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Shooting pain in lower left back. Sharp Lower Left Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What causes shooting pain in the lower left back. How can you identify kidney stones as the source of discomfort. When should you seek medical attention for sciatica. What treatment options are available for spinal stenosis.

Understanding Sharp Lower Left Back Pain: Common Causes and Symptoms

Sharp lower left back pain can be a distressing experience, often leaving individuals searching for answers and relief. This type of discomfort may stem from various sources, ranging from minor muscle strains to more serious underlying conditions. To effectively address and manage this pain, it’s crucial to identify its root cause.

Several factors can contribute to sharp pain in the lower left side of the back, including:

  • Kidney stones
  • Sciatica
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Muscle strains or sprains
  • Herniated discs
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Infections

Each of these conditions presents unique symptoms and requires specific treatment approaches. By understanding the characteristics of each potential cause, patients can better communicate their symptoms to healthcare professionals, leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

Kidney Stones: A Common Culprit of Lower Left Back Pain

Kidney stones are a frequent cause of sharp, stabbing pain in the lower left back. These small, hard deposits form in the kidneys and can cause significant discomfort as they move through the urinary tract. But how can you distinguish kidney stone pain from other types of back pain?

Kidney stone symptoms often include:

  • Intense pain below the ribs in the lower left back
  • Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
  • Fluctuating pain intensity
  • Painful or frequent urination
  • Pink, red, or brown urine
  • Nausea and vomiting

Do all kidney stones require surgical intervention? Not necessarily. The treatment approach depends on the size and location of the stone. Small stones may pass naturally with increased fluid intake and pain management, while larger stones might require medical procedures such as lithotripsy or surgical removal.

Types of Kidney Stones and Their Formation

Understanding the different types of kidney stones can help in prevention and treatment. The most common types include:

  1. Calcium stones: Often formed due to high levels of calcium in the urine
  2. Struvite stones: Typically associated with urinary tract infections
  3. Uric acid stones: Linked to high-protein diets and conditions like gout
  4. Cystine stones: Rare, hereditary stones caused by a genetic disorder

How can you prevent kidney stone formation? Staying well-hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and managing underlying health conditions can significantly reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.

Sciatica: When Sharp Pain Radiates Down the Leg

Sciatica is another common cause of sharp lower left back pain, often accompanied by discomfort that radiates down the leg. This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg, becomes compressed or irritated.

What are the telltale signs of sciatica? Patients typically experience:

  • Sharp, burning pain in the lower back that extends down the leg
  • Numbness or tingling in the affected leg
  • Weakness in the leg or foot
  • Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting
  • Difficulty moving the leg or foot

Can sciatica resolve on its own? In many cases, sciatica improves with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, stretching exercises, and pain management techniques. However, persistent or severe cases may require more intensive interventions.

Diagnosing and Treating Sciatica

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective sciatica treatment. Healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic tools, including:

  • Physical examination
  • Neurological tests
  • Imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, CT scans)
  • Electromyography (EMG)

Once diagnosed, treatment options for sciatica may include:

  1. Physical therapy and targeted exercises
  2. Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs
  3. Epidural steroid injections
  4. Hot and cold therapy
  5. In severe cases, surgical intervention

How long does it take for sciatica to improve with treatment? Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment approach. Some patients experience relief within a few weeks, while others may require several months of consistent therapy.

Spinal Stenosis: When the Spinal Canal Narrows

Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the nerves passing through it. This compression can lead to sharp lower left back pain, especially in individuals over 50. However, younger patients may also develop spinal stenosis due to various factors.

What are the primary symptoms of spinal stenosis? Patients often report:

  • Back pain that worsens with standing or walking
  • Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
  • Weakness in the legs
  • Difficulty balancing
  • In severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel control

Is spinal stenosis always a progressive condition? While spinal stenosis can worsen over time, proper management and treatment can help slow its progression and alleviate symptoms in many cases.

Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis

The approach to treating spinal stenosis depends on the severity of symptoms and the impact on daily life. Treatment options may include:

  1. Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength
  2. Pain management techniques
  3. Medications to reduce inflammation and pain
  4. Epidural steroid injections
  5. Minimally invasive procedures
  6. In severe cases, surgical decompression

How effective are non-surgical treatments for spinal stenosis? Many patients find significant relief through conservative treatments, avoiding the need for surgery. However, the effectiveness varies among individuals, and some may ultimately require surgical intervention for optimal results.

Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-Related Changes in the Spine

Degenerative disc disease is a common cause of lower back pain, including sharp pain in the lower left back. This condition occurs as the intervertebral discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae, deteriorate over time due to age, wear and tear, or injury.

What are the key indicators of degenerative disc disease? Patients often experience:

  • Chronic lower back pain that may be sharp or dull
  • Pain that worsens with certain movements or positions
  • Pain that radiates to the buttocks or legs
  • Periods of severe pain that come and go
  • Weakness or numbness in the legs

Can degenerative disc disease be reversed? While the degenerative process cannot be completely reversed, proper management can significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life.

Managing Degenerative Disc Disease

Treatment for degenerative disc disease focuses on pain management and maintaining spinal function. Common approaches include:

  1. Physical therapy and exercise programs
  2. Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs
  3. Lifestyle modifications
  4. Weight management
  5. Spinal injections
  6. In severe cases, surgical intervention such as disc replacement or spinal fusion

How can patients prevent the progression of degenerative disc disease? While some degeneration is a natural part of aging, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing good posture, and engaging in regular low-impact exercises can help slow the progression and minimize symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Sharp Lower Left Back Pain

While occasional back pain is common, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to recognize these red flags to prevent potential complications and ensure timely treatment.

When should you consult a healthcare professional for lower left back pain? Seek medical care if you experience:

  • Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest
  • Pain accompanied by fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss
  • Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Pain following a traumatic injury
  • Pain that interferes with daily activities

How quickly should you seek medical attention for these symptoms? If you experience any of these signs, particularly loss of bladder or bowel control or severe pain following an injury, seek immediate medical care as these may indicate a medical emergency.

Diagnostic Approaches for Sharp Lower Left Back Pain

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of sharp lower left back pain. Healthcare providers employ various diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the underlying cause of the discomfort.

What diagnostic methods are commonly used for lower back pain? The diagnostic process may include:

  1. Detailed medical history and physical examination
  2. Neurological tests to assess reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation
  3. Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans
  4. Blood tests to check for infections or inflammatory conditions
  5. Electromyography (EMG) to evaluate nerve function
  6. Bone scans to detect fractures or tumors

How do healthcare providers determine which diagnostic tests are necessary? The choice of diagnostic tools depends on the patient’s specific symptoms, medical history, and the results of the initial physical examination. Healthcare providers tailor the diagnostic approach to each individual case to ensure accurate and efficient diagnosis.

The Role of Advanced Imaging in Diagnosing Back Pain

Advanced imaging techniques play a crucial role in diagnosing the causes of sharp lower left back pain. These tools provide detailed information about the structures within the spine, helping healthcare providers identify specific issues such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or tumors.

What are the benefits of different imaging techniques in diagnosing back pain?

  • X-rays: Provide images of the bones and can detect fractures, arthritis, or misalignments
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Offers detailed images of soft tissues, including discs, nerves, and muscles
  • CT (Computed Tomography) scans: Combine X-ray images from different angles to create cross-sectional views of the spine
  • Bone scans: Help detect fractures, infections, or tumors that may not be visible on other imaging tests

How do healthcare providers interpret these imaging results? Radiologists and spine specialists analyze the images in conjunction with the patient’s symptoms and physical examination findings to develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.

Innovative Treatment Options for Chronic Lower Left Back Pain

As medical science advances, new and innovative treatments for chronic lower left back pain continue to emerge. These cutting-edge therapies offer hope for patients who haven’t found relief through traditional methods.

What are some of the latest treatments for chronic lower back pain? Innovative options include:

  • Regenerative therapies such as stem cell injections and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments
  • Radiofrequency ablation to target specific nerves causing pain
  • Spinal cord stimulation for long-term pain management
  • Minimally invasive surgical techniques that reduce recovery time
  • Virtual reality therapy for pain management and rehabilitation
  • Advanced physical therapy techniques incorporating AI and robotics

How effective are these innovative treatments compared to traditional methods? While research is ongoing, many patients report significant improvements in pain levels and quality of life with these newer therapies. However, effectiveness can vary depending on the individual and the specific cause of their pain.

