Most people perceive the appearance of painful sensations in the side of the back as one of the symptoms of diseases of the spinal column or the muscles of the back itself. However, there are many different diseases that cause pain in the left side of the back and more often they manifest themselves in the form of pathological processes in the internal organs that are located in this area.
Ignorance of the problem leads to the fact that a person neglects going to a medical facility and begins to self-medicate. As a result, time is lost, but the pain does not disappear. Therefore, before drawing conclusions and starting treatment at home, you should consult a doctor, undergo the necessary diagnostic tests and identify the main cause of this condition.
Types of pain on the side in the left hypochondrium
Pain sensations may differ in intensity, time of occurrence, dependence on physical activity, breathing or food intake. Some types of pain syndrome indicate an exacerbation of chronic processes in the body and require adequate therapy. Acute pain in the left hypochondrium with a high degree of intensity develops in emergency conditions. Such patients must be immediately transported to the hospital for surgery and resuscitation.
According to the intensity of the pain syndrome, there are:
- acute - constant intense pain, causing deep emotional experiences, poorly relieved by painkillers;
- chronic – periodic pain of low intensity, which is relieved with painkillers.
According to the nature of the pain sensations there are:
According to the source of pain, there are:
- visceral – occur as a result of inflammatory processes, injuries and bleeding from internal organs;
- muscular - arise as a result of inflammation or traumatic rupture of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall or chest;
- neurological - occurs when the nerve trunks become inflamed;
- peritoneal – develop due to irritation of the peritoneum (“acute” abdomen);
- reflected - spread to the left hypochondrium from distant organs along nerve fibers and require differential diagnosis.
If acute, unbearable pain occurs, you must call an ambulance. In case of chronic pain syndrome, it is recommended to consult a doctor in a timely manner for diagnosis of the disease and treatment.
Treatment
Intercostal neuralgia requires complex treatment, combining medication and physiotherapy. You cannot use only one direction; the effect is achieved through complex treatment.
Drug treatment includes:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Mainly used in the form of tablets or intramuscular injections. They relieve pain, relieve inflammation and other symptoms, and promote rapid recovery. In some cases, injection solutions are used when a person’s pain threshold is weak and discomfort interferes with the person’s normal functioning;
- ointments, gels, pain-relieving creams. For local use in combination with internal medication, use Voltaren, Finalgon, Ketonal, etc. These products are applied to the skin in places where pain is localized to relieve the unpleasant effects of pinching, relax muscles, and reduce inflammation;
- in extreme cases, blockade is an indispensable remedy. If the pain is pronounced and does not subside for a long time, becoming unbearable, a special injection of anesthetic drugs is used in the area of the affected nerve.
Among the physiotherapeutic procedures that are effective are:
- acupuncture. With its help, you can improve blood flow, activate the necessary points, relieve pain and start the body's metabolic processes. The doctor will decide how many sessions you need; this figure is individual for each person;
- electrophoresis. For at least a week, exposure to electrical waves gives a positive result in getting rid of pain;
- manual therapy. It can relax tense muscles, reduce compression of nerve endings, relieve pain, align the vertebrae and intervertebral discs;
- massage. With its help, the nerve impulses of the body are stimulated, blood flow improves, the metabolic process intensifies, the body relaxes, and the muscles become toned.
For each patient, a different scheme and duration of sessions is selected, taking into account the severity of the pinching, pain syndrome and neglect of the process.
Spleen diseases
The spleen is a hematopoietic organ. Inflammation is characterized by a rapid increase in size of the spleen (splenomegaly), and with injuries there is a high risk of rupture of the organ capsule with heavy bleeding. Splenomegaly occurs with mononucleosis, acute and chronic forms of leukemia, anemia, hypersplenism, hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver, ARVI.
Diseases of the organ are characterized by bursting, pressing pain in the left hypochondrium, which does not depend on physical activity and food intake. When the spleen ruptures, a bluish area forms around the navel, dizziness, nausea, and weakness appear. The pain at the time of rupture of an organ of a traumatic or infectious nature is acute and cutting in nature.
Kidney cancer
In this case, the state of pain lasts relatively short time. Minor pain and bleeding appear only at the last stage of the pathology. If the tumor obstructs the outflow of urine, then in this case there may be acute pain in the right side under the ribs.
If the cancer appeared in the right adrenal gland, then in this case patients note pain in the hypochondrium area, located on the right side. However, this only happens when large tumors form. Otherwise, no obvious manifestations of pain are observed.
