uterine wall. Symptoms of fibroids include heavy bleeding during periods, painful periods, lower abdominal bloating, a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, low back pain, frequent urination, and pain during sex.

9. Other potential causes: Although rare, conditions such as pancreatitis and ulcerative colitis can also cause low back pain. However, when they do result in back pain, it is typically located higher up in the back. Prompt medical attention is necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Identifying the specific cause of lower back pain on the left side requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. The underlying condition will guide the appropriate treatment approach to alleviate pain and promote recovery.

Lower Back Pain on the Left Side During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, lower back pain on the left side is a common occurrence. This can be attributed to various factors, including:

1. Strain on back muscles: The increased weight in the front of your body can strain the muscles in your back.

2. Postural changes: As your body adapts to accommodate your growing belly, changes in posture can put additional stress on the lower back.

3. Weakening of abdominal muscles: The expansion of your stomach weakens the abdominal muscles, resulting in decreased support for the spine.

4. Sciatica: Pregnancy-related sciatica, caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, can lead to pain in the lower back that radiates down the leg.

5. Hormonal changes: Hormones released during pregnancy cause the ligaments in the pelvis to relax in preparation for childbirth. However, excessive mobility in these ligaments can cause pain.

6. SI joint dysfunction: Dysfunction of the sacroiliac (SI) joints, located on either side of the spine, can contribute to lower back pain during pregnancy.

7. Kidney infection: Pregnant women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections, which, if left untreated, can lead to kidney infections and cause lower back pain.

Lower Back Pain Red Flags

While many causes of lower back pain during pregnancy can be managed with self-care measures, there are certain “red flags” that warrant medical attention. Consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:

1. Persistent pain: If the pain persists for more than a few weeks and does not improve with self-care measures.

2. Numbness, tingling, and weakness: Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness, particularly in the legs, may indicate nerve involvement and require medical evaluation.

3. Loss of bowel control: Difficulty controlling bowel movements can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition and should be addressed promptly.

4. Urinary issues: Trouble urinating, such as urinary retention or incontinence, requires medical attention.

5. Severe or sudden pain: If you experience severe or sudden onset of lower back pain, it is important to seek medical evaluation.

6. Fever: The presence of fever along with lower back pain may indicate an infection or another systemic condition.

7. Unexplained weight loss: Unintentional weight loss without a clear cause should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

8. Pain after injury: If the lower back pain follows a fall or injury, it is advisable to seek medical assessment.

If you need assistance in finding a primary care doctor, you can use the Healthline FindCare tool to browse doctors in your area.

Diagnosing Lower Back Pain

When diagnosing lower back pain, a doctor will typically begin with a physical examination and review of your medical history. The examination assesses your range of motion and looks for any visible signs of issues in the back.

Additionally, the doctor will inquire about your symptoms, recent injuries, past back problems, and the severity of your pain during the medical history assessment.

In many cases, a physical exam and medical history are sufficient to determine the cause of the lower back pain. However, depending on the situation, the doctor may also recommend further diagnostic tests, which may include:

1. X-ray: X-rays can identify broken bones or misalignment.

2. CT scan: CT scans provide detailed images of the soft tissues, including intervertebral discs and potential tumors.

3. Myelogram: This procedure involves injecting dye into the spinal canal before performing a CT scan or X-ray to enhance contrast and aid in identifying nerve or spinal cord compression.

4. Nerve conduction test: If nerve-related issues are suspected, a nerve conduction test may be conducted to evaluate nerve function.

5. Bone scan: A bone scan can detect any abnormalities in the bones, although it is not as commonly used as X-rays.

6. Ultrasound: While not as commonly used as CT scans, an ultrasound can provide a closer look at soft tissues.

7. Blood tests: If an infection is suspected, blood tests may be performed to assess the presence of infection markers.

8. MRI scan: If there are indications of a more serious underlying problem, an MRI scan may be recommended to obtain detailed images of the spine and surrounding structures.

These diagnostic tests help healthcare professionals in accurately identifying the cause of lower back pain and determining the most appropriate course of treatment.

Treating Lower Back Pain on the Left Side

Treating lower back pain on the left side depends on the underlying cause of the pain. While some cases can be managed with self-care measures, others may require medical intervention. Here are the treatment options:

Self-Care

For non-specific low back pain, you can try the following self-care remedies:

• Apply ice or hot packs to the affected area to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
• Use topical pain relieving lotions or creams that contain ingredients like menthol or capsaicin.
• Take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Avoid prolonged bed rest but ensure you get adequate rest as needed.
• Modify activities that worsen the pain and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous movements.
• Engage in gentle exercises or stretches that promote flexibility and strengthen the core muscles, such as walking, swimming, or yoga.

Medical Treatment

If home remedies do not provide sufficient relief or if there is an underlying specific issue, medical treatment options may include:

• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can design an exercise program tailored to your needs, focusing on strengthening the muscles, improving flexibility, and correcting posture.
• Anticonvulsant medication: Certain nerve-related conditions, such as sciatica, may benefit from medications like gabapentin or pregabalin to help manage nerve pain.
• Muscle relaxants: Prescribed muscle relaxants may be used to alleviate muscle spasms and promote relaxation in the affected area.
• Antibiotics: If a kidney infection is the cause of the pain, antibiotics will be necessary to treat the underlying infection.
• Nerve blocks: In some cases, nerve blocks may be administered to numb or block pain signals from specific nerves, providing temporary relief.
• Steroid injections: If inflammation is contributing to the pain, corticosteroid injections into the affected area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
• Kidney stone treatment: Options for kidney stone treatment may include procedures such as lithotripsy (breaking up the stone using sound waves) or surgical removal.
• Acupuncture: While research on the effectiveness of acupuncture for back pain is mixed, some individuals may find it beneficial as a complementary treatment option.
• Surgery: In severe cases where conservative treatments have failed or if there is nerve compression, surgical intervention may be necessary to address the underlying issue.

The Takeaway

Lower back pain on the left side can have various causes, and treatment approaches may vary accordingly. While self-care measures and home remedies can be effective for non-specific low back pain, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, have numbness or weakness in your legs, show signs of infection, or if the pain is linked to your menstrual cycle. A healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options to alleviate your symptoms and promote recovery.