Pain in the left side from the back negatively affects a person’s quality of life, so when they appear, timely treatment must be carried out. Pain can occur for various reasons, ranging from pinched vertebrae or problems with the digestive system, and ending with the development of serious diseases. Therefore, first you need to make an accurate diagnosis, because if treatment is incorrect or untimely, complications may arise . More details about the causes and treatment of pain in the left side will be discussed in this article.
Pain in the left side from the back
Possible reasons
Doctors conventionally divide pain in the left side into two groups. The first has a direct connection with back pathologies, and the second with diseases of internal organs and systems. The syndrome can be temporary, that is, it appears for several hours and then disappears on its own. But pain can also bother the patient throughout the day. It can have a constant intensity or gradually intensify, which causes a lot of discomfort to the patient, complicating his lifestyle.
Causes of back pain
The most common factors contributing to left back pain include:
- development of spinal diseases such as radiculitis, intervertebral hernia or osteochondrosis;
- pathologies of the cardiovascular system (for example, angina or heart attack);
- diseases of the genitourinary and urinary systems;
- the course of pregnancy;
Back pain during pregnancy - respiratory dysfunction, including the development of pneumonia;
- problems with the digestive system (Crohn's disease, pancreatitis and others);
- organic lesions of the central nervous system;
- the development of left-sided pyelonephritis - an inflammatory kidney disease, which is accompanied by pain in the left side;
- improper or unbalanced diet, which causes intestinal colic. In this case, the result of frequent consumption of unhealthy food is the appearance of back discomfort.
Pain in left side. Localization
Note! Pain syndrome can be caused by quite serious diseases, which can only be eliminated with the help of medication. A thorough diagnostic examination will help avoid misdiagnosis and speed up the recovery process.
Cushions and armchairs for mothers
First aid for pain
It is important to understand that when it hurts anywhere in your body, this is a signal that somewhere there is a problem in the functioning of an organ or structure.
In this regard, we advise you not to ignore constant or intense pain and consult a doctor in a timely manner.
However, when pain occurs, especially intense pain, few people immediately rush to the doctor. What to do if it hurts and doesn’t stop? In such a situation, the easiest way is to take an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) tablet.
Drugs such as:
- ketorol
- pentalgin
- Nurofen
- diclofenac
They have a pronounced analgesic and moderate anti-inflammatory effect.
Before use, be sure to read the instructions about the maximum permissible daily dose, contraindications and side effects!
In the future, if it hurts again, you should consult a doctor and undergo a series of tests that can rule out serious diseases.
Depending on the location of the pain on the left and the degree of importance, we suggest undergoing the following studies, which will help in diagnosing most diseases:
- General blood test, general urine test (if any disease is suspected).
- ECG (to exclude cardiovascular pathology)
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, kidneys, ureters and retroperitoneum
- X-ray of the chest and spine in frontal and lateral projection (for pain under the left shoulder blade and left side of the back).
Further studies are specific and require strict doctor's orders.
Associated symptoms
Regardless of which factor provoked the appearance of pain, the problem is often associated with pathological changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs in the left side. In such cases, pinching of the spinal cord nerve roots occurs. As a rule, this pathological process is accompanied by sharp lumbago, the intensity of which may increase with movement . But since painful sensations can sometimes be associated with different pathologies, the clinical picture may also change. For example, problems with the digestive system often cause nausea, decreased appetite, or vomiting.
Pain may be accompanied by other symptoms
Often back pain is accompanied by decreased sensitivity in the legs, especially in the morning, frequent urge to urinate, or increased body temperature. In such cases, the cause of the discomfort may be some disease, so it is extremely important to promptly and correctly describe the symptoms that have arisen to the attending physician.
For what reasons does the left side of the back hurt, what diseases cause pain?
Health issues
Pain in the ribs
Pain in the back right under the ribs can be caused by liver disease.
Are you experiencing back pain under your ribs? Pain under the ribs in the back can be caused by many diseases, even the most unexpected ones. When the lower thoracic root of the spinal nerve is pinched, there is also pain under the ribs from behind. However, in this case, the pain is different. It seems like just yesterday everything was fine, nothing bothered you, but when you wake up in the morning, you suddenly encounter vague and extremely painful sensations in the back, somewhere under the ribs. In addition, contrary to popular belief, the kidneys are not located at the level of the lower back, closer to the sacrum, but are attached almost immediately under the ribs. With diffuse damage to the renal apparatus, pain may occur. In order to determine whether the cause is really in the kidneys, it is necessary, at a minimum, to submit urine for examination.
