Category: Back Pain

Lower back pain to the left can be easily treated at home if it isn’t serious. It could be a sign of something more serious that needs medical attention. We will discuss the most common causes of lower back pain to the left and offer suggestions for how to alleviate it.

What Is Causing The Pain In My Left Lower Back?

Sometimes, lower back pain to the left can be felt only on one side of your body. Some people feel constant pain, while others experience a temporary ache.

There are many types of back pain. Some people feel a sharp, stabbing pain, while others feel a dull ache. People with lower back pain to the left respond differently to pressure and movement. This can help some people, but it can also make the pain worse.

Lower back pain to the left is most commonly caused by:

• Soft tissue injury to muscles or ligaments supporting the spine
• Injury to the spine column by discs or facet joints
• A disease that affects internal organs such as the kidneys or the intestines

Lower back pain on the left side can be caused by many things. Some may be specific to the left side, while others can affect any area of the back.

Muscle Strain Or Sprain

Low back pain is most commonly caused by a muscle strain, or sprain.

A strain refers to a tear in a tendon, muscle, or tendon. A sprain is a tear in a ligament.

When you have twist, lift, or lift something incorrectly, or overstretch or stretch your back muscles, you can cause strains and sprains. Learn about good posture.

These injuries can lead to swelling, difficulty moving, and back spasms.

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from your back to your legs and through your buttocks.

Sciatica can be caused by a herniated disk, bony spur, or spinal compression of the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica typically only affects one side. Sciatica can cause a burning or electric lower back pain to the left that radiates down your legs. It can be worse if you cough, sneeze, or sit for too long.

There are serious causes of sciatica that can lead to weakness or numbness in the leg so consider paying a visit to your doctor. He may prescribe OTC medications  to treat sciatica at home.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disk is when one or more discs between your vertebrae get compressed and bulge outwardly into the spinal canal.

These bulging discs can push on nerves, causing weakness, pain, numbness, and tingling. Sciatica can also be caused by a herniated disk.

An injury can cause herniated discs. Because the discs naturally age, herniated discs become more common with age. A herniated disc is a sign that you have experienced low back pain in the past.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between your vertebrae begins to fall apart. Because of the strain of walking, osteoarthritis is common in the lower back.

Osteoarthritis can be caused by normal wear and tear. However, it is possible to develop from a back injury.

Osteoarthritis is most commonly characterized by pain and stiffness. Twisting your back or bending your spine can be particularly painful.

Dysfunction Of The Sacroiliac Joints

Sacroiliitis (SI) is a disorder of the sacroiliac joints. There are two sacroiliac joints, one on each side. They connect with your pelvis at the top. Sacroiliitis refers to inflammation of this joint. It can affect either one or both of these sides.

The most common sign is pain in the lower back or buttocks. This is often made worse by:

• Standing
• Climbing stairs
• Running
• Too much weight on the affected leg
• Taking large steps

Infection Or Kidney Stones?

Your kidneys are vital for flushing out waste from your body. These kidney stones can form. There are many causes of kidney stones, including a buildup or too little fluid.

Sometimes, small kidney stones do not cause symptoms and can disappear on their own. These symptoms can be caused by larger stones that may need treatment.

• Pain while urinating
• A sharp pain in your lower back on one side
• Blood in your urine
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Fever

A kidney infection is usually caused by a urinary tract infection. This can cause kidney stone-like symptoms. A kidney infection that is not treated promptly can cause permanent damage to your kidneys.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which cells that look like the uterus lining (called endometrial cells) grow outside of the uterus. These cells can swell and burst every month, which can cause pain and other problems.

Most endometriosis occurs in women who are in their 30s or 40s.

The most common symptom of pain is:

• Very painful menstrual cramps
• Lower back pain
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• It causes painful bowel movements and urination during your period.

Some other symptoms include:

• Bleeding in-between periods (spotting).
• Heavy Periods
• Digestive issues like diarrhea
• Bloating
• Infertility

Fibroids

Fibroids can be tumors that develop in the wall or uterus. They are generally benign.