Intestinal diseases
Pathology of the small intestine leads to visceral or referred pain in the left side. A tumor of the left colon in the later stages of the disease causes aching pain that intensifies 2-3 hours after eating. The pain syndrome occurs against a background of weakness, weight loss, and aversion to food. Enteritis is characterized by periodic dull pain in the left side, which is accompanied by constipation and diarrhea, a feeling of transfusion in the abdomen, and increased gas formation. With ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, blood appears in the stool.
Congestive heart failure
In this case, discomfort and pain in the right side under the ribs are explained by poor circulation. This leads to an enlarged liver and accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal area.
In this case, patients complain of nagging pain, as well as a strong feeling of heaviness. Pain increases as the disease progresses. If a person is diagnosed with abdominal myocardial infarction, then in this case the pain will be very burning and severe. As a rule, it occurs in the lower part of the right hypochondrium.
Some patients complain of a feeling of tightness in the side. Others note that the pain is more like being stabbed with a knife. An unpleasant sensation radiates to the shoulder blades and sternum. Also, such symptoms are characteristic of an infarction of the posterior wall of the heart muscles. In some situations, patients note a wave-like manifestation of pain.
Stomach diseases
Gastritis and gastric ulcer cause pain in the epigastric region and in the left hypochondrium. In the case of gastritis, the pain is stabbing, drilling, shooting, and intensifies after eating spicy and fatty foods. Characterized by a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, belching rotten or sour, heartburn, nausea.
Peptic ulcer disease manifests itself with hunger and night pain (increased discomfort on an empty stomach), after eating, the pain syndrome decreases. Characterized by vomiting mixed with blood, loss of body weight, and asthenia. Perforation of the ulcer is accompanied by dagger-like acute pain, vomiting, severe weakness, retardation of consciousness, and muscle tension in the anterior abdominal wall. This is an acute condition requiring emergency medical attention and surgery.
Stomach cancer causes aversion to food (usually meat products), constant aching pain in the epigastrium and left hypochondrium, weight loss, weakness, and anemia. When a tumor grows into large nerve trunks, an acute pain syndrome occurs, which can only be relieved with narcotic analgesics.
Cirrhosis of the liver
In this situation, patients most often complain of dull or aching pain in the right side under the ribs. If we talk about the reasons for such symptoms, then there is a possibility to believe that the liver was filled with blood, which caused its swelling. In this case, the patient complains of constant discomfort.
If there is a burning sensation in the liver area, then the pain radiates to the back and neck. In this case, there is also a high probability that the person has liver problems.
In this case, liver cells die, which leads to a gradual change in its structure. As a rule, in patients with a similar diagnosis, pain is localized in the right side at waist level. Sometimes the pain radiates to the back. With cirrhosis, these symptoms can appear already in the first stages of the pathology.
Many people note a burning sensation in the right side that does not stop. This is a very dangerous disease, so it cannot be ignored. If the cause of pain in the right side under the ribs lies precisely in cirrhosis, then such a condition requires immediate hospitalization. If the liver becomes significantly smaller and the final stage of cirrhosis begins, this can lead to a severe malfunction of its performance. There is a risk of developing hepatic coma.
Pancreatic diseases
Inflammation of the pancreas is called pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis causes indigestion and periodic pain in the left side. Characterized by diarrhea, greasy stools with lumps of undigested food, and flatulence. Pain of a stabbing, bursting, shooting nature occurs 1-1.5 hours after eating. Often the pain syndrome becomes girdling - spasmodic pain compresses the left and right hypochondrium in a “ring”.
Acute pancreatitis is a dangerous condition with a high mortality rate (up to 60%). Acute pain of high intensity appears, nausea, vomiting without relief, increased body temperature up to 39 degrees, chills, loss of appetite, loose, frequent stools. The disease usually develops after heavy intake of spicy or fatty foods or alcohol abuse. If acute pancreatitis occurs, the patient must be urgently taken to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment.
Pancreatic cancer is asymptomatic for a long time. Sometimes loose stools, nausea, and vomiting appear after a heavy meal. The first sign of the disease is often yellowing of the skin and sclera as a result of compression of the bile ducts by the tumor. Pain in the left hypochondrium occurs in the later stages of the disease, constantly or periodically. The pain syndrome is dull, bursting, does not depend on food intake, less often intense - due to the germination of a tumor of the nerve trunks. Often accompanied by vomiting and refusal to eat.
Organ pathology or osteochondrosis: how to find out why your stomach hurts?
Abdominal pain is a concomitant symptom of lumbar, thoracic (much less frequently) osteochondrosis, since in these parts there are nerve endings of the spinal cord connecting the spine with the abdominal and pelvic organs.