The Future of Back Pain Treatment

The field of back pain treatment is constantly evolving, with researchers and healthcare providers working tirelessly to develop more effective and less invasive therapies. As our understanding of pain mechanisms and spinal health improves, we can expect to see even more advanced treatment options in the future.

What developments can we anticipate in the treatment of lower left back pain? Future advancements may include:

  1. Personalized medicine approaches tailored to individual genetic profiles
  2. Advanced biomaterials for spinal implants and disc replacements
  3. Gene therapy to target specific pain pathways
  4. Nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery to affected areas
  5. Artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis and treatment planning

How will these advancements impact patient care? As these technologies develop and become more widely available, patients can expect more precise diagnoses, targeted treatments, and potentially better outcomes with fewer side effects.

What Causes Sharp Lower Left Back Pain?

The spine provides our bodies with strength and stability. More importantly, the spine protects the spinal cord, nerve roots, and nearby internal organs. Most people will experience various degrees of back pain at one point or another. But sharp lower left back pain, as well as other painful symptoms, may point to a more serious condition. Understanding the precise cause of sharp lower left back pain can help board-certified spine doctors identify any underlying conditions or injuries that are responsible for mild or severe pain.

After finding the underlying conditions responsible for sharp lower left back pain, spine surgeons can begin advanced spinal care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. With a dedicated staff of nationally recognized spinal experts, the team at New Jersey Spine Specialists treats various conditions that cause sharp lower left back pain, helping patients across northern New Jersey reclaim a pain-free lifestyle.

Sharp Lower Left Back Pain From Kidney Stones

Internal organs, such as the kidney or colon, can cause sharp pain to manifest in the lower left back. Patients may feel sharp lower left back pain when a stone moves inside the left kidney, or moves through the thin tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder. Once a kidney stone begins to move through the ureters, patients may notice a combination of symptoms, which include:

  • Sharp lower left back pain, below the ribs
  • Fever and chill (if an infection is present)
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Pink, red, or brown urine
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
  • Stinging pain when urinating

Kidney stones form when a patient’s urine contains more crystal-forming substances – such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid – than the fluid can dilute. Alternatively, a patient’s urine may lack substances that prevent crystals from sticking together, thereby creating the ideal setting for kidney stone formation. Understanding the type of kidney stone affecting a patient can help with treatment and prevention. The types of kidney stone include:

  • Calcium Stones: the most common type for metabolic conditions
  • Struvite Stones: formed in response to an infection and may be asymptomatic
  • Uric Acid Stones: formed in people who don’t drink enough fluids or lose too much fluid, eat a high-protein diet, or have gout
  • Cystine Stones: formed in people with a hereditary disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete too much of certain amino acids

Patients can receive kidney stone treatment for sharp lower back pain by receiving a proper diagnosis from a board-certified doctor. Your doctor may order a combination of diagnosis tests such as blood and urine tests, and imaging test.

Most small kidney stones don’t require invasive treatment. Patients can soothe sharp lower back pain by drinking water, and pain relievers. But kidney stones that cannot be treated through conservative methods may require extensive treatment such as surgical extraction.

Sharp Lower Left Pain From Sciatica

Sciatica, which receives its name from the sciatic nerve, can produce various levels of pain in the lumbar spine or buttocks to your legs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed. Degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, or a herniated disc can also lead to instances of sciatica between the backbone levels of L4 and S1. Patients typically report common symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, slower reflexes and muscle spasms. Several other conditions can influence the progression of sciatica such as the narrowing of the spinal cord in the lower back (lumbar spinal stenosis), a disc that slipped over the vertebra below it (spondylolisthesis), a tumor or infection in the spine, cauda equine syndrome, and injuries to the spine.