Fibroid symptoms include:

• Periods of heavy bleeding
• It can be painful.
• Bloating in the lower abdomen
• You have a feeling of fullness in your lower abdomen.
• Low back pain
• frequent urination
• Pain during sex

Low back pain can be caused by ulcerative colitis or pancreatitis. This is not a common symptom. If they do cause back discomfort, it is usually more severe in the back. Both should be addressed by a doctor as soon as possible.

Lower Back Pain On The Left Side During Pregnancy

Back pain can be very common during pregnancy. It could be due to:

• The heavier front of your body can strain the back muscles.
• Changes in posture
• As your stomach grows, your abdominal muscles will weaken. This means that your spine won’t be as supported.
• Sciatica
• Hormones that cause the ligaments of your pelvis to relax in preparation for birth. (If they become too mobile, it can lead to pain.)
• SI joint dysfunction.
• A kidney infection is a condition that occurs when the more common urinary tract infections in pregnancy are not treated correctly.

Low Back Pain: Risk Factors

The following are risk factors for sciatica:

• Age. Alter-related changes to the spine, such as herniated discs or bone spurs, are the most common causes of sciatica.
• Obesity. An excess of body weight can cause spinal problems that lead to sciatica.
• Occupation. Some jobs that require you to bend over, lift heavy objects, or drive a motor car for long periods of time might be linked to sciatica. However, there is no definitive evidence.
• Long sitting Sedentary people are more likely to get sciatica than those who are active.
• Diabetes This condition affects how your body uses sugar and increases your risk for nerve damage.

Prevention Of Lower Back Pain

Sciatica can recur. It is not always possible to prevent it. These are key steps to protecting your back.

• Get active. Keep your spine strong. Your core muscles are important for correct posture and alignment. Learn about muscle and core strengthening.
• Proper posture is important when sitting. Look for a seat that offers good support for your lower back, armrests, and a swivel base. To maintain your normal curve, you might place a pillow or towel on the lower part of your back. Keep your hips and knees straight.
• Have good body mechanics. When you are standing for long periods of time, keep one foot on a stool. Your lower extremities should do the lifting of heavy objects. Straighten your arms and move them up and down. Maintain a straight back and bend at the knees. Keep the load close to you. Do not lift and twist simultaneously. If the object is awkward or heavy, find a partner to lift it. Learn how to maintain good posture at work.

How To Treat Lower Back Pain On The Left Side

Self-Care

Self-care is often the first step to treating lower back problems.

• Recover. Take some time off from strenuous activities.
• Avoidance Activities that can aggravate your pain should be reduced or eliminated.
• OTC pain medication
• Ice/heat therapy Warm packs reduce swelling. Heat increases blood flow and relieves muscle tension.

See Your Doctor

If self-care is not working, a visit to the doctor may be required. For lower back pain to the left, your doctor might prescribe:

• Muscle relaxants To reduce muscle spasms and tightness, drugs such as baclofen (Lioresal) and chlorzoxazone (“Paraflex”) are often used.
• Opioids. For the short-term treatment and relief of severe lower back pain to the left, drugs such as Fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic) and hydrocodone [Vicodin, Lortab] are often prescribed.
• Injections An injection of steroids in the lumbar epidural space near the spinal nerve root administers steroids.
• Brace. Braces can sometimes be combined with physical therapy to provide comfort and speed healing.

Ice And Heat For Lower Back Pain Relief

You can treat sciatica at home by taking a few simple steps. You may find a heating pad or an ice pack helpful. You can apply heat or ice for approximately 20 minutes every hour. You can experiment to determine which one provides the best relief. Alternating between them is also possible.

Lower Back Pain Relief

Short-term relief can be obtained from sciatica using over-the-counter painkillers. There are two options: acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. To further reduce inflammation, your doctor may recommend steroid injections.

Stretching For Lower Back Pain Relief

While your sciatica heals, you should be active. Moving can reduce inflammation and pain. A physical therapist will show you how to stretch your hamstrings and lower back.

Learn yoga poses for lower back pain. Some exercises may not be appropriate depending on your medical condition. You may be able to take short walks with your doctor.

Injections

To reduce inflammation, doctors may recommend injecting steroids into the spine in severe cases. The medication is delivered directly to the area surrounding the sciatic nerve.