Over the years, intervertebral discs deteriorate: they lose their strength and elasticity. This leads to excessive mobility of the vertebrae and the formation of bone growths on their body, the appearance of pathologies in the joints, muscles and ligaments (compression of the paravertebral structures occurs). During degenerative processes in the thoracic region, in the area of 5-7 vertebrae, the roots responsible for the nervous supply of the intestines, gallbladder, spleen and stomach are compressed. Their constant irritation by overgrown osteophytes causes pain that mimics gastrointestinal diseases.
The mechanism of pain in the lower abdomen with lumbar osteochondrosis is based on the following compression and reflex syndromes:
- Radicular - manifests itself both in the early and later stages of the disease (when a protrusion or lateral intervertebral hernia has formed). As the degenerative disc moves, it compresses the nerve roots and blood vessels, thereby impairing the outflow of venous blood and the transmission of nerve impulses from the spinal cord to the brain (spasm, inflammation or paralysis of the spinal nerves occurs). This leads to pain in certain parts of the body. If the first three roots are pinched, a person feels pain in the lower back, front and inner thighs, lower abdomen and groin area.
- Lumboischialgia (sciatica) is a complex of symptoms that occurs as a result of pinching of the sciatic nerve by deformed vertebrae or intervertebral hernia. The syndrome manifests itself in different ways. As a rule, the patient feels shooting pains in the back, radiating to the thigh and buttock. However, a compressed sciatic nerve can also cause spasms of the pelvic muscles: pain appears in the groin and lower abdomen.
Pinched sciatic nerve.
The picture shows: 1. Irritation of the nerve 2. Herniated intervertebral disc 3. Inflamed joint 4. Inflamed muscle 5. Herniated intervertebral disc presses on the nerve endings of the spinal cord 6. Sciatic nerve Another cause of pain in the lower abdomen with pathology in the lumbar region is compression myelopathy (compression of the spinal cord). In this case, the patient experiences a change in sensitivity in the muscles of the thigh, buttock and lower leg.
It is possible to identify the cause of pain in the lower abdomen only after the patient undergoes the following types of examination:
- Ultrasound of the abdominal and pelvic organs is prescribed to confirm (refute) their pathology.
- X-ray of the spine (in lateral and direct projections) - allows you to assess the condition of the vertebrae: the degree of their displacement, the presence of osteophytes.
- CT and MRI are the most informative methods for studying tissue. They make it possible to examine the intervertebral discs (to clarify their edges) and the ligamentous apparatus, to find out the location of the infringement of the spinal roots.
The relationship between pain syndrome and osteochondrosis is confirmed if the diagnostic results show:
- normal condition of internal organs;
- reducing disk density;
- the presence of osteophytes on the vertebrae;
- destruction of cartilage inside the facet joints;
- formation of protrusion, intervertebral hernia;
- spinal deformities (scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis).
In severe cases, making an accurate diagnosis may require consultation with highly specialized specialists (gynecologist, infectious disease specialist, neurologist) and additional examination, which includes:
- urine blood tests (general and extended);
- bacteriological culture of stool;
- endoscopic examination of the stomach, intestines;
- coprogram.
After a comprehensive examination, the doctor draws conclusions about the mechanism of abdominal pain and chooses a treatment method.
With osteochondrosis, pain in the lower abdomen appears due to a disruption in the transmission of impulses from damaged spinal roots. However, as the disease progresses, patients often experience changes in the tissues of internal organs, diseases that are in no way related to each other. Therefore, it is important to undergo differential diagnosis in time to find out the cause of the pain syndrome and begin taking therapeutic measures.
Muscle disease
Muscle inflammation - myositis can be accompanied by pain in the left side. The pain syndrome is shooting and cramping, intensifies when muscle fibers are stretched while bending in the opposite direction. When palpating the affected muscles, a painful lump is determined. Inflammation of the diaphragm most often occurs with congenital or acquired hernias. Dull or burning pain develops when food passes through the esophagus and bends the body after eating. Pain syndrome usually occurs behind the sternum, but can spread to the left hypochondrium.
Colon diseases
In this case, inflammatory processes occur in the human body, which lead to the appearance of stabbing pain in the right side under the ribs at the back. Discomfort in the back area appears due to a moving stone, which gradually begins to close the bile duct. If we are talking about an acute inflammatory process, then in this case the right arch, as well as the abdominal muscles, will hurt. The pain syndrome is cramping in nature.
In this case, this organ is stretched, which leads to severe pain. Until the inflammation affects the peritoneum, the unpleasant symptoms may not be so severe.
Since we are talking about a part of the intestine, in addition to pain in the right side of the back under the rib, there may also be discomfort in the navel area to the groin area. In this case, it is also recommended to visit a doctor.
