Lower left back pain female that’s localized to 1 side of the body might feel like a consistent ache or pain that flares periodically after which subsides. Discomfort within the lower left side of the back could be sharp, stabbing, and extreme or a dull, consistent ache. In lots of cases, lower left-side back pain stops or intensifies with movement and might even change when pressure is placed on the back.
Typical Causes of Sharp, Stabbing Lower Left Side Pain within the Back
Probably the most typical causes of stabbing, acute pain within the lower left side of the back consist of:
- An injury to structures along the spinal column comparable to element joints or back discs
- Damage of sentimental tissue structures that support the spine comparable to the ligaments or muscles
- Conditions that impact internal organs comparable to the intestinal tracts, kidneys, or reproductive organs
Soft Tissue Damage Man experiencing sharp stabbing pain within the lower left side of the back
Muscles or tendons within the lower back which might be overused, weak, or overstretched can turn out to be stretched. Likewise, a torn or overstretched ligament may cause a painful sprain. Each of those sorts of injuries are connected with inflammation that’s linked to sharp, stabbing muscle spasms. Events comparable to an abrupt motion (e.g., twisting, flexing), a difficult fall, or a minor automobile accident can damage soft tissue within the lower back. Poor posture or inappropriate lifting methods may cause a back injury. Signs that lower left side pain within the back is likely to be the final result of sentimental tissue damage include a sore or stiff back, stabbing discomfort within the back during movement, or muscle spasms.
Damage to the Spinal Column
Conditions comparable to facet joint syndrome, a herniated lumber disc, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction, to call a couple of, may likewise cause one-sided (e.g., left side) lower back pain.
Element Joint Syndrome
Aspect joints are small bony structures that support vertebrae (spine bones). They’ve the looks of bony knobs and so they lie in between the vertebrae. These little joints connect vertebrae in a chain-like manner to advertise back movement in several instructions. Damage to or the degeneration of facet joints may cause a condition called facet joint syndrome. Osteoarthritis, a serious injury, or wear and tear of the joints as a consequence of aging are additional issues that may trigger swelling of the facet joints. Pain generally establishes within the region where the impacted joint is situated. Some of the typically reported symptoms by people who find themselves affected by element joint syndrome is a pain within the lower back that is likely to be one-sided (e.g., left side), and radiates to the butts, thighs, or legs. Extra symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- muscle weakness
- stiffness within the back
- lack of flexibility within the spine
- tenderness or discomfort within the inflamed location
In some cases, injuries a person might rule out as considerable, comparable to bad posture while raising heavy objects or twisting the body the improper way, may set off the start of element joint pain.
Herniated Disc
Back discs are placed in between each vertebra within the lower region of the spinal column, where they function as protective shock absorbers. A distressing spine injury, incorrect lifting techniques, an inactive lifestyle, and performing repetitive motions might trigger a disc to increase or bulge, triggering a herniated disc. This condition may cause discomfort to determine on one side of the lower back (e.g., left side), depending on the position of the disc. In lots of cases, a disc may break or rupture. When this happens, a particular normally experiences serious discomfort that may require surgery to forestall long-term nerve damage.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction develops when the joints that connect the sacrum (lower) region of the spine to the remainder of the pelvis, begin to maneuver abnormally. For some individuals, the joints may turn out to be stiff and cause poor coordination in addition to lower back pain. Others may experience pain as a consequence of joints which have turn out to be loose, the latter of which is very common in pregnant women as a consequence of hormonal changes. A tough fall on the left side, for instance, may also alter the position of the joint and cause lower left-side back pain. The pain could also be accompanied by inflammation in the world of the joint and this will likely result in a continuing ache within the left lower side of the back in addition to pain within the buttocks and the back of the left upper thigh.
Individuals who experience a lot of these spinal issues often respond well to physical therapy. Many even notice significant improvement after a couple of weeks of treatment. Nonetheless, sharp, stabbing lower left side pain within the back may be a sign of an internal organ problem. Additional symptoms typically accompany this kind of lower back pain.
Internal Organ Issues
Sharp, stabbing pain within the lower left side of the back could also be a sign of an internal organ problem comparable to a kidney infection, kidney stone, ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis, or uterine disorders (e.g., fibroids, endometriosis).
Urinary or Kidney Infections
A urinary infection or an infection of the left kidney may cause constant, stabbing pain that may radiate through the lower left side of the back. Symptoms comparable to burning, itching, or pain while urinating, chills, or a fever, indicate the presence of a possible infection. These kind of symptoms warrant an examination by a health care provider.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones, which develop as a consequence of mineral buildup within the urinary tract, are related to sharp, stabbing pain on the lower left side of the back and intense pain below the ribs, within the lower abdomen, above the buttocks, and within the groin. Blood may appear within the urine. The sharp, stabbing pain may subside as smaller stones go through the urinary tract, but larger stones may require specific treatment (e.g., medication, shock wave therapy) that helps facilitate their passage by breaking them up.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is characterised by abnormal pancreatic function as a consequence of inflammation. Chronic pancreatitis may also result in the event of fluid-filled sacs on the surface of the pancreas. Probably the most common symptoms which might be related to this condition include severe pain in the midst of the abdomen or on the left side of the stomach that may extend to the lower back. It is usually described as sharp, stabbing, shooting, or burning pain that fluctuates and lasts for several hours or a couple of days. Nausea and vomiting may occur as well. If the condition progresses, the painful episodes may increase in frequency and severity.