Surgery

Surgery may be an option if your sciatica is caused by a herniated disc and continues to cause severe pain after 4 to 6 weeks.

To relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, the surgeon will cut off a portion of the herniated disc. This type of surgery is effective in relieving about 90% of patients. Spinal stenosis can also be treated with other surgical procedures.

The Takeaway

You are not the only one suffering from lower back pain. Lower back pain to the left can be a leading cause of absence from work.

You may be able to take simple steps at home, depending on how severe your pain is or how severe your condition is. If home care doesn’t work, or you have unusual symptoms, consult your doctor to get a complete diagnosis and discuss treatment options.

Sources:

• Lumbar Herniated Disc: Should I Have Surgery? | Michigan Medicine. (2020, November 16). Lumbar Herniated Disc: Should I Have Surgery? | Michigan Medicine. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa6282.
• MD, R. S. (n.d.). Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections for Low Back Pain And Sciatica. Spine-health. https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/lumbar-epidural-steroid-injections-low-back-pain-and-sciatica.
• Back Pain During Pregnancy: Causes And Treatments. (2020, June 12). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/back-pain-in-pregnancy.
• Fibroids: What Are Fibroids? Fibroids Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis – UCLA. (n.d.). Fibroids: What are Fibroids? Fibroids Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis – UCLA. https://www.uclahealth.org/fibroids/what-are-fibroids.
• Endometriosis. (n.d.). nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis/.
• Kidney Stone Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, & Prevention – American Kidney Fund (AKF). (n.d.). Kidney Stone Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, & Prevention – American Kidney Fund (AKF). https://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/kidney-problems/kidney-stones/.
• Buchanan, B. K., & Varacallo, M. (2021, August 11). Sacroiliitis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. Sacroiliitis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448141/.
• Osteoarthritis (OA) | Arthritis | CDC. (2020, July 27). Osteoarthritis (OA) | Arthritis | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm.
• Herniated Disk In the Lower Back – OrthoInfo – AAOS. (2018, June 1). Herniated Disk in the Lower Back – OrthoInfo – AAOS. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/.
• Sciatica – Wikipedia. (2015, July 2). Sciatica – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciatica.
• Sprains – Symptoms And Causes. (2020, September 25). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sprains/symptoms-causes/syc-20377938.
• MD, J. P. (n.d.). Causes Of Lower Back Pain. Spine-health. https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/causes-lower-back-pain.

Low right back pain could be caused by injury to muscles, tendons, ligaments, spinal problems, or diseases of internal organs. Most injuries to the right side are easily treated by the body. If symptoms interfere with daily activities, it is a good idea to contact a doctor.

It may feel like a sharp, stabbing pain on your left side. It may also throb on your right side, getting worse with each passing day. It doesn’t matter where it is located, but one thing is certain: back pain can be a painful foe.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, 80% of Americans will experience a back pain during their lifetime. Americans spend more than $50 billion a year on their care.

The pain may radiate from bones, joints, or ligaments. Back pain can also be caused by lifestyle choices. Back pain can be caused by everything, from poor posture and sports injuries to obesity and psychological stress.

You may be able to identify the source of the pain if it is only on one side. It could be a minor condition that your body can heal, or it could signal a more serious condition.

One-sided back pain can be quite common, states Bradley Tucker (MD), a Penn Medicine physician and assistant professor of Clinical Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Continue reading to find out what symptoms to look for and what a symptom of back pain may be. Penn Medicine offers an online assessment to help you determine if it’s time to visit a doctor or look into home remedies for lower back pain.

Is This A Medical Emergency Or Not?

No one wants to rush to the emergency room for back pain. However, it is important to treat right side and left-side pains seriously. If your back pain is severe or you think it might be an emergency such as a serious medical condition or injury, go to the emergency room.

It’s important to know if the symptoms are occurring in combination with any other conditions, such as tenderness or swelling of the spine, bowel, bladder, or bowel problems.

Cauda Equina Syndrome, a serious nerve condition that causes nerve compression at one end of the spinal cord, is an example. Dr. Tucker explains that symptoms can include paralysis, numbness, a loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness, and numbness around your groin.