In this case, the person suffers from severe, burning pain. This is explained by the fact that stones or sand begin to scratch the renal pelvis and ureter as they move. Accordingly, when renal colic occurs, pain is localized in the lateral abdomen or lower back.
Spasms can even radiate to the genitals. If you put a little pressure on the lower back, you will feel an unpleasant tingling sensation. And in some situations, pain can cause vomiting.
Heart diseases
During myocardial infarction, pain occurs in the left half of the chest, between the shoulder blades, and radiates to the arm on the affected side. The atypical course of the disease leads to referred pain in the left hypochondrium. Sharp, cramping, shooting pains in the left side of high intensity, shortness of breath, fear of death, palpitations, numbness of the left arm are noted. Taking nitroglycerin or painkillers does not bring relief.
If pain occurs in the left hypochondrium, you should consult a doctor for examination and treatment. Timely consultation with a specialist reduces the risk of disease progression and complications.
Pain on the left under the ribs is not only a fairly common phenomenon, but also very deceptive.
The fact is that most of us, having felt such uncomfortable sensations, immediately attribute them to heart problems and start drinking Validol.
However, pain under the ribs on the left side often indicates completely different, but no less serious diseases.
Preventive measures
In order not to get a pinched nerve and not to encounter the problem of intercostal neuralgia, you must adhere to the basic rules in life:
- promptly consult a doctor with viral infections, joint diseases and any other serious illnesses that require prompt measures;
- avoid hypothermia;
- reduce the risk of injury of varying complexity;
- diversify your diet with vitamins and microelements necessary for any body;
- do morning exercises, gymnastics, play sports, move more;
- take daily walks in the fresh air;
- watch your posture;
- give up bad habits, eliminate alcohol;
- undergo a medical examination in a timely manner.
Intercostal neuralgia does not tolerate independent decisions; it must be treated by a competent professional who will prescribe a whole range of different procedures. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more painless the recovery process will be and the lower the risk of complications.
Each of us at least once in our lives has encountered such a phenomenon as acute pain in the rib area. The cause may be neuralgia, which is otherwise referred to as pinched intercostal nerve. There are many reasons for the occurrence of the pathology; the pain is concentrated between the ribs on the left or right side, and in some cases literally penetrates the back to the lower back. The disease appears as a result of lesions that occur in the spinal column due to narrowing of the space between the vertebrae. Let's consider detailed information about this disease.
Nature and intensity of pain
The nature of the pain will help you determine which organ should be treated and which doctor to see.
1. A dull aching pain under the ribs on the left indicates:
- gastritis or gastric ulcer. May be accompanied by vomiting, which brings relief, decreased appetite and diarrhea;
- stomach cancer. May be accompanied by a sharp weight loss, weakness, anemia, symptoms similar to toxicosis in pregnant women (for example, the appearance of an aversion to meat);
- enlarged spleen;
- diseases of the pancreas. May be accompanied by fever, nausea or vomiting.
2. Sharp pain in the left hypochondrium may be a sign of:
- stomach or duodenal ulcers. May be accompanied by heartburn, vomiting and constipation;
- nervous overstrain.
3. Stitching pain on the left under the ribs indicates :
- lung diseases. Especially if it worsens with coughing and deep breaths (pneumonia, inflammation, tuberculosis or cancer of the left lung). May be accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, constipation and general intoxication of the body;
- ulcer of the duodenum or stomach. May be accompanied by nausea and vomiting;
- heart diseases;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia.
Pain symptom in women
If we are talking about representatives of the fair sex, then such painful sensations can be explained by a sharp hormonal imbalance. This leads to spasms of the biliary tract, which contributes to the appearance of sharp pain in the right side under the ribs, which most often radiates to the back.
This is explained by the structural features of the female body or the period of premenstrual syndrome. Also, ladies who take hormonal contraceptives complain about similar problems. In this case, women note stabbing or dull pain, as well as a burning sensation. This is explained by a violation of the passage of bile.
Pain on the left under the ribs in front and behind
Spleen
The spleen is located in the upper left side of the abdominal cavity. Being close to the surface of the body, it is most often susceptible to various injuries. In addition, a number of diseases can contribute to an enlarged spleen, which stretches and causes dull pain under the rib on the left.
If not diagnosed promptly and left untreated, an enlarged spleen can rupture. In this case, the pain will be acute, and the skin around the navel will turn blue, which will occur due to internal hemorrhage into the abdominal cavity.
If you observe similar symptoms in yourself or your loved ones, immediately call an ambulance, as even a minute’s delay can be fatal. However, even with timely hospitalization, there is a high probability of removal of the spleen.
