Why does the left side of my hip hurt. Pain Above Left Hip: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
What causes pain above the left hip. How to identify symptoms of various conditions affecting this area. When should you seek medical attention for left hip pain. What are the treatment options for different causes of pain above the left hip.
Common Causes of Pain Above the Left Hip
Pain above the left hip can stem from a variety of sources, ranging from mild injuries to more serious medical conditions. Understanding the potential causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some of the most common reasons for experiencing discomfort in this area:
Musculoskeletal Issues
Musculoskeletal problems are frequent culprits behind pain above the left hip. These can include:
- Muscle strains or side stitches
- Bursitis
- Arthritis
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Muscle strains often result from overexertion or poor form during physical activities. A side stitch, common among athletes, is a temporary but sharp pain that can occur during exercise. Bursitis involves inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause chronic pain and stiffness in the hip area.

Digestive System Disorders
Several digestive conditions can manifest as pain above the left hip:
- Diverticulitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Celiac disease
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the colon become inflamed or infected. Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that can affect any part of the digestive tract. Celiac disease, an immune reaction to gluten, can cause abdominal pain and discomfort.
Urinary and Reproductive System Issues
Problems with the urinary or reproductive systems can also cause pain in this region:
- Kidney stones
- Ovarian cysts (in women)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (in women)
- Prostate issues (in men)
Kidney stones can cause severe pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin. In women, ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to pain on one side of the lower abdomen. Men may experience pain due to prostate problems, including prostatitis or prostate cancer.
Identifying Symptoms Associated with Left Hip Pain
To determine the underlying cause of pain above the left hip, it’s essential to pay attention to accompanying symptoms. Different conditions present with various combinations of symptoms:

Pain Characteristics
The nature of the pain itself can provide clues about its origin:
- Sharp, stabbing pain might indicate kidney stones or acute injury
- Dull, aching pain could suggest arthritis or bursitis
- Cramping pain might be related to digestive issues
- Burning sensation could point to nerve compression
Additional Physical Symptoms
Other physical signs that may accompany pain above the left hip include:
- Swelling or redness in the affected area
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Bruising (in case of injury)
- Muscle weakness or spasms
- Numbness or tingling sensations
Systemic Symptoms
Some conditions causing hip pain may also produce systemic symptoms:
- Fever (potentially indicating infection)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
Diagnostic Approaches for Left Hip Pain
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of pain above the left hip. Healthcare providers employ various diagnostic methods to pinpoint the underlying cause:
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Physical Examination
A thorough physical exam is often the first step in diagnosis. The doctor will:
- Palpate the affected area to check for tenderness or swelling
- Assess range of motion and strength
- Look for signs of inflammation or deformity
- Perform specific tests to evaluate joint function
Imaging Studies
Imaging techniques can provide detailed views of the internal structures:
- X-rays to visualize bones and detect fractures or arthritis
- CT scans for more detailed images of bones and soft tissues
- MRI scans to evaluate soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Ultrasound to examine soft tissue structures and detect fluid accumulation
Laboratory Tests
Blood and urine tests can help identify systemic conditions or infections:
- Complete blood count to check for signs of infection or inflammation
- C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate to assess inflammation levels
- Urinalysis to detect kidney stones or urinary tract infections
- Specific tests for autoimmune conditions or celiac disease
Treatment Options for Pain Above Left Hip
Treatment for pain above the left hip varies depending on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

Conservative Management
For many conditions, conservative treatments are the first line of defense:
- Rest and activity modification
- Ice or heat therapy
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs or acetaminophen)
- Physical therapy exercises
- Stretching and gentle yoga
Medications
Prescription medications may be necessary for certain conditions:
- Stronger pain relievers or muscle relaxants
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Antibiotics for infections
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for autoimmune conditions
Interventional Procedures
Some cases may require more invasive treatments:
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Nerve blocks for pain management
- Minimally invasive procedures for kidney stones or herniated discs
Surgery
In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail, surgery may be recommended:
- Hip replacement for advanced arthritis
- Hernia repair
- Removal of tumors or cysts
Preventing Pain Above the Left Hip
While not all causes of hip pain are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Lifestyle Modifications
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints
- Exercise regularly to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility
- Practice proper posture and ergonomics
- Use proper form during physical activities and sports
Dietary Considerations
- Eat a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods
- Stay hydrated to prevent kidney stones
- Consider calcium and vitamin D supplements for bone health
Regular Check-ups
- Schedule routine medical check-ups to catch potential issues early
- Follow up on any chronic conditions that may affect hip health
- Discuss family history of hip-related problems with your healthcare provider
When to Seek Medical Attention for Left Hip Pain
While some causes of pain above the left hip may resolve on their own, certain signs warrant immediate medical attention:
Red Flags
- Severe pain that comes on suddenly
- Pain accompanied by fever or chills
- Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
- Visible deformity or severe swelling
- Signs of infection, such as redness or warmth around the hip area
Chronic Symptoms
Seek medical advice if you experience:

- Persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks
- Pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep
- Gradual worsening of symptoms over time
- Recurrent episodes of hip pain
Holistic Approaches to Managing Left Hip Pain
In addition to conventional treatments, many people find relief through holistic approaches:
Complementary Therapies
- Acupuncture to relieve pain and promote healing
- Massage therapy to improve circulation and reduce muscle tension
- Chiropractic care for alignment issues
- Mindfulness and meditation techniques for pain management
Natural Remedies
- Herbal supplements with anti-inflammatory properties (e.g., turmeric, ginger)
- Essential oils for topical pain relief
- Epsom salt baths to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Stress management techniques to reduce tension in the body
- Adequate sleep to support healing and pain management
- Ergonomic adjustments at work and home to reduce strain on the hip
Pain above the left hip can be a complex issue with various potential causes. By understanding the symptoms, seeking appropriate medical care, and exploring diverse treatment options, individuals can effectively manage their condition and improve their quality of life. Remember that early intervention often leads to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms.

Pain Above Left Hip on the Side, Back and Abdomen: Causes & Treatment
Left-side pain above the hip may be caused by a condition or injury affecting an entirely different part of your body. The causes range from mild injuries that heal quickly with rest to aggressive illnesses that require immediate medical treatment.
To determine the source of the pain above your left hip, it’s usually necessary to take a look at your other symptoms. Doing so can make it easier to know if you should see a doctor.
Here are the possible causes, their symptoms, how they’re diagnosed, and your treatment options.