However, back pain is not the only emergency symptom. An abdominal aneurysm can cause the abdominal aorta balloon to burst or even rupture. Aneurysms can cause severe chest or abdominal pain that radiates to one side of your back.

If you think you might be experiencing an emergency, it is important to become familiar with the symptoms and get medical attention right away.

Remember to be cautious when you are dealing with back pain on your left or right side. This is especially true if it interrupts your daily activities or if it comes on suddenly and doesn’t respond to medication or rest.

Talk to your doctor or visit an emergency room to find out exactly what is going on behind the scenes.

The Common Causes of Lower Right-Back Pain

The following are the most common causes of lower right back pain:

1. Injuries to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons around and supporting the spine are collectively known as “soft tissues.”
2. Problems with the spine structures such as intervertebral disks or facet joints
3. Problems or diseases that affect the internal organs of the pelvic, abdominal, and mid-back regions.

If lower right back pain persists or gets worse after a few days or if there is a sudden onset of severe or other worrying symptoms, it is a good idea to see a doctor.

Low right back pain is most often caused by minor injuries to muscles or ligaments in the lower spine and can be treated by the best otc for back pain. The body is well-equipped to heal these types of injuries. Although the initial pain from a muscle strain can be severe, it tends to go away over the next few days or weeks.

Strain Of The Lower Right Back Muscles

Muscle strain is the leading cause of low right back pain. It can be located mainly on the lower right side of the back.

These are some of the most common symptoms:

• Limitation of motion (movements like bending forward or turning towards the side can be painful or impossible).
• Tenderness or swelling of the lower right side
• Lower back muscle spasms
• Rest is a way to ease the pain. This can be done by sitting on your back with your feet up, with your knees slightly bent, in an armchair with an ottoman, or in a recliner with pillows.
• You will feel better when you use ice and cold packs to ease your pain.
• Pain can be relieved at least partially with over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen.
• Pain when you get up from a seated or lying position.

Muscle strain is most commonly caused by minor injuries like twisting while lifting groceries. Muscle strain can also be caused by an impact type injury, such as a car accident or sports injury.

Muscle strains usually feel better in a matter of weeks.

Lower Right Back Pain From The Spinal Column

Any combination of interconnected structures can be a source of pain in the spinal column, including the small facet joints running along the back, the discs in each movement segment and the nerve roots that branch off on the right side of each segment.

There are several common lower back conditions that can present with symptoms on the right side, including:

• Lumbar Herniated Disk The disc between two vertebrae can herniate on one side of the spine. This causes the jelly-like inner to protrude, or leak. Low right back pain can be caused by inflammation. It is common for the pain to radiate into the right leg and buttock.
• Facet Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis). Arthritis affecting the facet joints of the spine can cause stiffness, pain, tenderness, or discomfort on the lower right side. Sometimes, the right side nerve of the spine may be compressed by an arthritic bone spur at the facet joint. This can lead to local tenderness and lower right-hand back pain.
  See Facet Joint Osteoarthritis.
• Spinal Stenosis A herniated disc or bone spur may cause narrowing of the spinal canal, which can lead to lower right back pain, radicular discomfort, and/or weakness in the right buttocks and legs.
• Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when the pelvic bones and the base of your spine are connected by the sacroiliac joint. The sacroiliac joints on either side of the pelvis may experience too much or too little movement. This can cause pain in the right lower back and/or right hip.
  Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain)
• Ankylosing Spondylitis Ankylosing spondylitis may be caused by inflammation in the lower sacroiliac joints. Early signs of ankylosing spine include lower right back pain, right hip pain, and/or lower right hip pain. Ankylosing Spondylitis can cause the spinal joints and vertebrae of the spine to fuse and restrict motion over a prolonged period.
  Learn more about ankylosing spondylitis at Arthritis.com.

The severity of the symptoms and the condition of the patient will determine the treatment options. There are many treatment options available, including hot and cold packs, over-the-counter pain medication, manual manipulation, injections, and surgery.

Some patients find that effective treatment can be a trial-and-error process. The optimal combination of treatments could change over time.