Uterine Disorders
Endometriosis is a uterine condition that’s characterised by painful lesions that grow outside of the uterus. The lesions may be present within the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or intestines. Accordingly, abnormal growth of the left side (e.g., left ovary, left fallopian tube) can result in lower left-side pain that extends to the back. Severe cramping throughout the menstrual cycle and painful intercourse are also related to this condition.
One other common issue that’s linked to lower left-side back pain is uterine fibroids, that are noncancerous growths that develop within the uterus or the ovaries. Fibroids may cause intense cramping, heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and prolonged menstruation.
Treatment for Sharp, Stabbing Lower Left Side of Back Pain in Female
Treatment for sharp, stabbing pain within the lower left side of the back varies widely depending on the underlying cause. Getting an accurate diagnosis by a healthcare skilled (e.g., physical therapist, or doctor) is crucial to receive proper treatment. If the lower left side back pain originates as a consequence of an issue with internal organs, identifying the cause and treating it may well help alleviate the discomfort. The next examples describe potential treatments for internal organ issues:
Kidney stones– Medication could also be prescribed or shockwave therapy could also be really helpful to assist break up the kidney stones. Endometriosis– Medication may be prescribed to focus on the pain and surgery could also be performed to remove excess tissue. Pancreatitis– If a bile duct obstruction is present, it might have to be surgically removed or fluid could be drained from the pancreas.
If pain on the lower left side of the back develops as a consequence of a musculoskeletal or spinal issue, the next strategies could also be useful:
Resting
If a minor accident (e.g., a tough fall) or swift movement comparable to improperly lifting an object caused a back injury, resting the back by limiting activities that worsen the pain can assist promote recovery.
Hot-Cold Applications
Applying a chilly compress or ice pack to the affected area several times a day for about 20 minutes every time can assist decrease pain and inflammation. An ice pack must be wrapped in a cloth before it’s applied to the skin to guard it from extremely cold temperatures. Cold applications goal swelling, discomfort, and muscle spasms by slowing down blood flow.
After using a chilly compress or ice pack to minimize the pain, a heating pad could be applied to the world for an additional 20 minutes to assist soothe and calm down tense muscles or ligaments. The appliance of warmth also reduces pain, boosts circulation, and enhances flexibility. Heightened circulation also increases nutrient and oxygen transfer to damaged tissue. As well as, improved blood flow promotes the removal of chemical irritants that construct up at the location of inflammation.
Pain Relieving Medicine
Over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), comparable to aspirin and ibuprofen, goal inflammation and pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is one other common pain reliever that could be used for lower left-side back pain when NSAIDs are ineffective or can’t be taken. Stronger prescription medications and muscle relaxants may be really helpful for moderate to severe pain that has turn out to be chronic.
Physical Therapy
If sharp, stabbing lower left side pain within the back doesn’t resolve by itself or pain medication is ineffective, physical therapy could also be really helpful. Post-operative physical therapy can be a standard type of pain management for people whose back pain required surgery. The therapeutic regimen is often geared toward reducing pain and stiffness in addition to promoting a quicker recovery through guided activity. It also involves strengthening muscles, tendons, and ligaments, improving the range of motion, correcting postural issues, and inspiring protected bodily movement. As well as, physical therapists will often design a program that could be performed at home for prolonged improvement. In addition they monitor each individual’s progress and make adjustments accordingly.
Although lower left-side back pain varies when it comes to severity, following the strategies described (e.g., rest, NSAIDs, physical therapy) should lessen or alleviate the pain. If the back pain doesn’t start to diminish after 1 to 2 weeks or it worsens, it might be useful to talk with a health care provider. Additional symptoms that signal a potentially serious condition include:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Numbness
- Incontinence
- Extreme fatigue
- Painful urination
- Muscle weakness
- Blood within the urine
- Shortness of breath
- Numbness within the legs
- Difficulty moving the legs
- lack of bowel or bladder control
- weakness or tingling within the lower body
In such cases, a health care provider may perform a physical examination together with tests comparable to X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs to make a correct diagnosis. Individuals who’re receiving physical therapy should promptly discuss a lot of these symptoms with a therapist in the event that they arise.
Summary
Sharp, stabbing pain within the lower left side of the back may develop as a consequence of various health issues that include underlying problems with internal organs, damage to structures along the spinal column, and musculoskeletal conditions or injuries. The symptoms that accompany a lot of these health problems and the placement of the back pain can assist a healthcare skilled comparable to a physical therapist diagnose the cause.
Some strategies can assist alleviate the pain, and discomfort that’s linked to a minor issue and infrequently resolves by itself in a brief period. Pain that’s severe or is accompanied by other symptoms comparable to a fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, or extreme muscle weakness necessitates a medical examination.
