10 Common Causes of Left Side Pain
Article Sources
- 1. 'Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 Jan. 2021, www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart/attack.htm
- 2. 'Spleen problems and spleen removal.' NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/spleen-problems-and-spleen-removal/
- 3. 'Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Treatments, Prevention.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10352-diverticular-disease
- 4. 'Sciatica.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377441
- 5. Team, Women's Health. 'When an Ovarian Cyst Ruptures: Is It an Emergency?' Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 28 Sept. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/when-an-ovarian-cyst-ruptures-is-it-an-emergency/
- 6. 'Testicular Torsion.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-torsion/symptoms-causes/syc-20378270
- 7. 'Kidney (Renal) Infection - Pyelonephritis.' Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - Urology Care Foundation, www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/k/kidney-(renal)-infection-pyelonephritis
- 8. 'Gas in the Digestive Tract.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gas-in-the-digestive-tract
- 9. Willacy, Dr Hayley. 'Pleurisy: Symptoms, Treatment and Recovery Time.' Patient.info, 25 Jan. 2021, patient.info/signs-symptoms/chest-pain-leaflet/pleurisy
- 10. 'Acute Pancreatitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.' MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000287.htm
Pain on the left side of the body may be indicative of a variety of conditions. Some may be relatively benign, and others may be life-threatening. The pain may be due to issues involving organs, muscles or nerves.
To diagnose the cause of left side pain, a doctor may ask about the exact location of the pain and how long the pain has been present. They may ask if the pain is sharp or dull, if it's constant or intermittent and if any activities worsen or alleviate the pain. This information along with results of a physical exam and select testing leads to a diagnosis.
Heart Attack
Pain or discomfort in the center or left side of the chest may indicate a heart attack, meaning the heart isn't receiving sufficient blood because of a coronary artery blockage. Sensations include squeezing, pain, pressure or fullness that may last a few minutes or goes away then returns. Pain may also occur in the jaw, neck or back or in one or both shoulders. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, sweating, faintness and weakness.
Emergency medical care is essential if heart attack symptoms are present. Doctors conduct tests to determine if a heart attack is occurring and devise the best plan of action.1‘Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 Jan. 2021, www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart/attack.htm
Damaged, Ruptured or Enlarged Spleen
Pain behind the left ribs may indicate a damaged, ruptured or enlarged spleen. An individual may feel pain on top of their left shoulder if they lie down and raise their legs. A rupture may occur at the time of an injury or later, but it may cause life-threatening internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical care.
Infection, injury or a health condition, such as cirrhosis or leukemia, may cause an enlarged spleen. Rather than removing the spleen, doctors manage the underlying cause.2‘Spleen problems and spleen removal.’ NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/spleen-problems-and-spleen-removal/
Diverticulitis
Pain in the lower left abdomen that begins suddenly or increases over time may be because of diverticulitis. This is an inflammation and infection of the diverticula, or small bulges, in the colon. Other symptoms may include nausea, fever, chills and diarrhea or constipation.
Mild cases of diverticulitis may be managed with antibiotics, over-the-counter pain medications and a low-fiber or liquid diet. Severe diverticulitis may require intravenous fluids, antibiotics and surgical intervention.3‘Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Treatments, Prevention.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10352-diverticular-disease
Sciatica
A person who feels pain in the lower left back that radiates down the buttock and into the leg may have sciatica, caused by a pinched sciatic nerve. The pain may be mild and dull or sharp and excruciating. Coughing and sneezing may worsen the symptoms, and numbness and weakness may accompany the pain.
Pain medications, muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections may be prescribed to help lessen the discomfort. Physical therapy may help strengthen muscles and improve posture to help prevent recurrence.4‘Sciatica.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377441
Ovarian Cyst Rupture
A woman who experiences pain in the lower left abdomen may have a ruptured ovarian cyst. Some ovarian cyst ruptures cause minimal pain and few symptoms and may not require medical care. Others may cause extreme pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and dizziness. These may be signs of leakage of the cyst contents into the abdomen, infection or internal bleeding.
If these serious symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is necessary. Doctors commonly manage the condition with antibiotics or surgery.5Team, Women’s Health. ‘When an Ovarian Cyst Ruptures: Is It an Emergency?’ Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 28 Sept. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/when-an-ovarian-cyst-ruptures-is-it-an-emergency/
Testicular Torsion
A male experiencing sudden severe pain in the left testicle, possibly accompanied by left-side abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and scrotal swelling, may have testicular torsion. This painful condition occurs when the testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord and restricting blood flow to the testicle.
Testicular torsion requires immediate medical care. The doctor may be able to return the testicle to its correct orientation through manual manipulation. If that fails, surgery may be necessary to prevent permanent damage to the testicle.6‘Testicular Torsion.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-torsion/symptoms-causes/syc-20378270
Kidney Infection
A kidney infection may cause pain on the left side of the back or in the groin. Frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, chills and high fever may develop. Older adults may exhibit confused behavior.
Kidney infections that aren't addressed may lead to kidney disease, kidney failure or a life-threatening infection in the bloodstream called sepsis, so emergency medical care is necessary. Doctors may prescribe oral or intravenous antibiotics to eradicate the infection. To correct a blockage in the urinary tract, surgery may be required.7‘Kidney (Renal) Infection - Pyelonephritis.’ Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - Urology Care Foundation, www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/k/kidney-(renal)-infection-pyelonephritis
Gas
Gas in the digestive tract may cause pain in the left abdomen. Sometimes accompanied by belching, bloating and flatulence, gas may be caused by swallowing too much air or eating certain foods, such as beans and cruciferous vegetables. It may also be a symptom of more serious medical conditions, and a doctor may order diagnostic tests to rule out.
Swallowing less air by eating slowly, chewing thoroughly and avoiding carbonated beverages may help prevent gas. Avoiding foods known to cause gas helps too.8‘Gas in the Digestive Tract.’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gas-in-the-digestive-tract
Pleurisy
Sharp, stabbing pain on the left side of the chest that worsens when coughing or breathing may be because of pleurisy, an inflammation of the lung lining. Infection, blood clots and injury are some causes of pleurisy.
Pain from pleurisy caused by a virus may last several days before dissipating on its own. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may help make the person more comfortable. Doctors may help resolve pleurisy due to other causes by managing the underlying condition.9Willacy, Dr Hayley. ‘Pleurisy: Symptoms, Treatment and Recovery Time.’ Patient.info, 25 Jan. 2021, patient.info/signs-symptoms/chest-pain-leaflet/pleurisy
Acute Pancreatitis
Pain in the upper-middle or left side of the abdomen may be a sign of acute pancreatitis. The pain may radiate to the back and worsen when the person lies down. Fever, nausea, vomiting and perspiring may accompany the pain, and the person may have jaundice, indigestion, clay-colored stools and a distended abdomen.
People with acute pancreatitis commonly need hospitalization. Managing acute pancreatitis may include treating the underlying condition, resting the digestive system and administering pain medications and intravenous fluids. Sometimes surgery is necessary.10‘Acute Pancreatitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000287.htm