Your preferred spine specialist can deliver an accurate diagnosis after completing a combination of diagnostic tests on NJ-based patients. These tests include checking muscle strength and reflexes and using diagnostic imaging technologies such as X-rays, MRIs, CT Scans, and Electromyography (EMG).

After receiving an accurate diagnosis from a board-certified spine doctor at NJSS, patients living in Bloomfield, Summit, and the nearby towns can begin a personalized treatment regimen. Rather than opt for surgical intervention, our doctors can treat sciatica patients with sharp lower left back pain through a set of conservative methods such as:

  • Physical activity modification
  • Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
  • Epidural Injections
  • Low-impact exercises
  • Stretching techniques
  • Physical Therapy

Sharp Lower Left Back Pain From Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis occurs when the sensitive spinal nerve roots become compressed. While the majority of affected patients are over the age of 50, degenerative changes can cause younger patients to develop this painful condition. These changes may include trauma, a congenital spinal deformity like scoliosis, or even a genetic disease affecting bone and muscle development. Spinal Stenosis symptoms tend to fluctuate between patients, ranging from mild and manageable pain, numbness or tingling in the extremities from pinched nerves, sharp lower left back pain, and a limited range of mobility. Since symptoms of spinal stenosis are so similar to symptoms of other spinal conditions, it can be difficult to properly diagnose this painful condition. But the NJSS team can deploy advanced imaging tests – like an MRI, CT, and X-rays – to identify the location of the narrowing spine. Spinal Stenosis can manifest as the result of other conditions such as wear and tear damage from osteoarthritis, complications from spinal injuries, and abnormal growths on the spinal cord and within vertebrae.

Board-certified spine experts classify spinal stenosis depending on its location within the spine. Cervical stenosis occurs in the upper regions near the neck while the more common Lumbar stenosis occurs in the lower regions of the spine. Treatment for spinal stenosis may include pain relievers such as ibuprofen, decompression surgery, laminectomy, and physical therapy. Most patients with spinal stenosis become less active to reduce the pain. Unfortunately, this can lead to muscle weakness, resulting in more pain. Luckily, a certified physical therapist can teach patients effective exercises to build strength and endurance, maintain the spine’s stability and flexibility, and improve balance.

Sharp Lower Left Back Pain From A Herniated Disc

A herniated disc develops when a disc protrusion ruptures or herniates through the fragile intervertebral disc wall. As a result, the viscous material from the interior of the disc can spill into the spinal canal, generating mid to severe pain from impingement on sensitive nerves. Disc herniation usually originates from gradual, age-related wear and tear referred to as disc degeneration. Common symptoms of herniated discs depend on the location in the spine and if the disc is pressing on a nerve. The most common symptoms a patient will experience include pain in the buttocks, thigh, and calf, numbness or tingling from the affected nerves, and muscle weakness affecting stability and the ability to lift or hold items.

Let NJSS Treat Your Sharp Lower Left Back Pain

NJSS proudly offers telehealth services for patients living in the surrounding area. Telemedicine is convenient, easy, and offers a thorough appointment with a medical provider without leaving home or the office. New Jersey Spine Specialist’s doctors have an extensive history in treating many patients from all over northern New Jersey for sharp lower left back pain. With locations at Summit’s Overlook Hospital and Montclair’s Mountainside Hospital, New Jersey Spine Specialist’s leading team of spine surgeons provides patients living near Chatham, West Orange, and North Caldwell with advanced care tailored to each unique case. If you begin to experience sharp lower left back pain, don’t suffer in silence a moment longer. Schedule a consultation at our state-of-the-art office to learn about which minimally invasive treatment options can work for you. To find out more about how our minimally invasive treatments can lower your sharp lower left back pain, give us a call by dialing (908) 738-1679.

Sharp Stabbing Pain In The Lower Left Back: Cause And Treatment

If you’re experiencing a sharp, stabbing pain in your lower left back, you’re not alone. This type of pain can be quite debilitating and frustrating. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the possible causes of this pain and how you can go about finding relief. We’ll also provide some tips for preventing the pain from returning.