Less serious causes | Serious causes | Female-only causes | Male-only causes |
| Arthritis | Bone cancer | Ectopic pregnancy | Prostate cancer |
| Bursitis | Hernia | Endometriosis | |
| Celiac disease | Iliopsoas abscess | Menstrual pain | |
| Crohn’s disease | Ilium fracture | Ovarian cyst | |
| Diverticulitis | Kidney stones | Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) | |
| Muscle strain (side stitch) | Left-sided appendicitis | ||
| Osteomyelitis | Leukemia | ||
| Pinched nerve | Pancreatic cancer | ||
| Polymyalgia rheumatica | |||
| Sacroiliac joint dysfunction |
A few of the less serious causes of pain above the left hip will resolve on their own without treatment.
However, many conditions require medical attention.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling, stiffness, and sometimes severe pain in one or more of the body’s joints. There are several types of arthritis that can cause pain above the left hip.
Possible causes of arthritis include normal wear and tear or age-related breakdown of bone in the body. In some cases, arthritis is caused by disease.
Arthritis symptoms you may experience include:
- redness
- reduced range of motion
- stiffness
- swelling
Bursitis
Bursitis causes inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs (called bursae) that pad your bones, including those in your hip. Most cases of bursitis in the hip are caused by repetitive motions or positions that irritate a joint’s bursae, such as running.
Other bursitis symptoms include:
- aches
- redness
- stiffness
- swelling
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is caused by an allergic reaction to eating gluten that affects the small intestine, causing pain and discomfort in the abdomen.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Doctors aren’t certain exactly what causes celiac disease, but some risk factors include:
- Addison’s disease
- family history of celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis
- autoimmune thyroid disease
- Down syndrome or Turner syndrome
- microscopic colitis
Other common symptoms of celiac disease include:
- abdominal pain
- anemia
- bloating
- constipation
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- itchy skin and rashes
- nausea
- nervous system problems
- weight loss
- vomiting
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract, causing pain in the abdomen. Doctors don’t know the exact cause, but the following factors may put some people at risk of Crohn’s disease:
- autoimmune issues
- being around age 30
- smoking cigarettes
- a family history of Crohn’s disease
- being of Northern European or Anglo-Saxon descent
- being of Jewish European descent, also called Ashkenazi Jewish descent
- living in an urban environment
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications
Other symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
- abdominal cramps
- bile duct and liver inflammation
- blood in stool
- delayed growth and sexual development (in children)
- diarrhea
- eye, skin, and joint inflammation
- fatigue
- fever
- fistula
- mouth sores
- reduced appetite
- weight loss
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a condition causing inflammation or infection of the small pouches (called diverticula) that line the digestive system.
This often causes pain in the left side of the abdomen. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches tear.
Causes of diverticulitis include:
- advanced age
- lack of exercise
- obesity
- poor, low-fiber diet
- smoking
- some medications, such as steroids
Other symptoms of diverticulitis include:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- fever
- nausea
- tender abdomen
- vomiting
Muscle strain or stitch
Muscle strains are a severe pulling or overextension of a muscle. If a strain occurs on the left side of the body, it may cause pain above the left hip. So can side stitches, a common and temporary athletic injury.
Causes of muscle strains and stitches include:
- poor form during sports activities
- repetitive movements such as running
Other symptoms of a muscle strain or stitch include:
- bruising
- limited motion
- muscle spasms
- muscle weakness
- pain when breathing
- redness
- swelling
Pinched nerve
A pinched nerve in the lower back occurs when a nerve becomes compressed by surrounding body tissues, often causing pain near the hip and in the legs.
Common causes of a pinched nerve include:
- arthritis
- herniated disc
- injury
- obesity
- repetitive motions
- sciatica
Pinched nerve symptoms may also include:
- burning sensation
- feeling your foot has fallen asleep
- muscle weakness
- numbness
- tingling or pins and needles sensation
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness, which often worsens in the mornings. Causes aren’t clear but are likely to include:
- advanced age
- environmental factors
- genetic history of polymyalgia rheumatica
Other symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica include:
- depression
- fatigue
- mild fever
- limited range of motion
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction and sacroiliitis
The sacroiliac joints are found where your lower spine and pelvis meet, near the hips.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when there is flawed movement in at least one of the sacroiliac joints.
Causes of sacroiliac joint dysfunction include:
- arthritis
- infection
- pregnancy
- traumatic injury
Symptoms may be worsened by
- bearing extra weight on one leg
- climbing stairs
- running
- standing for long periods
- taking long strides when walking or running
Sacroiliitis is the inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. This can cause pain along the buttocks, hip, lower back, and sometimes down the leg.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can occur when bacteria enters a bone inside the body. Common causes of bone infection include:
- infection through the bloodstream
- injuries such as puncture wounds
- unsterile surgery
Besides pain in the affected bone, symptoms of a bone infection include:
- fatigue
- fever
- redness, swelling, and warmth at the infection site
Bone cancer
Bone cancer, or unusual growth in the bone, is often benign.
However, in some cases the growth can become aggressive and spread to other parts of the body. This can cause pain and a palpable hard mass in the bones.
There are different types of bone cancer, all of which can be painful. Genetics, disease, and radiation therapy for other cancers may be risk factors for bone cancer. Additional symptoms of bone cancer include:
- fatigue
- swelling
- unintended weight loss
- weakened bones that fracture easily
Hernia
An inguinal hernia is a condition caused by the protrusion of part of the intestine through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. This can cause a lot of pain.
Causes include:
- chronic sneezing or coughing
- increased abdominal pressure
- intense activity
- pregnancy
- strain during bowel movements or during urination
- weak spots in the abdominal wall
Iliopsoas abscess
Iliopsoas abscess is a very uncommon but serious condition causing an infected mass to form along the upper part of the hip bone (ilium).
Other symptoms may include:
- fever
- pain in the groin
- visual deformity on the hip
The most common cause of iliopsoas abscess is Crohn’s disease. Other causes include:
- HIV and AIDS
- diabetes
- intravenous drug abuse
- kidney failure
- suppressed immune system
Ilium fracture
An ilium fracture is a break in the large upper part of the hip bone. Fractures may be mild, moderate, or severe. Symptoms may include:
- fatigue
- fever
- redness and swelling at the fracture site
Causes include:
- advanced age
- physical stress that is repetitive, such as long-distance running
- trauma, such as a fall or car accident
- weakened bones, such as in osteoporosis
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, located at the back side of your body above your hips. Kidney stones may cause the following symptoms:
- excessive urination
- nausea
- painful urination
- persistent urge to urinate
- radiating pain in the lower abdomen and groin
- smelly or cloudy urine
- urine that is pink, red, or brown
- urine that comes out in small amounts
- vomiting
Causes include:
- special diets, especially those high in protein, salt, and sugar
- dehydration
- digestive issues
- family history
- obesity
- other medical conditions
Left-sided appendicitis
Appendicitis causes sudden painful inflammation of the appendix, which can be deadly if untreated.