Pain in the ribs due to pathology of the intercostal nerves and muscles
With unilateral kidney damage, the pain, accordingly, will predominate from the inflammation. Then the person may complain of pain under the ribs on the affected side. Also, the cause of unilateral pain in the kidneys can be an attack of renal colic, for example, when a stone is displaced in the parenchyma of the organ.
It should be taken into account that the liver is a very “patient” and persistent organ and begins to hurt only in extreme cases. However, there are a number of diseases in which pain occurs in the liver area without extensive death of hepatocytes. In this case, the pain is caused by a sharp enlargement of the organ and overstretching of its capsule. It is worth saying that the liver is the largest organ in the human body and occupy the entire area in the right hypochondrium.
The most common type of pain is hepatic colic when the bile duct is blocked by a stone. Along with this symptom, as a rule, there may be other symptoms that speak in favor of liver disease. This may be nausea, bitterness in the mouth, rotten belching, bowel disorders, both in the direction of relaxation and constipation. On the left in the hypochondrium is the spleen.
The danger of injuries lies in their secrecy: the victim may feel quite well and even walk, but then his condition sharply worsens and he may die
Therefore, it is very important to understand why the ribs hurt and what is the reason for this condition. With bruises, pain on different sides of the rib may be sharp, but not severe
The cracks represent a broken rib and are not particularly dangerous. The presence of pathology is also indicated by aching pain in the chest area, which sharply intensifies with physical exertion and sudden movements.
Pain can be observed either on both sides of the ribs, or on one specific one. Usually with this disease the pain is severe and stabbing. With intercostal neuralgia, chest pain is observed, caused by pinched nerves.
What diseases can cause rib pain:
With muscle pain, pain in the ribs is especially strong during bending in different directions and movements in the shoulders. Causes range from muscle strain to broken ribs. Pain occurs immediately after injury, develops slowly over time, or is a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Causes of pain in the area of the right and left ribs
It always hurts, even in the absence of movement; Acute pain only when breathing or when moving to a certain position. Do the same if you have recently fallen and have difficulty breathing and pain along with significant bruising in the chest area.
For post-traumatic syndrome, the doctor may order an x-ray that provides evidence of fractures and bone abnormalities. A bone scan is usually done if the doctor thinks bone cancer may be causing the pain. For this examination, a radioactive material called a tracer is injected. Treatment depends on the cause of the pain. Minor injuries, such as muscle strains or bruises, require the application of a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Back pain can occur anywhere. Back pain under the ribs is one of the most difficult pain sensations to diagnose. Pain under the ribs appears in many diseases of various human systems and organs. Pain in the chest under the right and left ribs can be sharp, dull, or felt above the navel on both sides, appearing after an obvious injury or for no apparent reason. There are many reasons why pain under the ribs can occur, but most often they are caused by damage to one of the organs located in this area, for example, the liver or spleen.
Diagnostic methods
If suspicious symptoms appear, including pain on the left side, you should immediately seek help from a doctor. In this case, the help of a neurologist or therapist is required, who in turn will conduct a diagnostic examination. In rare cases, the help of an osteopathic physician may be required to examine the bones and muscle tissue for pathological changes.
Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity
During diagnosis, the patient may be prescribed the following procedures:
- laboratory analysis of urine and blood;
- blood chemistry;
- X-ray examination;
- CT scan;
- fluorography;
- fibrogastroduodenoscopy;
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs.
Fluorography
On a note! As an addition, the doctor can conduct a differential diagnosis, since pain in the left side can occur as a result of myocardial infarction or the patient’s pre-infarction condition. This research method will eliminate the presence of these factors.
Differential diagnosis
Based on the results of the studies, the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate therapy. Despite the fact that there can be quite a lot of pathologies that can provoke pain, when treating them, doctors make every effort to eliminate the source of unpleasant symptoms in a conservative way.
If you want to know what to do if you have a cold back, and also consider characteristic symptoms and effective treatment methods, you can read an article about this on our portal.
What to do?