Contents

  • 1 Causes Of Sharp Stabbing Pain In The Lower Left Back?
    • 1.1 Muscle Strain
    • 1.2 Nerve Impingement
    • 1.3 Infection
    • 1.4 Kidney Stones
    • 1.5 Gallstones
  • 2 When Should I Worry About Back Pain?
  • 3 Diagnosis Of Stabbing Pain in Your Back
  • 4 Treatment For Pain in the Lower Left Back
    • 4. 1 Medications
    • 4.2 Surgery
    • 4.3 Home remedies
  • 5 Can Physical Therapy Help Relieve Pain in the Back?
    • 5.1 Stretching and strengthening exercises
    • 5.2 Manual therapy
    • 5.3 Posture correction
  • 6 Conclusion

Causes Of Sharp Stabbing Pain In The Lower Left Back?

Pain in the lower left back can be felt in a variety of ways, but sharp stabbing pain is one of the most common symptoms. This type of pain can be caused by a number of conditions ranging from muscular strain and nerve impingement to underlying medical problems.

The most common causes of sharp stabbing pain in the lower left back are:

Muscle Strain

When the muscles in your lower left back become strained, they can cause sharp stabbing pains when you move or even while at rest. This is often caused by a recent injury such as lifting something heavy, or from spending too much time sitting in an uncomfortable position.

Nerve Impingement

The nerves in the lower left back can become compressed or pinched, leading to sharp stabbing pains. This is often caused by a herniated disc or degenerative conditions like arthritis.

Infection

An infection such as shingles can lead to sharp stabbing pain in the lower left back. This type of infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and can be treated with antiviral medication.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard, crystallized deposits that form in your kidneys. While most kidney stones can pass through your urinary tract without causing pain, some may become lodged in your lower left back, resulting in sharp stabbing pains.

Gallstones

The presence of a gallstone in your body can also lead to sharp stabbing pain in the lower left back. Gallstones are hard deposits that form in your gallbladder, and they can cause pain if they become lodged in the ducts around it.

If you are experiencing sharp stabbing pain in your lower left back, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend a course of treatment that can provide relief. By identifying and treating the underlying cause of your discomfort, you can get back to living an active, pain-free life.

So if you are experiencing sharp stabbing pains in your lower left back, don’t wait—see your doctor today to get the care you need.

When Should I Worry About Back Pain?

If you are experiencing sharp, stabbing pain in your lower left back that occurs suddenly and is localized to one area, it may be cause for concern. You should seek medical advice if the pain persists or worsens over time. If the pain lasts more than a few days, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Other warning signs to look out for include:

  • Pain that radiates down your leg or into the groin area
  • Pain that is accompanied by tingling or numbness in your leg
  • Loss of strength or control in your legs
  • Difficulty standing, walking or sitting for long periods of time.

In some cases, sharp pain in the lower left back can be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a herniated disc or sciatica. It is important to get the appropriate diagnosis from your healthcare provider before attempting any treatment.

It is also important to make lifestyle changes that may reduce or prevent further episodes of sharp pain in the lower left back, such as maintaining a healthy weight, stretching regularly, and avoiding activities that strain the back.

Diagnosis Of Stabbing Pain in Your Back

It can be extremely painful when you experience sharp, stabbing pain in your lower left back. This type of pain is often difficult to diagnose because it can be caused by a variety of conditions. Before trying any treatments or remedies for this type of pain, it is important to determine what is causing it.

If you experience sharp, stabbing pain in your lower left back, your doctor will likely order several tests to help diagnose the cause. These tests might include an MRI scan or X-ray, a physical exam, and blood work. After ruling out any serious medical conditions, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes such as stretching and strengthening exercises to ease your pain.

If these treatments do not provide relief from your sharp, stabbing pain in the lower left back, your doctor may recommend more targeted treatments. This could include medications such as muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and pain. In some cases, surgery may be necessary if the cause of your pain cannot be identified or treated with medication.

No matter what is causing the sharp, stabbing pain in your lower left back, it is important to get it checked out by a doctor. This way, you can find the best treatment for your condition and reduce any further discomfort.

Treatment For Pain in the Lower Left Back

Sharp, stabbing pains in the lower left back can be caused by a number of issues. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis from your healthcare provider so that you can receive proper treatment. Depending on what is causing your pain, treatments may include:

Medications

Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain. Your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications, such as opioids, if needed.