The appendix is located on the right side of the abdomen, but in very rare cases, it can cause pain on the left side. Other symptoms include:
- bloating in the abdomen
- constipation
- diarrhea
- fever that worsens over time
- flatulence
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- pain worsened by movement or coughing
- vomiting
Appendicitis is caused by a blockage in the appendix lining that causes infection.
Leukemia
Leukemia is cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, which can cause pain in the bones. Other symptoms may include:
- bruises or bleeding that occurs easily
- chills
- enlarged liver or spleen
- fever
- frequent infections
- nosebleeds
- red spots on the skin called petechiae
- sweating, especially at night
- swollen lymph nodes
- unintentional weight loss
- weakness
There are several types of leukemia. Doctors think leukemia is caused by mutations in blood cells in the body.
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is cancer of the organ that lies behind the bottom of your stomach (the pancreas). If left untreated, pancreatic tumors can cause hip pain. Other symptoms include:
- blood clots
- depression
- diabetes that’s newly developed
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
- unintentional weight loss
- yellowed skin and eyes (jaundice)
Doctors aren’t sure what causes pancreatic cancer, but it appears smoking can increase your risk of the disease.
There are some causes of pain above the left hip that can only affect females. These include:
Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the outside of the uterus instead of the inside. This condition can lead to an emergency if left untreated. Besides intense abdominal and side pain, symptoms include:
- early pregnancy symptoms
- light vaginal bleeding that worsens over time
- positive pregnancy test
Risk factors of ectopic pregnancy include:
- getting pregnant while using an intrauterine device (IUD)
- having a damaged fallopian tube
- having a sexually transmitted infection
- having had a previous ectopic pregnancy
- having undergone fertility treatments
- smoking
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful condition causing the lining of the uterus to grow outside rather than inside the uterus.
It can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic tissue, and other organs in the pelvis. Other signs of endometriosis include:
- bloating
- constipation
- diarrhea
- excessive bleeding during or between periods
- infertility
- nausea
- pain during sexual intercourse
- pain during urination or bowel movements
- painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
A clear cause of endometriosis isn’t known. But risk factors include:
- atypical reproductive tract
- female relatives with endometriosis
- going through menopause late
- having short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days)
- heavy periods
- high levels of estrogen in the body
- low body mass index
- not giving birth
- starting menstruation at a young age
Menstrual pain
Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) affects many women who menstruate, sometimes causing widespread abdominal pain. Other signs include:
- cramping or throbbing sensation
- dizziness
- dull ache
- headache
- loose stools and diarrhea
- pain that hits 1 to 3 days before your period and stops in 2 to 3 days
Menstrual cramps are triggered by hormonal changes associated with menstruation.
However, some conditions affecting the female reproductive tract, including endometriosis, may worsen menstrual pain.
Ovarian cyst
Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that may grow on a woman’s ovaries and cause pain in the abdomen. In most cases, these cysts are harmless and may not even cause symptoms. However, some women experience pain as well as:
- aches
- bloating
- heaviness in the abdomen
You may be at risk of developing an ovarian cyst if you have:
- endometriosis
- hormonal issues
- pelvic infection
- pregnancy
- previous ovarian cysts
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious infection affecting the female reproductive system. Often it causes no symptoms at first, but if untreated it can cause severe abdominal pain. Other possible symptoms include:
- abnormal bleeding between cycles or after sex
- fever with chills
- heavy and unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge
- pain and bleeding during sex
- painful urination or problems urinating
There is one cause of pain above the left hip that can only affect men:
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is a growth that affects the prostate gland, which produces sperm.
Some cases of prostate cancer are slow-growing and cause few symptoms. Others are more painful, serious, and aggressive.
Some symptoms include:
- blood in semen
- bone pain
- difficult urination
- erectile dysfunction
- lowered urine stream
The cause of prostate cancer is unknown. However, some risk factors include:
- advanced age
- being of African descent
- family history
- obesity
To diagnose the cause of pain above your left hip, a doctor will start by asking you about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam, looking closely at your left hip area.
They may run tests to better determine the cause of your pain. These include:
- Blood, joint fluid, and urine tests. Testing the body’s fluids can reveal abnormalities that indicate disease in the blood, bones, and urinary tract.
- Endoscopy. An endoscopy involves sending a long camera tube down a person’s throat to look inside the small intestine.
This can reveal signs of infection or digestive disorders. - Imaging tests. CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs, and X-rays can reveal cancers, cysts, deformities, and bone fractures.
Depending on what the doctor finds, they may refer you to a specialist who can better diagnose and treat the cause of your pain above your left hip. These specialists may include:
- gastroenterologist (specializes in digestive health)
- obstetrician-gynecologist (specializes in women’s health)
- oncologist (cancer doctor)
- orthopedist (specializes in bone health)
- urologist (specializes in male reproductive and urinary tract health)
The kind of treatment you need for the pain above your left hip depends on the cause. Treatment may include:
- antibiotics to clear infections such as diverticulitis and PID
- chemotherapy and radiation to treat cancer
- lifestyle changes such as a change in diet, quitting smoking, and increased exercise to treat conditions like Crohn’s disease and side stitches
- medications like NSAIDs to reduce symptoms of dysmenorrhea
- rest for mild causes of pain above the left hip, such as muscle strains and side stitches
- surgery to treat certain cancers, remove cysts or the appendix, and repair fractures
In some cases, pain above the left hip is a major cause for concern.
However, in most cases, it can be treated easily with rest or an over-the-counter NSAID.
Most causes of pain above the left hip are not immediate emergencies and are easily treatable. Paying attention to all of your symptoms can help lead you and your doctor to a treatment that will resolve your pain.
If you’re concerned about your pain above the left hip and don’t already have a primary care provider, you can view doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
Pain Above Left Hip on the Side, Back and Abdomen: Causes & Treatment
Left-side pain above the hip may be caused by a condition or injury affecting an entirely different part of your body. The causes range from mild injuries that heal quickly with rest to aggressive illnesses that require immediate medical treatment.
To determine the source of the pain above your left hip, it’s usually necessary to take a look at your other symptoms. Doing so can make it easier to know if you should see a doctor.
Here are the possible causes, their symptoms, how they’re diagnosed, and your treatment options.
Less serious causes | Serious causes | Female-only causes | Male-only causes |
| Arthritis | Bone cancer | Ectopic pregnancy | Prostate cancer |
| Bursitis | Hernia | Endometriosis | |
| Celiac disease | Iliopsoas abscess | Menstrual pain | |
| Crohn’s disease | Ilium fracture | Ovarian cyst | |
| Diverticulitis | Kidney stones | Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) | |
| Muscle strain (side stitch) | Left-sided appendicitis | ||
| Osteomyelitis | Leukemia | ||
| Pinched nerve | Pancreatic cancer | ||
| Polymyalgia rheumatica | |||
| Sacroiliac joint dysfunction |
A few of the less serious causes of pain above the left hip will resolve on their own without treatment.