If a ruptured spleen is suspected, it is recommended that the patient apply a cold compress to the left side before the ambulance arrives.
The following diseases can result in splenic rupture:
- inflammation or infarction of the spleen.
Stomach
Sharp, aching, nagging or girdling pain in the hypochondrium, accompanied by nausea or vomiting, may indicate problems with the stomach.
The most common stomach diseases, characterized by pain on the left side, include:
- gastritis - an aching, dull, paroxysmal pain that can occur both after eating (with low acidity) and on an empty stomach (with high acidity);
- gastric ulcer - characterized by acute pain on the left under the ribs, which, as a rule, does not stop for a long time;
- malignant neoplasms in the stomach.
Antacid medications can help relieve pain.
Pancreas
This organ is located on the posterior abdominal wall of the upper abdomen on the left side.
The nature of pain in diseases of the pancreas varies.
So, for example, if the disease is already in the chronic stage, then a dull girdle pain is felt.
During attacks of acute pancreatitis, cutting girdling pains coming from the inside are observed, which may be accompanied by nausea or even vomiting, as well as fever.
The pain is especially pronounced when eating fatty or spicy foods, as well as coffee and carbonated drinks.
If you have gallbladder problems, are a heavy smoker or heavy drinker, take steroids or diuretics, or have diabetes, your risk of developing pancreatitis attacks increases significantly. Therefore, we recommend that you be very attentive to your health.
Left side of the diaphragm
This muscle is located in the upper part of the abdominal cavity and separates it from the thoracic cavity. There is an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes. When the muscles that control the size of a given hole weaken, it increases in size.
As a result, the upper part of the stomach and the abdominal part of the esophagus can exit from the abdominal cavity into the chest cavity through this enlarged opening. This is how a diaphragmatic hernia occurs, one of the symptoms of which is pain on the floor of the left rib. More often this disease is diagnosed in older people.
In addition, weakening of the diaphragm can be caused by other reasons that increase intra-abdominal pressure:
- obesity;
- hard physical labor;
- age-related changes in the body;
- pregnancy (rare).
Heart
Of course, this organ can also cause burning pain on the left under the ribs. Moreover, if such pain radiates to the left shoulder blade or left arm or back and is also accompanied by shortness of breath, there is a high chance of myocardial infarction.
If you have lower right back pain, read this article, it will help you solve this problem.
The causes of pain under the left rib from behind are described here.
You are young and you are tormented by incomprehensible pain - find out what neuropathic pain is and how it affects your health and well-being https://med-atlas.ru/nervnoja-sistema/nejropaticheskaja-bol.html
Nervous system
A fairly common and relatively safe cause of pain on the left side under the ribs is intercostal neuralgia. It is localized, as a rule, in the lower parts of the sternum and usually intensifies with sudden movements and deep breathing.
A characteristic sign of pain with neuralgia is also the fact that it manifests itself upon palpation of the intercostal spaces (as opposed to lung disease). This pain can be caused by excessive pressure on the nerve or by its damage or pinching. It can also occur due to prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position.
Acute paranephritis
Pain in the right side is a signal from the body about the development of serious processes that require outside participation. To correctly diagnose the disease, the doctor takes into account a number of indirect symptoms and the nature of the sensations, obtaining a holistic clinical picture.
This area of the upper quadrant of the abdomen contains the following vital organs: gallbladder, liver, right kidney, pancreas. The duodenum, small intestine, and diaphragm partially enter here. In view of such a wide list, it is obvious that the list of possible problems is also impressive.
Pain under the right rib is caused by the following body conditions:
- Cholecystitis associated with impaired patency of the biliary tract. Sudden discomfort usually occurs at night. Factors that provoke the disease include physiological disorders, stress, and nervous strain. A sharp painful spasm in the hypochondrium is caused by the movement of stones coming out of the gallbladder, which get stuck in the excretory duct, activating inflammation.
- Damage to the duodenum in the form of ulcerative duodenitis. The sensations in this case are stabbing, which is caused by the development of a pathological process on the mucous membrane of the digestive organ. At night, cramps can be acute and unbearable due to the lack of food in the stomach that requires digestion.
- Renal colic. It is not possible to get rid of such pain even by changing body position. Any movements only aggravate the condition. The cause of discomfort is stones moving through the urinary system.
- Pancreatitis. The disease is characterized by a feeling of intense painful pulsation on the right under the ribs due to inflammation of the pancreas.
Due to the similarity of symptoms of pathologies of various organs, you need to be able to classify unpleasant sensations according to their projection, as well as their nature.
In the picture you can see the location of the internal organs of a person
Pain in front
In such situations, doctors pay primary attention to the organs that are directly adjacent to the peritoneal wall.