Surgery

If your pain is caused by a herniated disc or another condition that requires surgery to correct, then surgery may be recommended.

Home remedies

Taking rest and applying hot or cold packs can help reduce the pain in your lower left back. Other home remedies include stretching and low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming.

Depending on the cause of your pain, other treatments may be necessary to help reduce it and provide relief. Your healthcare provider can recommend the best course of treatment for you based on your specific symptoms and diagnosis. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away.

Can Physical Therapy Help Relieve Pain in the Back?

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for sharp, stabbing pain in the lower left back. This type of pain is often caused by muscle strain, ligament or tendon damage, or poor posture. Physical therapists can help in the following ways:

Stretching and strengthening exercises

Physical therapists can help design an exercise program that gently stretches tight muscles, strengthens weak muscles, and improves posture to reduce strain on the affected area.

Manual therapy

Physical therapists may use their hands to apply pressure or massage to certain areas of the body in order to relax tight muscles, reduce inflammation and pain, and improve the range of motion.

Posture correction

Poor posture can cause or worsen sharp stabbing pain in the lower left back, so physical therapists will help teach proper posture techniques to reduce strain on the affected area.

In addition to these treatments, physical therapists may also provide advice about lifestyle modifications like proper ergonomics, nutrition and health habits that can help reduce sharp stabbing pain in the lower left back.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sharp stabbing pain in the lower left back can be caused by a variety of conditions, including muscle strains, herniated discs, kidney stones and endometriosis. Depending on the cause of your pain, you may need to seek medical help. It is important to visit your doctor if the pain is severe or persists for more than one week.

Physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can help reduce the pain associated with lower left back pain.

Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.

reasons, what to do, how to treat

Lower back pain on the left can appear for several reasons and indicate different diseases, so do not underestimate this symptom. The well-being and performance of a person in this state deteriorate significantly, in this case it is important to find out the causes of pain in a timely manner and eliminate them.

Causes of lower back pain on the left

The lower back hurts quite often, because it is in this area that there are significant loads while walking and lifting weights. Also, pain from internal organs or inflamed nerves often radiates to the lumbar region. It is worth considering in more detail the causes of pain above the lower back in the back on the left. Remember that a diagnosis can only be made by a qualified neurologist .

Osteochondrosis

With osteochondrosis, the bone and cartilage tissue of the spine is destroyed; intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers, are mainly affected. In the course of the disease, the disc gradually decreases, loses the ability to bear the load, which is manifested by pain. In the case of lumbar osteochondrosis, depending on the stage, the pain has a different character, from a short-term strong “prick” in the lower back, if you abruptly stand up, sit down or bend over, to chronic aching, when the back is like a wooden one.

Sprain

If there is pain in the right lower back, this may indicate a sprain. In this case, the pain may radiate to the back of the legs, as well as to the buttocks. The movements of the back in the affected part will be constrained, and attempts to turn or bend down may be accompanied by “lumbago”, which will force the patient to take a forced analgesic position.

Injuries

The lower back hurts on the left or right, if a person has fallen, received a blow to the back, made an awkward movement, etc. In this case, the integrity of the bone may be broken, muscles or ligaments may suffer, which causes pain. Their nature is different, depending on the severity of the injury.

Pinched sciatic nerve

A condition characteristic of such an ailment is a sharp severe pain that radiates to the buttock on the right or left side. When the sciatic nerve is pinched, a person not only thinks about why it hurts on the left in the lower back, but also experiences serious problems with movement, it becomes painful for him to even rearrange his legs.

Spondylosis, spondylolisthesis

Spondylosis characterizes a condition in which the joints, due to the natural effects of time and aging, lose their former mobility and become thinner. Spondylolisthesis, on the other hand, is a condition when one or more vertebrae are displaced, which is accompanied by pinching of the nervous tissue, which is why, in fact, the back hurts and radiates to the lumbar region on the left or right.

Metastases and tumors

Pain can arise from the fact that malignant neoplasms develop in the genital organs, and metastases also appear. Such a disease can overtake both women and men, often over the age of 50 years.