However, many conditions require medical attention.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling, stiffness, and sometimes severe pain in one or more of the body’s joints. There are several types of arthritis that can cause pain above the left hip.
Possible causes of arthritis include normal wear and tear or age-related breakdown of bone in the body. In some cases, arthritis is caused by disease.
Arthritis symptoms you may experience include:
- redness
- reduced range of motion
- stiffness
- swelling
Bursitis
Bursitis causes inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs (called bursae) that pad your bones, including those in your hip. Most cases of bursitis in the hip are caused by repetitive motions or positions that irritate a joint’s bursae, such as running.
Other bursitis symptoms include:
- aches
- redness
- stiffness
- swelling
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is caused by an allergic reaction to eating gluten that affects the small intestine, causing pain and discomfort in the abdomen.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Doctors aren’t certain exactly what causes celiac disease, but some risk factors include:
- Addison’s disease
- family history of celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis
- autoimmune thyroid disease
- Down syndrome or Turner syndrome
- microscopic colitis
Other common symptoms of celiac disease include:
- abdominal pain
- anemia
- bloating
- constipation
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- itchy skin and rashes
- nausea
- nervous system problems
- weight loss
- vomiting
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract, causing pain in the abdomen. Doctors don’t know the exact cause, but the following factors may put some people at risk of Crohn’s disease:
- autoimmune issues
- being around age 30
- smoking cigarettes
- a family history of Crohn’s disease
- being of Northern European or Anglo-Saxon descent
- being of Jewish European descent, also called Ashkenazi Jewish descent
- living in an urban environment
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications
Other symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
- abdominal cramps
- bile duct and liver inflammation
- blood in stool
- delayed growth and sexual development (in children)
- diarrhea
- eye, skin, and joint inflammation
- fatigue
- fever
- fistula
- mouth sores
- reduced appetite
- weight loss
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a condition causing inflammation or infection of the small pouches (called diverticula) that line the digestive system.
This often causes pain in the left side of the abdomen. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches tear.
Causes of diverticulitis include:
- advanced age
- lack of exercise
- obesity
- poor, low-fiber diet
- smoking
- some medications, such as steroids
Other symptoms of diverticulitis include:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- fever
- nausea
- tender abdomen
- vomiting
Muscle strain or stitch
Muscle strains are a severe pulling or overextension of a muscle. If a strain occurs on the left side of the body, it may cause pain above the left hip. So can side stitches, a common and temporary athletic injury.
Causes of muscle strains and stitches include:
- poor form during sports activities
- repetitive movements such as running
Other symptoms of a muscle strain or stitch include:
- bruising
- limited motion
- muscle spasms
- muscle weakness
- pain when breathing
- redness
- swelling
Pinched nerve
A pinched nerve in the lower back occurs when a nerve becomes compressed by surrounding body tissues, often causing pain near the hip and in the legs.
Common causes of a pinched nerve include:
- arthritis
- herniated disc
- injury
- obesity
- repetitive motions
- sciatica
Pinched nerve symptoms may also include:
- burning sensation
- feeling your foot has fallen asleep
- muscle weakness
- numbness
- tingling or pins and needles sensation
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness, which often worsens in the mornings. Causes aren’t clear but are likely to include:
- advanced age
- environmental factors
- genetic history of polymyalgia rheumatica
Other symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica include:
- depression
- fatigue
- mild fever
- limited range of motion
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction and sacroiliitis
The sacroiliac joints are found where your lower spine and pelvis meet, near the hips.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when there is flawed movement in at least one of the sacroiliac joints.
Causes of sacroiliac joint dysfunction include:
- arthritis
- infection
- pregnancy
- traumatic injury
Symptoms may be worsened by
- bearing extra weight on one leg
- climbing stairs
- running
- standing for long periods
- taking long strides when walking or running
Sacroiliitis is the inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. This can cause pain along the buttocks, hip, lower back, and sometimes down the leg.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can occur when bacteria enters a bone inside the body. Common causes of bone infection include:
- infection through the bloodstream
- injuries such as puncture wounds
- unsterile surgery
Besides pain in the affected bone, symptoms of a bone infection include:
- fatigue
- fever
- redness, swelling, and warmth at the infection site
Bone cancer
Bone cancer, or unusual growth in the bone, is often benign.
However, in some cases the growth can become aggressive and spread to other parts of the body. This can cause pain and a palpable hard mass in the bones.
There are different types of bone cancer, all of which can be painful. Genetics, disease, and radiation therapy for other cancers may be risk factors for bone cancer. Additional symptoms of bone cancer include:
- fatigue
- swelling
- unintended weight loss
- weakened bones that fracture easily
Hernia
An inguinal hernia is a condition caused by the protrusion of part of the intestine through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. This can cause a lot of pain.
Causes include:
- chronic sneezing or coughing
- increased abdominal pressure
- intense activity
- pregnancy
- strain during bowel movements or during urination
- weak spots in the abdominal wall
Iliopsoas abscess
Iliopsoas abscess is a very uncommon but serious condition causing an infected mass to form along the upper part of the hip bone (ilium).
Other symptoms may include:
- fever
- pain in the groin
- visual deformity on the hip
The most common cause of iliopsoas abscess is Crohn’s disease. Other causes include:
- HIV and AIDS
- diabetes
- intravenous drug abuse
- kidney failure
- suppressed immune system
Ilium fracture
An ilium fracture is a break in the large upper part of the hip bone. Fractures may be mild, moderate, or severe. Symptoms may include:
- fatigue
- fever
- redness and swelling at the fracture site
Causes include:
- advanced age
- physical stress that is repetitive, such as long-distance running
- trauma, such as a fall or car accident
- weakened bones, such as in osteoporosis
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, located at the back side of your body above your hips. Kidney stones may cause the following symptoms:
- excessive urination
- nausea
- painful urination
- persistent urge to urinate
- radiating pain in the lower abdomen and groin
- smelly or cloudy urine
- urine that is pink, red, or brown
- urine that comes out in small amounts
- vomiting
Causes include:
- special diets, especially those high in protein, salt, and sugar
- dehydration
- digestive issues
- family history
- obesity
- other medical conditions
Left-sided appendicitis
Appendicitis causes sudden painful inflammation of the appendix, which can be deadly if untreated.
The appendix is located on the right side of the abdomen, but in very rare cases, it can cause pain on the left side. Other symptoms include:
- bloating in the abdomen
- constipation
- diarrhea
- fever that worsens over time
- flatulence
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- pain worsened by movement or coughing
- vomiting
Appendicitis is caused by a blockage in the appendix lining that causes infection.