Intercostal neuralgia is a pathology in which the intercostal nerve becomes pinched or irritated. The disease is accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the area of compression of nerve endings.
The disease itself is safe for the patient’s life, but it causes a lot of discomfort. Consider the fact that intercostal neuralgia on the right is formed against the background of serious diseases that pose a threat to health and life. It is also important that the pathology is often confused with other ailments, for example, a heart attack. Inaction in this condition leads to death.
It is important to know that intercostal neuralgia (ICD 10 code - M79.2) is not a symptom, but a pathological condition that indicates the need for treatment of a certain disease.
The causes of intercostal neuralgia are various diseases:
- intervertebral hernia, displacement of the vertebrae relative to their axis;
- rib fractures, muscle strains that regulate their mobility;
- various types of intoxication of the body;
- viral diseases that have not been treated for a long period of time;
- curvature of the spine of various etiologies in a chronic form;
- hypertrophy of the vertebral muscles.
Other negative factors increase the risk of developing intercostal neuralgia on the right side:
- lack of proper rest;
- lack of vitamins and minerals, which negatively affects bone tissue;
- frequent stressful situations;
- presence of bad habits;
- the presence of disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system (diabetes mellitus, hormonal imbalances during menopause);
- metabolic disorders, hypertrophy of the vertebral muscles, which are accompanied by poor absorption of magnesium and calcium in the body;
- excessive physical activity, obesity of varying severity.
The appearance of intercostal neuralgia on both sides is influenced by many circumstances, an important role is played by a person’s lifestyle, the presence of addictions, and chronic ailments.
Find out how neck massage is performed for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and the benefits of treatment sessions.
Read about the symptoms of myelopathy of the thoracic spine and methods of treating the disease at this address.
In this case, aching pain in the right side under the ribs is due to infection. For example, such a pathology can develop even against the background of the appearance of carious teeth in a person.
In the first stages, the patient develops a high fever. Patients complain of relatively moderate pain in the lumbar region. However, after a few days the pain moves to the right hypochondrium. Unpleasant symptoms become more noticeable with strong inhalation. There is also a significant deterioration in physical condition. The person looks sick, moves hard and cannot straighten their bodies sharply.
Causes of pain
Back pain on the left can occur in any of the areas, have a pronounced character and bother a person for periods, during which the sensations completely subside. In other cases, nagging pain can bother you all day, slightly intensifying and subsiding. To completely get rid of the problem, it is necessary to identify the root cause and take the necessary measures to eliminate it. All possible causes are divided into diseases that are directly related to the back or internal organs.
Pathologies of the spinal column
If you are bothered by a sharp, burning and severe pain on the left side behind, which does not go away on its own, this may indicate diseases of the spinal column. This is often associated with professional activity (sedentary work, increased physical activity, carrying heavy objects), excess weight, poor posture, and hypothermia. All this leads to the development of various pathological processes in the vertebrae, provoking the appearance of characteristic symptoms. To diagnose the exact disease, X-ray and ultrasound examinations are prescribed.
The following conditions can trigger pain:
- Osteochondrosis (dystrophic changes in cartilage) – a constant aching pain occurs, which intensifies with physical activity, coughing and sneezing; the localization of sensations depends on which part of the spine is affected; additional symptoms are a feeling of numbness in the arms and legs, muscle spasms.
- Intercostal neuralgia (damage to the intercostal nerve roots of various etiologies) - a sharp pain occurs in the left hypochondrium from the back, more like a “lumbago” or “electric current”; at the beginning of the development of pathology, sensations may be less intense; as the disease progresses, they intensify, which leads to irradiation of pain in the chest, shoulder blade and upper abdomen.
- Pinched nerve in a vertebra - severe pain appears in the thoracic or lumbar region on the left side of the back, it all depends on the location of the lesion; when the thoracic nerve is pinched, pain manifests itself in the corresponding section, radiating to the left arm, and the functioning of the heart and liver may be impaired; when the lumbar region is affected, sensations appear in the lower back, accompanying symptoms are lameness, numbness in the lower extremities, decreased sensitivity in the legs, and possible disturbances in the normal functioning of the pelvic organs.
Digestive diseases
Pain radiating to the back can be a sign of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, the symptoms develop together with other clinical manifestations:
- the patient is bothered by a constant feeling of nausea;
- vomit;
- lethargy and weakness;
- defecation disorder;
- spasms and discomfort in the epigastric region;
- flatulence;
- bloating.
For example, during acute inflammatory processes in the gallbladder (cholecystitis), the pain radiates to the left side under the ribs at the back. It often develops after drinking alcohol, fatty, spicy and fried foods, as well as as a result of stressful situations and nervous shock.