Intestinal diseases

In men and women, lower back pain on the left or right often appears if bowel disease is present. Due to the fact that the nerves in this area are closely intertwined, the brain can incorrectly recognize the impulses entering it and inform the person that it is not the intestines that hurt, but the back.

Bladder inflammation

In addition to the pain that spreads along the lower abdomen and radiates to the lower back, a person experiences an urge to urinate, and the process itself will not bring relief, but will cause discomfort due to burning and pain. If you not only have pain in the left back in the lumbar region, but also have problems with going to the toilet, it is quite possible that the reason is the development of inflammatory processes in the bladder.

Inflammatory diseases

Inflammation can manifest itself as pain not only in specific affected organs, but also in the back. In women, back pain may indicate inflammation of the uterus, ovaries, or appendages. Other diseases that are characteristic of both women and men include inflammation of the kidneys or adrenal glands, as well as other organs. Among other things, the very structures of the spine, muscles or ligaments in the back can become inflamed, which will cause pain. Often, inflammation is accompanied not only by the fact that the back hurts in the lumbar region on the left, but also by fever, chills, sweating, nausea and other symptoms.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a pathology of the roots of the spinal nerves. Due to the fact that the disease affects the nervous tissue, it is accompanied by severe back and lower back pain and can cause a person to be unable to lead a full life without proper treatment.

Weight lifting

The reason why the back hurts in the lumbar region on the left or right is often the lifting of heavy objects. If the pain appeared in the process of hard physical work, most likely we are talking about a torn back, when with any movement you “shoot” in the lower back, you can’t turn around and bend down, and you want to take a comfortable lying position as soon as possible.

Pain classification

In general, it is customary to distinguish between several varieties of pain in the back, which occur in different conditions. Namely:

  • non-specific;
  • root;
  • specific.
  • Non-specific are the most “harmless”, while they occur most often. Often such pain is the result of osteochondrosis, which was not cured in a timely manner, and is also associated with dysfunction of the skeleton and muscles. Radicular pain is a consequence of irritation or inflammation of the nerve roots. The reason may be a hernia, pinching or displacement of the vertebrae. The most dangerous are specific pains: the cause of such back pain on the left in men and women can be bone tuberculosis, fractures, oncology, etc.

    Diagnostics

    Diagnostic techniques include MRI, CT, X-rays and other procedures that allow visualization of the structures of the back, as well as internal organs. Such diagnostic measures are assigned based on the results of a patient interview and determination of the situation in which the pain arose, its intensity, nature, etc.

    Which doctor to contact

    To find out the causes of back pain on the left above the waist, it is best to first turn to neurologist . He will be able to determine what the pain is associated with and will send you to a specialist for a detailed examination and treatment.

    You can make an appointment with specialists online , as well as by phone 8 (812) 901-03-03.

    Back pain on the left – causes and treatment in men and women

    A fairly common symptom – back pain at the bottom left. Many people think that the problem lies only in the spine, but this is not the only and main factor.

    • Irritation of nerve endings.
    • Muscle tension, diseases of the musculoskeletal system (musculoskeletal system, spine). Diseases of the musculoskeletal system with lesions of the spine (osteochondrosis with displacement of the intervertebral disc, curvature of the spine, specific lesions of the spine with a tumor, tuberculosis).
    • Diseases of the internal organs.
    • Heart disease – angina pectoris, myocardial infarction.
    • Lesions of the lungs and pleura – pleuropneumonia.
    • Myositis.
    • Diseases of the abdominal organs.
    • Pregnancy.

    Kidney stones. Lower left back pain from a kidney stone may be felt when the stone travels inside the left kidney or travels through the ureters, the thin tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. Other symptoms include pain with urination, difficulty urinating despite a constant need to urinate, blood in the urine, and nausea and/or vomiting.

    Kidney infection. An infection in the left kidney can cause dull or intense pain in the left lower back in men and women. Kidney infections usually start in the urinary tract and bladder and from there can spread to the kidneys, causing local inflammation and pain in the kidneys. Additional symptoms may include fever, nausea and/or vomiting, and painful or stinging urination. The pain is usually felt near the spine above the hip and usually worsens with movement or pressure.