Leukemia
Leukemia is cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, which can cause pain in the bones. Other symptoms may include:
- bruises or bleeding that occurs easily
- chills
- enlarged liver or spleen
- fever
- frequent infections
- nosebleeds
- red spots on the skin called petechiae
- sweating, especially at night
- swollen lymph nodes
- unintentional weight loss
- weakness
There are several types of leukemia. Doctors think leukemia is caused by mutations in blood cells in the body.
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is cancer of the organ that lies behind the bottom of your stomach (the pancreas). If left untreated, pancreatic tumors can cause hip pain. Other symptoms include:
- blood clots
- depression
- diabetes that’s newly developed
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
- unintentional weight loss
- yellowed skin and eyes (jaundice)
Doctors aren’t sure what causes pancreatic cancer, but it appears smoking can increase your risk of the disease.
There are some causes of pain above the left hip that can only affect females. These include:
Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the outside of the uterus instead of the inside. This condition can lead to an emergency if left untreated. Besides intense abdominal and side pain, symptoms include:
- early pregnancy symptoms
- light vaginal bleeding that worsens over time
- positive pregnancy test
Risk factors of ectopic pregnancy include:
- getting pregnant while using an intrauterine device (IUD)
- having a damaged fallopian tube
- having a sexually transmitted infection
- having had a previous ectopic pregnancy
- having undergone fertility treatments
- smoking
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful condition causing the lining of the uterus to grow outside rather than inside the uterus.
It can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic tissue, and other organs in the pelvis. Other signs of endometriosis include:
- bloating
- constipation
- diarrhea
- excessive bleeding during or between periods
- infertility
- nausea
- pain during sexual intercourse
- pain during urination or bowel movements
- painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
A clear cause of endometriosis isn’t known. But risk factors include:
- atypical reproductive tract
- female relatives with endometriosis
- going through menopause late
- having short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days)
- heavy periods
- high levels of estrogen in the body
- low body mass index
- not giving birth
- starting menstruation at a young age
Menstrual pain
Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) affects many women who menstruate, sometimes causing widespread abdominal pain. Other signs include:
- cramping or throbbing sensation
- dizziness
- dull ache
- headache
- loose stools and diarrhea
- pain that hits 1 to 3 days before your period and stops in 2 to 3 days
Menstrual cramps are triggered by hormonal changes associated with menstruation.
However, some conditions affecting the female reproductive tract, including endometriosis, may worsen menstrual pain.
Ovarian cyst
Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that may grow on a woman’s ovaries and cause pain in the abdomen. In most cases, these cysts are harmless and may not even cause symptoms. However, some women experience pain as well as:
- aches
- bloating
- heaviness in the abdomen
You may be at risk of developing an ovarian cyst if you have:
- endometriosis
- hormonal issues
- pelvic infection
- pregnancy
- previous ovarian cysts
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious infection affecting the female reproductive system. Often it causes no symptoms at first, but if untreated it can cause severe abdominal pain. Other possible symptoms include:
- abnormal bleeding between cycles or after sex
- fever with chills
- heavy and unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge
- pain and bleeding during sex
- painful urination or problems urinating
There is one cause of pain above the left hip that can only affect men:
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is a growth that affects the prostate gland, which produces sperm.
Some cases of prostate cancer are slow-growing and cause few symptoms. Others are more painful, serious, and aggressive.
Some symptoms include:
- blood in semen
- bone pain
- difficult urination
- erectile dysfunction
- lowered urine stream
The cause of prostate cancer is unknown. However, some risk factors include:
- advanced age
- being of African descent
- family history
- obesity
To diagnose the cause of pain above your left hip, a doctor will start by asking you about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam, looking closely at your left hip area.
They may run tests to better determine the cause of your pain. These include:
- Blood, joint fluid, and urine tests. Testing the body’s fluids can reveal abnormalities that indicate disease in the blood, bones, and urinary tract.
- Endoscopy. An endoscopy involves sending a long camera tube down a person’s throat to look inside the small intestine.
This can reveal signs of infection or digestive disorders. - Imaging tests. CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs, and X-rays can reveal cancers, cysts, deformities, and bone fractures.
Depending on what the doctor finds, they may refer you to a specialist who can better diagnose and treat the cause of your pain above your left hip. These specialists may include:
- gastroenterologist (specializes in digestive health)
- obstetrician-gynecologist (specializes in women’s health)
- oncologist (cancer doctor)
- orthopedist (specializes in bone health)
- urologist (specializes in male reproductive and urinary tract health)
The kind of treatment you need for the pain above your left hip depends on the cause. Treatment may include:
- antibiotics to clear infections such as diverticulitis and PID
- chemotherapy and radiation to treat cancer
- lifestyle changes such as a change in diet, quitting smoking, and increased exercise to treat conditions like Crohn’s disease and side stitches
- medications like NSAIDs to reduce symptoms of dysmenorrhea
- rest for mild causes of pain above the left hip, such as muscle strains and side stitches
- surgery to treat certain cancers, remove cysts or the appendix, and repair fractures
In some cases, pain above the left hip is a major cause for concern.
However, in most cases, it can be treated easily with rest or an over-the-counter NSAID.
Most causes of pain above the left hip are not immediate emergencies and are easily treatable. Paying attention to all of your symptoms can help lead you and your doctor to a treatment that will resolve your pain.
If you’re concerned about your pain above the left hip and don’t already have a primary care provider, you can view doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
Drawing pain in the thigh, buttock and groin
Drawing pain in the thigh, buttock or groin is a common symptom that makes people immediately seek treatment from doctors of various specialties. Most people at least once in their lives have experienced such complaints. Self-administration of medications, application of anesthetic ointments, warming up can aggravate the development and manifestation of pain without an accurate diagnosis.
Let’s try to understand the causes, possible diseases associated with the manifestation of such symptoms, as well as methods of diagnosis and treatment.
The main causes of pulling pain in the thigh, buttock or groin
The search for the starting point of such a complaint often causes difficulties in differential diagnosis, since the causes of unpleasant sensations in these areas may be the result of a number of pathological conditions of the human musculoskeletal system. There are everyday causes (lifestyle, postures at work), acute diseases (traumas, exacerbations of chronic conditions), functional deviations in the work of the muscular corset.
Among the provocateurs of this pain syndrome, it should be noted:
– excessive physical activity associated with labor activity
– “sedentary” work;
– overweight problems;
– the period of bearing a child.
Conditions and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the symptom of which may be drawing pain in the lower limb.
- Lesions of the lumbosacral spine.