When the pancreas becomes inflamed, acute pain appears in the upper abdomen and radiates to the left side of the back. Symptoms are accompanied by attacks of vomiting mixed with bile juice, after which there is no relief.
Intestinal colic provokes the development of pain in the left side, while a pronounced cutting sensation occurs in the abdomen, less pronounced at first, intensifying over time. The pain radiates to the groin and pelvic organs.
When nighttime hungry attacks of pain appear in the left side behind, one can assume the presence of gastritis or ulcers.
Each of the diseases described above poses a threat to human health and sometimes life; some conditions require emergency medical care and hospitalization.
Spleen diseases
Dull pain in the left side can cause pathological processes in the spleen. The sensation may radiate down the middle of the back, spreading to the left arm. Exacerbation of pain is observed when inhaling and during physical activity (changing body position, walking, bending). In some cases, a bulge appears in the area where the organ is located, on the side of the sternum.
Pathologies of the spleen without timely treatment can lead to organ rupture and internal bleeding.
Vascular and heart diseases
The development of pain under the ribs in the back can be a symptom of severe pathologies of the cardiovascular system. In this case, the sensations manifest themselves in the form of periodic attacks, which are accompanied by:
- difficulty inhaling and exhaling;
- development of sharp intense pain in the heart area;
- the appearance of a burning sensation in the chest.
During attacks, any movements cause the patient unbearable pain, as a result of which he takes a lying position, unable to change position. Such cases require qualified medical care. The causes of attacks may include the development of:
- myocardial infarction;
- aortic aneurysm;
- compression of the thoracic nerves.
What to do, how and how to treat pinching
The first thing to do when a nerve is pinched in the lower back is to stop continuing the actions that provoked it. It is important to understand that continuing to work or play sports can lead to sad results. The next thing to do if you have a pinched lower back is to lie on your back on a hard, flat surface. Then you need to try to relax the tense muscles.
There are several ways to relieve lower back pain at home. The first is to use some gymnastic exercises that help increase the spaces between the vertebrae, thereby removing compression from the nerve fiber. But it should be understood that before treating a pinched nerve in the lower back with gymnastics, it is necessary to exclude possible displacement of the vertebral body or its dislocation. In such situations, help can only be provided by an osteopath or chiropractor.
How to determine the cause
In order to prescribe the most correct and effective treatment, it is necessary to find out why the patient’s left back hurts. Initially, the patient should contact a therapist, who will collect anamnestic data and prescribe a comprehensive examination. During the interview, the specialist will find out the nature of the problem, how long and often the pain manifests itself, the presence of chronic and hereditary diseases, type of professional activity and age.
Next, basic laboratory diagnostics are prescribed to identify the presence of inflammatory reactions and the performance of internal organs: general urine and blood tests, blood biochemistry tests.
Then an examination is carried out to determine possible violations:
Pain in the left side of the back is a consequence of impaired functioning of the body, and to identify it you need to undergo a comprehensive examination.
Diagnostics
| Ultrasound | It cannot be the main method for diagnosing intercostal neuralgia, since the density of bone tissue is too high and does not allow us to see the clear contours of the structural formations of the spinal column. |
| Radiography |
|
| CT scan |
|
| Myelography | It involves the use of a contrast agent, with the help of which disturbances in the structures of the spinal canal and nerve processes become visible. |
| MRI | For intercostal neuralgia, it is used only in cases where the differential diagnosis is difficult and it is impossible to establish the causes of the disease by other means. |
Diagnosis of a pinched intercostal nerve is made based on a survey and examination of the patient. In this case, the survey results are interpreted as follows:
- at the site of compression of the nerve, the skin changes color - turns red or pale;
- upon palpation, pain appears along the pinched nerve between the ribs;
- examination (palpation, tapping, listening) of the heart excludes the presence of its diseases.
Additional diagnostic measures are prescribed to differentiate neuralgia from other pathologies if there is any suspicion. The following may be used:
- electrocardiogram;
- X-ray examination;
- Ultrasound of the peritoneal and retroperitoneal cavity;
- MRI or myelography of the spine.
For any diagnosis, a blood test is required to monitor the presence of inflammation. Only an accurate diagnosis will help prescribe adequate treatment that will ensure maximum results.
When you need urgent help
Back pain on the left sometimes develops after increased stress or prolonged time spent in an uncomfortable position as a result of muscle weakness. Such reasons do not pose a threat to the health and life of the patient, and when changing the daily routine and strengthening the spinal muscles, they disappear completely.