    Gynecological disorders. Fibroids and endometriosis, two common conditions in women, can cause lower back pain. Pain from endometriosis is usually sporadic, sharp and stabbing, and is caused by excess uterine tissue growing outside the uterus. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, fatigue, and severe pain during menstruation. Fibroids – usually benign masses that grow in the uterus – can cause lower back pain, as well as abnormal periods, frequent urination, and pain with intercourse.

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    Pain in the neck and shoulder on the left side is the most “popular” type of pain, since it is most often caused by pressing the handset with the shoulder, sitting at the computer for a long time, and abrupt movement of the neck. The reason is a decrease in the elasticity of muscles and ligaments, which occurs with age or due to insufficient physical activity. The pain is chronic, sometimes aggravated if the injured area is supercooled. A more dangerous symptom is a sharp, unbearable pain in the neck and shoulder on the left, which may indicate an intervertebral hernia of the cervical region.

    Pain under the shoulder blade on the left – may be dull, aching or sharp. The first symptoms are usually experienced by people whose profession is associated with a constant static sitting position and the use of one hand – seamstresses, drivers, computer scientists. A monotonous load causes an overstrain of muscles and tendons. Acute pain under the scapula indicates internal processes that may be associated with the nervous, circulatory system or problems in the spinal column. Acute pain and back pain under the shoulder blade on the left, occurs due to irritation of the nerve endings, which in turn transmit a sharp, sharp impulse to the innervation area.

    Pain under the ribs of the back on the left – most often occurs due to intercostal neuralgia, broncho-pulmonary diseases or injuries of internal organs. However, it may occur due to osteochondrosis. In this case, the pain has a characteristic shooting symptom that occurs when the torso is bent or rotated. The pain can be so severe that a person is forced to stay in a frozen position for several minutes.

    Lower back pain on the left – the most common cause is problems in the lumbosacral spine. Causes of back pain: overweight, metabolic disorders, sedentary lifestyle, weakened immune system often lead to deformation (thinning, dystrophy) of the vertebral discs. Another cause of left-sided back pain is scoliosis and lumbar osteochondrosis. These diseases are accompanied by severe pain, which is removed only by strong analgesics. The lower back hurts on the left and back pain often descends lower and manifests itself as pain on the left in the lower back or on the right. A milder, girdle muscle pain can cause left-sided lumbar myositis. It occurs as a result of cooling or overexertion of muscle tissue. The disease is characterized by the fact that pain occurs when changing position or deep breathing and coughing.

    Pain to the left of the spine – an alarming symptom that requires attention. Many mistakenly believe that such pain is caused only by diseases associated with the back. They do not attach importance, wait them out or, even worse, self-medicate. On the left are many vital organs, and therefore pain can cause diseases of the internal organs. Delay in treatment, untimely diagnosis are very dangerous for health.

    Treatment of left back pain in men and women (rather than treating right back pain) at home can only be reduced to initial analgesic measures. Since pain on the left side of the back can be a symptom of diseases and painkillers will only mask other symptoms, which can lead to the development of the most dangerous diseases with a risk to life. In the question of how to treat back pain on the left, you should trust only professional specialists. It is recommended not to take painkillers before visiting the consultation, the clinic will not be able to establish an accurate diagnosis if the pain is muffled by the action of medications. In case of urgently needed additional examinations, the doctor will direct and determine the areas for examination (ultrasound, MRI). This is necessary to accurately establish the location of pain, the causes of pain and establish an accurate diagnosis. Based on the results of the diagnosis, the collection of a complete history and consideration of all possible factors, the doctor determines how to treat back pain on the left, by what methods and how in the future the client will be able to maintain his health. All programs of the Active Center are aimed at helping the body restore the functions of the musculoskeletal system and get rid of pain, chronic diseases without drugs, but with the help of physical activity, massages and classes on special equipment. if the symptom is associated with other diseases that the Active Center does not deal with, the specialist will give recommendations and refer you to a specialized doctor.

    The rehabilitation program for this problem is necessarily adjusted and adapted individually for each client.