Degenerative-dystrophic processes in the spine often become the main cause of pain in the thigh and buttock. This is due to the pathological cascade of changes in the state of the intervertebral discs, intervertebral joints of the ligamentous-muscular corset. With the progression of intervertebral protrusion or hernia, compression and irritation of the nerves may occur, resulting in pain symptoms. Depending on the level of this influence, the localization of the problem will also change.
- Arthropathy of the hip joint
Among the lesions of the hip joints, coxarthrosis should be ranked first. The prevalence of this pathology, according to scientific literature, reaches 18% in the group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Clinical manifestations of coxarthrosis, namely, limited mobility in the joint, sparing of the leg when walking, pain when probing soft tissues, muscle spasm can cause pain both in the back and in the hip area.
Second defeat
- Femoral neuropathy
Femoral neuropathy is a fairly common mononeuropathy of the lower extremities. There are several areas in which the anatomical and topographic features of the femoral nerve predispose it to an increased risk of compression or injury – in the region of the iliopsoas muscle, under the inguinal ligament, in the region of Gunther’s canal and when exiting it. Depending on the level of the lesion, the clinical manifestations of femoral neuropathy vary significantly.
- Physical injuries of the thigh area
Any traumatic impact on the muscle structures of the lower limb gives a range of pain symptoms. Bruises, sprains and overstrain of the musculoskeletal system, the consequences of femoral fractures should be considered as a possible cause of pain. Even remote manifestations are often the result of trauma.
- Trochanterite
This is inflammation of the upper point of the femur, called the trochanter, to which tendons and muscle fibers are attached.
Given the inflammatory nature of tronchateritis, this disease is often mistaken for arthrosis. This condition is characterized by pain during verticalization, movement. The anterior-lateral surface of the thighs is most often affected. Unlike coxarthrosis, movement in the joint is not objectively limited.
- Myofascial pain syndromes
Musculoskeletal disorders are also one of the factors of pain in the thigh and buttocks. Most clearly, such a pathology is reflected by myofascial pain syndromes, characterized by the development of muscle dysfunction and the formation of local painful seals in the muscle tissue. The most common of these syndromes are piriformis syndrome and iliac-tibial tract syndrome.
Piriformis syndrome is a condition that is particularly associated with pain in the buttock and/or thigh. In some articles this syndrome is defined as peripheral neuritis of the branches of the sciatic nerve caused by non-physiological overexertion of the piriformis muscle.
Women with CGM are diagnosed more often than men (ratio is 6:1)
(connective tissue that covers all the muscles in your body) connective tissue that runs from the top of the pelvis down the outer thigh, crosses the outside of the knee, and attaches to the very top of the tibia. This anatomical structure serves as a link between the main muscles of the pelvis and the knee. The main function of this tract during running is to stabilize the knee during the impact of the foot on the ground. The syndrome of the iliac-tibial tract most often develops against the background of its damage. The pain is localized in the area of the outer part of the knee or just above it, although it can extend up to the top of the femur.
- Joint dysfunction and flat feet.
Tracing the direct muscular-fascial relationship of the distal and proximal parts of the lower limb, it is necessary to take into account pathological changes in the ankle joints and feet.
Regular physical overload, as well as deformation of the anatomical structure of the feet, give ascending causes of the development of pain symptoms in the upper legs, in the hip joint, ligaments and muscles. The scientifically proven myofascial kinematic chain with a high frequency leads to the development of pain in the area of the previously mentioned regions. However, such a clinical picture does not always have organic lesions in the joints, muscles or bone and ligamentous elements. Localization of pain sensations may vary depending on the violation in a particular biomechanical motor chain.
Diseases and pathological conditions not associated with damage to the musculoskeletal system and capable of causing similar pain
– Diseases of an infectious or parasitic nature, accompanied by fever, severe intoxication, damage to the vascular membranes of the brain and spinal cord (bacterial or viral infections, tick-borne encephalitis, borreliosis, botulism, trichinosis)
– Damage to the vascular and lymphatic bed of the pelvic region and lower extremities (varicose veins, atherosclerotic changes in the walls of blood vessels, lymphostasis)
– Conditions characterized by deficiency of vitamins and microelements formations in muscle tissues and connective tissues (rhabdomyosarcomas, leiomyosarcomas,
– Side effects of drugs (glucocorticosteroids, lipid-lowering drugs)
– Endocrinological diseases (diabetes mellitus)
– Physiological pain symptoms during pregnancy due to postural restructuring of the vertical axis of the body
– Ecomb syndrome (restless legs syndrome)
– Autoimmune diseases
900 07 Diagnosis
Correct diagnosis – the key to effective and high-quality treatment.
Therefore, there is a certain examination algorithm, the volume of which can be determined by the doctor. The diagnostic path of a patient is built from the following steps:
1. Consultative examination and history taking.
2.Manual-muscle testing, assessment of motor stereotypes, detection of violations of the biomechanical chain of the musculoskeletal system.
3.Performance by the patient of specific tests and samples
4.Passage of additional laboratory and instrumental research methods: general and biochemical blood tests, laboratory tests for specific markers, radiography, ultrasound, Electroneuromyography, MRI, MSCT.
- Consultation of doctors of related specialties for verification of differential diagnosis.
This amount of diagnostics allows you to accurately determine the pathology and the cause that caused pain, since pain in the thigh, buttocks, groin can have different etiological factors. A well-designed diagnostic strategy allows the doctor to prescribe the necessary range of therapeutic measures in a short time.
Treatment
Any physical discomfort that changes the quality of life and movement will force a person to look for ways to solve and get rid of the disease. Often the lack of clinical thinking and trust in the media have a negative impact on the development and progression of the pain syndrome. Long-term refusal to visit a doctor, self-administration of medications and various procedures can lead to chronicity and difficulty in conservative treatment, turning to radical, surgical methods of treatment, followed by loss of functions and restrictions.
At the “Freedom of Movement” medical center, an experienced team of qualified doctors will help you accurately diagnose and create an individual set of treatment procedures for achieving recovery. The staged reception of doctors allows the patient to ensure the smoothness and softness of the impact of therapeutic instruments.
Stage 1 is the initial appointment and diagnostics.
Stage 2 – treatment.
After the final diagnosis is made, a treatment plan is formed, which may include the following procedures:
– manual therapy
– osteopathy
– medical massage
– acupuncture
– physiotherapy
– medical therapy (therapeutic intra-articular and paravertebral injections, P RP-therapy, ACF-therapy, droppers)
Stage 3 – stabilization of the result
After achieving a stable improvement in the previously impaired function, reducing the pain syndrome, the patient proceeds to the stabilization phase. The basis of such consolidation of the result is a complex of means of therapeutic physical culture (LFK). The goals of exercise therapy are to strengthen the muscular corset, improve balance and coordination of movements, increase the range of motion in the joints, develop the flexibility and elasticity of the muscular-ligamentous apparatus.