The Less Common Causes of Lower Right Back Pain

Low right back pain can also be caused by problems in the spine or other severe pain conditions. These conditions include:

• Degenerative spondylolisthesis A degenerative spondylolisthesis is a bony vertebra that has moved forward above the one below it because of age-related wear and tear. This condition can cause strain on the lower back muscles that support the spine and cause localized pain.
• Syndromes of chronic back pain conditions such as myofascial and fibromyalgia can cause full-body musculoskeletal and/or chronic pain. They may also cause pain on one side or the other of the lower back. You may also experience tenderness or persistent fatigue.
  Learn more about fibromyalgia at Arthritis.com.
• Spinal tumor Spinal cancer is rare. Most spinal tumors develop from another part of the body. Lower right back pain may result if a tumor presses against the spine or a nerve root.
  See Back Pain and Spinal Tumors.
• Gallbladder inflammation Gallbladder dysfunction or inflammation is often accompanied by severe indigestion, especially after meals. Gallbladder dysfunction can cause right-sided back pain and upper right abdominal pain.
• Problems with the liver. The liver can be affected by inflammation (hepatitis), abscess, liver scarring, or cirrhosis. Liver problems can cause pain in the upper right abdomen or back, fatigue, nausea, lack of appetite, jaundice, and other symptoms. People who are not at high risk for liver problems are unlikely to develop them.

Certain conditions are more difficult to diagnose than others. It can be useful to keep track of long-term symptoms, such as those that are intermittent or worsen over time.

Internal Organs Cause Lower Right Back Pain

Lower right back pain can come from many places, including the abdominal, pelvic, and mid-back organs. The pain may occur due to inflammation, irritation or infection of an organ. These conditions can cause lower back pain and other symptoms that are more specific to the source.

There are several common causes of lower back pain, including:

Kidney Problems

Kidney infections and kidney stones can have very similar symptoms. Both can cause low right back pain, nausea, and vomiting. A kidney stone can cause difficulty urinating. It moves through the kidneys and into the bladder and the urinary tract. Patients may also notice blood in their urine. A right kidney infection can lead to fever, inflammation, and tenderness around the kidney.

Ulcerative Colitis

Chronic inflammation of the large intestine (also known as the colon) is the hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease. Low right back pain can be caused by frequent abdominal cramping due to ulcerative colitis. Other symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, weight loss, fatigue, and rectal pain.

Appendicitis

The appendix can be found on the lower right side of your abdomen. Appendicitis can cause lower back pain if it becomes inflamed or leaks. Although symptoms can vary and it is not clear whether chronic or gradual appendicitis is more common, there are some reports that chronic lower right quadrant pain may be present.

One common presentation is abdominal pain that suddenly develops with a central point in the lower right abdomen. Other symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, and lower back pain.

Gynecological Disorders

Lower right back pain can be caused by various pelvic organs. Endometriosis, a common condition, can cause sporadic, sharp pain in your pelvis that can radiate to your lower back. Fibroids are tissue masses found in the uterus that can cause lower back pain.

Pregnancy

As the baby grows, lower right back pain and general low right back pain are common. Many women find that different pain management options are helpful. These include stretching and exercise, as well as complementary therapies.

Low right back pain may also be caused by internal conditions. To get an accurate diagnosis, it is essential to know what your symptoms are so that you can plan the best treatment.

Sources:

• Cauda Equina Syndrome – OrthoInfo – AAOS. (2020, August 1). Cauda Equina Syndrome – OrthoInfo – AAOS. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/cauda-equina-syndrome/.
• Back Pain On One Side. (n.d.). https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/musculoskeletal-and-rheumatology/2017/november/back-pain-on-one-side.
• Chiropractor In Lakeville | Back Pain Facts & Statistics In Lakeville | Rozmarin Family Chiropractic, P. A.. (n.d.). Chiropractor in Lakeville | Back Pain Facts & Statistics in Lakeville | Rozmarin Family Chiropractic, P. A.. http://www.rfamilychiro.com/back-pain-facts-statistics.
• What Is the Prevalence Of Low Back Pain (LBP)?. (2022, January 31). What is the prevalence of low back pain (LBP)?. https://www.medscape.com/answers/1144130-118907/what-is-the-prevalence-of-low-back-pain-lbp.