But there are conditions that require urgent medical intervention. If there is pain in the left side of the back, combined with other symptoms, you should immediately call an ambulance:
- pronounced pain in the epigastrium and lower abdomen;
- high temperatures;
- weakness, the patient is unable to rise independently;
- urination and defecation disorders;
- sudden weight loss for no apparent reason;
- burning under the left rib and in the sternum.
How to get rid of pain?
When the cause of abdominal pain is compression of the nerve roots, only comprehensive treatment of the spine will help get rid of the discomfort. Its main goals:
- eliminate muscle spasms;
- reduce swelling and inflammation in areas of damage to bone and cartilage tissue;
- relieve compression of the nerve roots.
Taking medications. As a rule, they prescribe:
- painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs;
- medications that normalize blood circulation and metabolism in affected tissues;
- chondroprotectors and muscle relaxants.
Physiotherapeutic procedures. The following help relieve pain (of any location) with osteochondrosis:
- magnetic therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- laser therapy;
- paraffin applications.
Classic and segmental reflex massage are indicated during the period when the symptoms of osteochondrosis subside. The positive effect of their use is as follows:
- improves blood circulation in bone and cartilage tissues;
- pressure on nerve roots and arteries decreases (muscle spasms disappear);
- pathological reflexes disappear;
- the functioning of all body systems is restored.
Therapeutic exercise (not used in the acute period of the disease). Effect of classes:
- the back and abdominal muscles are strengthened;
- the flow of blood and nutrients into the affected tissues of the spine improves;
- blocked vertebrae are released;
- congestion in the small pelvis disappears.
Based on the treatment methods described above, the following list can be displayed.
The best methods to combat osteochondrosis
If, with osteochondrosis, pain in the lower abdomen and back does not respond to conservative treatment and often worsens, accompanied by dysfunction of the pelvic organs (impaired urination and defecation) and cauda equina syndrome, surgical intervention is recommended. During the operation, intervertebral disc replacement is performed and osteophytes, compressive vessels and spinal roots are removed.
Osteochondrosis is a comprehensive disease: it can cause pain in the lower abdomen, chest, heart, upper and lower extremities. By following treatment recommendations, you can not only prevent the occurrence of such complications, but also relieve the main symptoms of the disease and slow down the development of degenerative processes in the spine.
First aid
For sharp, unbearable pain in the back of the back that appears as a result of injury or heavy physical exertion, you can take a drug with an analgesic effect (Analgin, Ibuprofen, Ketorol).
If the pain is caused by a disturbance in the functioning of the heart, you should call an ambulance and take nitroglycerin in a dosage of one tablet under the tongue for resorption.
Pain in the back can bother women before their period. In this case, it is recommended to take an antispasmodic drug (Spazmalgon). Taking No-shpa will help eliminate spasms during inflammation of the digestive and urinary organs.
For diseases of internal organs, treatment is prescribed by the doctor depending on which organ is affected.
If the problems are muscle weakness, musculoskeletal disorders and certain neurological diseases, the following treatment methods are used:
- physiotherapeutic treatment (ultrasound waves, laser radiation, electrophoresis, exposure to magnetic fields);
- therapeutic massage - at first, movements when massaging muscles are performed smoothly and easily, after which more intense rubbing and kneading are used; For a warming effect, use a special massage cream or vegetable oils;
- acupuncture - using needles to apply pressure to points responsible for the functions of internal organs; performed by trained specialists; yoga classes – regular exercises help strengthen the back muscles, improve their elasticity, strengthen the immune system and improve overall health;
- therapeutic exercises - to reduce the load on the spine, you should perform daily, simple exercises: bending your back forward, backward and to the sides; standing on all fours, bend your back down and arch it up; clasping your hands behind you in a lock, slowly bend down; align your arms at the seams and make circular movements with both shoulders at the same time;
- Regular swimming and daily walks over long distances will help strengthen your muscles.
Prevention of back pain
Diseases can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, giving up alcohol and cigarettes, increasing sleep and paying attention to physical activity. An important factor in preventing pain is correct posture and even distribution of the load. Therefore, when working at a computer, it is necessary to ensure correct posture: the lower back should be pressed tightly against the back of the chair (chair), the legs should be located next to the blades of the chair.
When lifting heavy objects, such as grocery bags, it is recommended to first squat down and only then pick up the bags, distributing them evenly in both hands.
Regardless of the intensity and duration of painful manifestations, it is necessary to seek advice from a treating specialist, undergo a comprehensive examination and prescribed treatment. In case of acute pain accompanied by other clinical manifestations, you should call an ambulance. Any delay in the event of severe pain symptoms can cost the patient’s life.