Returning to possible provocateurs of the pain syndrome, in particular pain in the buttocks, thighs or groin, the patient is clearly and easily explained the need to form healthy habits and an optimal lifestyle:
– organization of a comfortable workplace
– position hygiene at night
– healthy balanced nutrition
– preventive examinations
– procedures supporting the result of treatment
– performing home individual exercises.
Why pain in the back and lower back radiates to the legs
Why pain in the back and lower back radiates to the legs – causes and methods of treatment in men and women
Gimranov Rinat Fazylzhanovich
Neurologist, neurophysiologist, experience – 33 years;
Professor of Neurology, MD;
Clinic for Rehabilitation Neurology. About the author
Publication date: December 21, 2022
Lower back pain radiating to the leg indicates problems with the spine, kidneys, or pelvic organs. Faced with this, especially if the painful attack leaves behind a feeling of numbness, consult a doctor immediately.
Often, when we feel discomfort in this area for the first time, we do not attach any importance, we write it off as fatigue. Too long in one position or excessive one-time physical activity. But this is a reason to turn to a neurologist.
Remember, wondering if the legs can hurt from the back, spine or lumbar, that these parts of the body are directly connected, and therefore affect each other.
Article content:
- 1 Types of pain
- 2 Causes
- 3 Possible diseases
- 3.1 Ankylosing spondylitis
- 3.2 Hernia and osteochondrosis
- 3.3 Kyphosis and scoliosis
- 3.4 Spondylarthrosis
- 3.5 Pancreatitis
- 4 Risk factors and consequences
- 5 Diagnosis
- 6 Treatment
- 6.1 Drug treatment
- 6.2 Non-drug methods
- 6.3 Surgery
- 7 Prevention
- 7.1 Exercises for prevention
- 8 References:
Types of pain
It depends on what kind of back pain in the lumbar region: strong or weak, shoots, pulls, radiates to the left or right leg, whether it passes and the legs fail, it is determined why it has come and the pain treatment is selected.
By duration it is:
- Acute. Occurs suddenly, has a high intensity. Sometimes the leg fails with back pain.
Duration from one day to 4-6 weeks with breaks. - Subacute. Happens regularly or discomfort does not go away for 1.5-3 months.
- Chronic. Worried for more than a few months, and sometimes for years.
There are three groups according to strength:
- Strong.
- Medium intensity.
- Weak.
Feels:
- Spicy.
- Transient.
- Drawing or aching.
- Dull, not passing.
There are several variants of pain in localization:
- Lower back pain radiating to the thigh. It often appears after overexertion, gradually intensifies and is difficult to stop with painkillers.
- Dull pain in the back extending to the back of the leg.
It is provoked by inflammation of the muscle tissue, often leading to pinching of the sciatic nerve.
- Painful sensations radiating to the side of the lower extremities. Often accompanied by the occurrence of intervertebral hernias or the occurrence of tunnel syndrome.
- It hurts not only the back, but also the knee.
The exact reason why the legs and lower back hurt in women or men can only be understood by how the pain spreads: from the lower back to the knees or feet, whether it pulls and gives from the back to the right leg to the foot, or because of the spine into the left thigh.
Causes
It is difficult to figure out why the back hurts and pulls, the lower back hurts and gives to the legs in women and men, because there are many reasons for such well-being.
The most common reasons for this feeling are:
- Drafts.
- Wrong load distribution
- Infectious diseases
- Hormonal changes
- Beginning of inflammation.

- Neoplasms.
- Pathology of bones.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system.
- Injuries.
When complaining of lower back pain, due to which the legs are taken away, the pain shoots and radiates to the left or right leg of a woman or man, a complete examination is carried out, since there is a high probability of not temporary problems, but the presence of a serious illness. [1
Possible diseases
Ankylosing spondylitis
Due to the slow asymptomatic course, it is diagnosed late, which reduces the effectiveness of treatment.
Main symptoms:
- Aching pain in the back, passing to the limbs, occurring during the rest period. More often attacks begin in the second half of the night or in the morning.
- Disappearance after morning exercises.

- Stiffness of mobility, gradually spreading upwards.
- Fast acting pain medication.
In the early stages of the disease, therapy gives results. When Bechterew’s disease develops for a long time and remains without the necessary treatment, a person can become disabled.
Hernias and osteochondrosis
These problems are similar in symptoms and can occur simultaneously. With the development of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region, the nerve roots are affected with every movement. Gradually, the intervertebral discs rupture, and at the last stage they protrude, hernias begin to form, making the pain constant even at rest.
Main symptoms:
- Pain is sharp, severe, chilling.
- Unable to lie on stomach. I didn’t put a pillow on.
- Difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position without additional support.

- Unable to lift weights.
Kyphosis and scoliosis
At the beginning of development, muscle fatigue is felt more strongly than before. An irresistible urge to lie down and relax.
Gradually there is a feeling of numbness in the limbs during prolonged vigorous activity. It is replaced after a while by attacks.
Discomfort appears after vigorous activity, as a reaction to fatigue.
Spondylarthrosis
Discomfort decreases or disappears after rest and refusal to exercise.
Pancreatitis
Pain comes on suddenly. Its nature depends on the spread of the pancreatic lesion. It can be given both in the right and in the left hypochondrium, be of a shingles character and be given to the thigh, groin, tailbone.
The condition is considered dangerous and requires immediate hospitalization, as it can develop into a life-threatening condition.
Why did a man or woman suffer from severe aching pain in the back and left or right in the lower back, such that it radiates to the leg, knee or thigh so that it does not straighten up, pulls from the spine to the very feet, what is it and what treatment does it require, should deal with the doctor after a thorough examination and hardware research.
Risk factors and consequences
By eliminating them, you can reduce the risk of getting sick [2] :
- Lack of vitamins and microelements.
- Heavy physical activity without a rest period.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Pregnancy and childbearing.
- Regular stress.
- Overweight. Being overweight and obese is becoming a major risk factor for the development of many chronic diseases.
- Presence of bad habits. The constant use of alcohol, drugs, nicotine negatively affects all body systems.
- Constant prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position. At work, try to find a more comfortable position.
- Congenital pathologies.
- Circulatory disorders.
- Injuries, including regular microtraumas, for example, when playing sports without observing safety measures.

Complications:
- Hernia growth.
- Critical disorders in the work of internal organs.
- Complete or partial paralysis of the lower extremities.
- Lameness.
- Spondylosis.
- Disorders of the spinal cord.
Some of the complications in advanced cases can no longer be eliminated.
Diagnosis
The first complaint was that her lower back hurt, now her leg hurts. It requires careful diagnosis. At the first visit, the doctor finds out:
- Time of onset of symptoms and related circumstances.