To find out which doctor you should consult, you can conduct an independent diagnosis. It is necessary to characterize the pain syndrome in detail. The location is assessed, the onset of pain and the area of distribution are determined, how acute it is, and the nature of the pain. Pay attention to circumstances that increase the discomfort. The period when the pain is less intense is determined, and other symptomatic manifestations are recorded. This analysis is reported to the attending physician, who will give recommendations and prescriptions.
It is important to understand that if a person hurts somewhere, then not everything is in order in the body
First aid
The first thing to do when pain appears in the left side is to seek help from a doctor. But if it is not possible to visit the clinic in the near future, then quick measures can be taken to alleviate the patient’s condition. This is not about taking painkillers, the use of which without the knowledge of a doctor is strictly not recommended. First aid involves therapeutic massage, as this is the most effective method of dealing with various back problems.
Therapeutic back massage
Only a specialist can perform a therapeutic massage correctly, but there are still simple techniques that do not require special skills. It is enough just to position the patient correctly. Below are step-by-step instructions to alleviate the patient’s condition at home.
Table. First aid for pain in the left side.
| Steps, photo | Description of actions |
| Step one | Prepare a cot or bed for the massage. It is advisable to use a medium-hard mattress. It is also necessary to place a small pillow under the person’s chest. |
| Step two | Cover the pillow and the entire bed with a blanket. It is advisable to take a product made from natural material, but if this is not possible, use synthetics. |
| Step three | Place the patient on the bed so that his chest is directly above the pillow. His arms should be along his body. |
| Step four | Raise the patient's head a little: roll a small towel into a cylinder shape and place it gently under the head, or rather, under the forehead. This will relieve stress from the cervical spine, keeping the neck straight throughout the procedure. |
| Step five | Do the same operation with the victim’s legs, put the same rolled up towel there. In this position, the whole body is completely relaxed. Then start the massage. All movements must be smooth and accurate. Massage the affected area for 10-15 minutes using a moisturizer. |
Massage beds
After completing the therapeutic procedure, the patient needs peace and rest, and to increase the therapeutic effect, he should be covered with a warm blanket or blanket. All kinds of physical activity should be completely excluded.
Prevention
If there is constant pain below or above the lower back on the left, treatment is carried out followed by prevention. It is aimed at preventing exacerbations and slowing the progression of the disease. Basic Rules:
- organization of a sleeping place - a mattress of moderate hardness and an orthopedic pillow;
- compliance with the work and rest regime;
- posture control;
- carrying out massage and therapeutic exercises.
Lower back pain on the left can be caused by diseases of the spine or pathologies of internal organs. The last group includes ulcerative lesions, erosions and stone deposits. Treatment is carried out only after diagnosis and includes analgesics, blockades and strengthening procedures.
Author: Denis Filin, doctor, especially for Vertebrolog.pro
Treatment
As noted earlier, the best therapeutic agent for pain syndrome is massage . But if at home it gives an insignificant effect, eliminating the unpleasant symptom for a certain time, then for a better result the help of a specialist is required. The massage procedure should begin with a warming massage of the lumbar region and gradually move up the body to the cervical region. All actions in terms of performing a massage must be agreed upon with the attending physician, since there are certain contraindications to the procedure.
Treatment of pain syndrome
Note! Often women experience pain in the left side during menstruation, so in this case there is no need to consult a doctor at the first manifestation of a symptom. It is enough to apply a warm compress to the sore spot and take No-Shpu. After 10-15 minutes, the discomfort will disappear.
"No-Shpa"
If the pain in the side is stabbing in nature, then this is most likely one of the symptoms of colitis. In such cases, diagnosis and treatment should be carried out by a gastroenterologist, who, after conducting all the necessary tests, will prescribe appropriate therapy. The peculiarity of colitis is that if its symptoms are ignored for a certain time, surgical intervention may be required.
Symptoms indicating a threat to life
The development of necrosis and myocardial infarction is usually accompanied by aching or acute pain on the left side of the body, which is often accompanied by impaired respiratory functions. Only urgent hospitalization of the patient will save his life, so the above symptoms cannot be ignored. If the pain that occurs is severe, then doctors recommend using antispasmodic drugs to alleviate the condition. But the therapeutic effect in this case will not last long, so to make an accurate diagnosis you need to seek help from a doctor as soon as possible.
Myocardial infarction
Pain in the left hypochondrium from the back
If a person begins to be bothered by pain in the left hypochondrium from the back, then there may be a huge number of reasons for this. Of course, these sensations may only be an isolated manifestation, but, nevertheless, it is worth visiting a doctor.