- Their localization.
- Their character, intensity and distinctive features.
- Causes when they intensify.
- Methods by which the patient managed to suppress the pain symptom, alleviate the condition.

- Detailed inspection in progress.
- The anamnesis is being investigated. It is important to determine whether there have been problems with organs located in this area in the past.
Even after a thorough examination, it is impossible to decide what to do and how to treat the patient, to understand why the back hurts in the lower back, gives to the left or right leg, pulls to the left and reduces at the same time, since the causes of pain in men and women can be different.
To make an accurate diagnosis and select therapy, use:
- OA of blood and OA of urine (general tests).
- Biochemistry. It determines whether there are pathologies of the kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas.
- X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging.
- Abdominal ultrasound if inflammation is detected.
- Ultrasound of the organs of the reproductive system.
This study is especially relevant for women, as it allows you to identify cysts and other neoplasms.
When prescribing treatment, the doctor takes into account that in women, pulling or sharp pain in the lumbar spine, radiating to the leg from the lower back, may occur due to the period of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, a consultation with a gynecologist is appointed.
Treatment
Before determining how to relieve or how to treat a sharp acute severe back pain in men and women, which radiates to the right or left leg, or pulls to the right or left at the level of the thigh, it is necessary to understand the causes. [3]
Medical treatment
- NSAIDs are painkillers that are taken at the diagnostic stage. They are produced not only in the form of tablets, but can be used as external agents (ointments, gels) and as injections.
- Neurotropic vitamins in large doses are administered not only as a supportive agent.
B vitamins enhance the effect of drugs of a different orientation, allowing the use of smaller doses. - Decongestants in case of injury or inflammation of muscle tissue are most often used externally. Additionally, they have an analgesic effect.
- Sedatives as needed depending on the condition.
Non-drug methods
- Massage. You can not do it yourself, as it can worsen the condition.
- Electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, laser therapy.
- Therapeutic exercise.
- Acupuncture.
- Manual therapy and osteopath sessions.
What to do, what treatment to apply, if women or men have severe lower back pain and give to the right or left leg from the hip to the foot, pull so that the muscles of the leg are taken away to the knee, shoot from the left or right, you can decide only after knowing the cause states.
Therefore, using physiotherapy methods on your own, without a doctor’s prescription, is not only ineffective, but also dangerous. Many of them can bring additional harm to the patient, aggravating his condition.
Surgical intervention
Problems with complaints that the lower back aches and radiates to the legs, and heaviness is felt in the right side, in most cases they are solved with the help of conservative methods of medicine. But in some cases, it is impossible to do without surgical intervention.
Each decision to carry out operations is individual and is made only after examination in cases where there is no other way out.
Prophylaxis
In order not to be disturbed by lower back pain passing into the leg, it is necessary to engage in prevention. By adjusting your lifestyle, you can not only get rid of bouts of malaise, but also significantly improve your well-being. The main condition for successful preventive actions is their regularity.
In order to avoid pain in the leg from the spine, you need to:
- Avoid sudden movements when changing position. Getting out of bed from a chair, try to move smoothly.
- Lift weights gently. Do it not abruptly, properly distributing the load
- Avoid hypothermia. Moreover, attention should be paid to this not only in winter and autumn, but also in the warm season.
- Eat right. Maintaining a balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
- Maintain drinking regimen. You need to drink clean water every day. At the same time, it is better to exclude sweet and energy drinks, and limit coffee.
- Take periodic massage courses.
- Eliminate or reduce alcohol and nicotine use.
- Go in for sports. To maintain health, morning exercises and non-professional training two to three times a week are enough.
The most beneficial sport is swimming. - Regular medical examinations. This procedure is mandatory at least once a year after 30 years, as it allows you to correct emerging problems in the early stages.
Particular attention should be paid to preventive measures for people who already have back problems.
Exercises for Prevention
In order to never experience lower back pain, from which the legs give way, it is necessary to regularly perform a set of exercises:
- In the supine position, stretch your legs straight. Tighten your feet and point your socks either towards you or away from you. Repeat the movement 10 times with both legs.
- Lie on the floor on your back. Bend your legs at the knees and raise them perpendicular to the floor. In turn, tilt your legs to the right and left sides, trying to touch the floor with them. The minimum number of repetitions is 10 in each direction.
If the physical form allows, the number of approaches can be increased. - Stand up straight with your arms at your sides. With your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees slightly. Then, bending the lower back as much as possible, begin to smoothly and slowly lower the body to the floor until the head is 30-20 cm from the floor. Loan just as slowly and without sudden movements to take a vertical position. Repeat the exercise at least 5 times. It is important to make every movement smoothly, without rushing.
- Lie on the floor, stretch your arms along the body. Bend your legs at the knees, while firmly pressing your feet to the floor. You can slightly spread your legs shoulder width apart. From this position, gently lift your pelvis, tensing your back muscles. Hold at the top for five seconds, and then also slowly lower yourself to the first position. A minimum of 5 repetitions is required.
- Get on all fours.
With a smooth movement, stretch the straight right arm forward, leaving the left as a support. At the same time, stretch your left leg up so that your back is as straight as possible. The arm and leg should be in the same plane with it and be parallel to the floor. After holding this position for a few seconds, return to the starting position and do the same movement with the other arm and leg. This exercise can be performed even with back pain that has already appeared and after a diagnosis has been made. In addition to strengthening, it also has an analgesic function. - Get on all fours. Relax. Then, in a smooth motion, raise your head, try to tilt it back as much as possible. At the same time, gently bend at the waist. Then return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times, trying to move without sudden movements. This exercise helps prevent pain from the lower back and back from moving into the leg.
If you have already encountered a situation where the lumbosacral spine hurts and gives to the leg, or you complained that when you step on the foot, it gives to the lower back, then what to do in such a situation should be decided by a specialist .

This can reveal signs of infection or digestive disorders.
This can reveal signs of infection or digestive disorders.
Duration from one day to 4-6 weeks with breaks.
It is provoked by inflammation of the muscle tissue, often leading to pinching of the sciatic nerve.




This study is especially relevant for women, as it allows you to identify cysts and other neoplasms.
B vitamins enhance the effect of drugs of a different orientation, allowing the use of smaller doses.
The most beneficial sport is swimming.
If the physical form allows, the number of approaches can be increased.
With a smooth movement, stretch the straight right arm forward, leaving the left as a support. At the same time, stretch your left leg up so that your back is as straight as possible. The arm and leg should be in the same plane with it and be parallel to the floor. After holding this position for a few seconds, return to the starting position and do the same movement with the other arm and leg. This exercise can be performed even with back pain that has already appeared and after a diagnosis has been made. In addition to strengthening, it also has an analgesic function.