Causes of painful manifestations
The hypochondrium is considered a small square, approximately equal to the palm of a person. The pain is located as if under the ribs. The organs located here are the spleen, ureter, kidney, small intestine, stomach and diaphragm. Pathology associated with any of these organs is easily reflected under the ribs on the left, and problems in the thoracic and lumbar spine are also echoed here.
- Violation of the normal functioning of the diaphragm. The diaphragm performs the function of separating the peritoneal cavity from the thoracic cavity. When food enters the stomach, it is this that prevents food from returning to the esophagus. But with a hernia of the diaphragm, it weakens and food particles are thrown into the esophagus. There is a burning sensation in the solar plexus and heartburn. The pain is aching in nature and haunts the patient constantly.
Gastritis. Stomach ulcer. Similar to gastritis, but has a complex course. When the stomach is perforated, a sharp pain appears, like a dagger prick. If you do not go to the hospital in time, internal bleeding may develop.
Pathologies associated with the spleen. This is a very important organ. Despite its small size, the spleen is responsible for three vital functions: filtering, immune and phagocytic. During infections, the organ grows significantly in size (as if it swells), trying to compensate for the body's losses. And she begins to fulfill the duties assigned to her at triple speed. This is what causes pain. But the pain is reflected in the hypochondrium from behind only in one case - with injury to the spleen with its rupture. In addition to unbearable pain, bluishness of the skin around the navel will be observed.
Spinal problems
Destructive processes in the spine. The most common cause is osteochondrosis. It destroys the intervertebral disc, which provokes inflammation of the nerve roots.
Hypothermia is the most common cause of back pain. When exposed to cold, the nerve becomes inflamed and spasms of muscles and blood vessels develop. The result is constant pain. Warming ointment and massage will help.
Characteristics of pain
By how exactly the pain manifests itself, one can judge the course of the process and the urgency of medical measures.
- Acute pain strikes suddenly, like a deep stab with a knife. If it has no connection with an unusual load, but appears for no apparent reason, then you should urgently contact a specialist.
- Stitching pain after physical activity should not be a cause for panic, as it is a companion of almost every healthy person. It is associated with insufficient preparation and warm-up. Blood circulation increases too quickly and the body cannot adapt to it in time. Insufficient breathing may also be a cause. Frequent shallow breathing strains the diaphragm too much and this causes pain in the hypochondrium at the back.
- Aching pain is a manifestation of duodenitis; if nausea increases, it could be an ulcer or gastritis. The danger of such sensations is that they may be precursors to a heart attack. Therefore, you should treat them with caution.
- Blunt pain. appearing periodically may indicate chronic gastrointestinal diseases. Such pain deserves attention, since perforation of the walls of organs can develop, which is long and difficult to treat.
- Shooting pain is clearly associated with nerve damage and can be the result of intercostal neuralgia or degenerative processes in the spine.
How is pain of this localization treated?
Abdominal ultrasound
Treatment of pain is based on its cause, since pain is only a manifestation of the disease, and not an independent process. Relieving pain is not enough. If the patient decides to prescribe painkillers on his own, he will only achieve the elimination of an unpleasant symptom. Meanwhile, the disease will progress and destroy the body.
To determine the cause, your doctor may prescribe:
- CT scan;
- MRI;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
- Blood and urine analysis.
The choice of diagnostic method will depend on the nature of the pain, the impetus for its manifestation, dependence on breathing, duration, etc. Don't delay going to the doctor. Remember that the sooner treatment begins, the sooner you can forget about the discomfort and return to normal life.
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Treatment of pain in vertebrogenic pathologies
Painful sensations in the hypochondrium and lower back are relieved when the causes that caused these pains are eliminated. Typically, treatments for this syndrome include:
- Non-steroidal drugs that relieve inflammation.
- Painkillers with general or local action.
- Muscle relaxant medications that will relax muscle tissue and help unblock the pinched nerve.
- Chondroprotectors that will restore cartilage structures.
Vitamins and minerals, diuretics, and blockades are also used. In addition, physiotherapy procedures and therapeutic exercises for the lower back are indicated. If you ignore treatment or self-medicate, severe complications will arise that are difficult to cure. Therefore, we must always take care of health, we only have one, it is easy to lose it, but it is not always possible to restore it.
