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Usually the back pain on the left side happens due to common everyday situations, like carrying heavy objects, having bad posture or making very repetitive movements, which end up causing muscle injuries or even the compression of some nerves. These situations can usually be treated at home with some care, such as resting and applying hot compresses, for example.
However, back pain can also be indicative of a more serious condition, such as kidney stones or rib fractures, especially when the pain is very intense or lasts for many days. In such cases there is a need to consult with a doctor to identify the correct cause and start the appropriate treatment.
The following are the main causes of pain in the left side of the back and what to do in each case:
1. Muscle injury
Most back pain is of muscular origin, as the spine is the body's support base. This type of pain usually occurs after physical activities, after performing services that require strength, such as lifting and transporting heavy objects, as well as poor posture, and even standing for a long time or sitting can end up injuring the spine and generating back pain. This type of pain can also be caused by strokes in the region.
Muscle pain usually worsens with movement, brings pain in the form of weight or tightness, and it can end up affecting everyday activities due to the discomfort it causes.
What to do: There are some ways to relieve back muscle tension. One is to apply a warm compress to the region for 15 minutes, twice a day and apply anti-inflammatory ointment such as Calminex, Gelol or Diclofenac, also known as Voltaren or Cataflan.
In addition, it is also important to avoid making efforts in this period so that the symptoms of the injury are relieved faster. Techniques such as acupuncture have been shown to be effective in combating back pain. In the long run it is also important to maintain a correct posture on a daily basis, as well as stretching to decrease muscle tension and relieve discomfort. See other ways to relieve pain from muscle damage.
2. Nerve compression
Nerve pain can trigger intense pain that can be felt by shocks or stings. An example that causes this type of pain is the presence of a herniated disc, since in this condition the invertebral disc ends up compressing the nerve roots that come out of the spinal cord. This pain usually appears in the middle of the back, but it can affect the left side as it radiates to the sides in the dorsal region. Better understand what herniated disc is, the symptoms and how to treat it.
Another type of nerve compression that causes back pain occurs when the sciatic nerve is affected, which becomes inflamed due to changes in the spine, such as the herniated disc itself, and the symptoms are tingling, pricking or shocking radiating from the bottom of the back to the leg and foot. In elderly people this process can happen due to the wear of the spine. Learn a little more about sciatic nerve pain.
What to do: It is recommended that you apply a warm compress to the painful area and not stay in the same position for long. If the pain persists and lasts longer, it may be necessary to consult the orthopedist to perform an X-ray or MRI scan, to identify the type and location of the injury and to start other types of treatment such as the use of medications, physical therapy or even chiropractic.
3. Kidney stone
The kidney stone, popularly known as kidney stone, is a factor that triggers back pain, as it causes the famous renal colic, which is characterized by a strong and intense pain that comes to prevent the person from walking or moving, since it does not improve with rest or in specific positions, being able to radiate to both sides, left and / or right. See more symptoms of kidney stones.
What to do: The kidney stone requires treatment recommended by a nephrologist, urologist or general practitioner, which indicates analgesic and antispasmodic drugs. Therefore, if the pain does not improve or is very severe, it is recommended to go to an emergency room to administer medications in the vein.
In the case of people who are already undergoing some type of treatment for kidney stone, if the pain is mild, one must maintain rest, make adequate hydration, take some care with food and take the analgesics indicated by the doctor. See what food care for those with kidney stones.
4. Fissure or fracture of the ribs
When a pain appears on one side of the back with a sudden onset or even a milder pain that lasts for weeks and ends up weakening the region, it may be indicative of a fracture. A classic symptom is difficulty in breathing due to pain.
This type of fracture is more common in the elderly due to the weakening of the bones that happen due to small bumps or even due to wear. Athletes are also susceptible to this condition due to strokes, especially in high-impact sports, such as fighting or football.
What to do: if there is a suspicion of a rib fracture, it is recommended to consult with a doctor or go to the emergency room for tests, such as chest X-rays, to confirm the condition and start the appropriate treatment, which is usually done with pain relievers to relieve pain while recovering from the fracture. See some important precautions to relieve symptoms during treatment of rib fractures and avoid complications.
5. Heart attack
Although a heart attack can cause back pain on the left side, this is a rarer situation. This is because the infarction initially causes a very intense pain in the chest that radiates to the left arm and shoulder. This back pain is characterized as a sting of strong intensity that can give the impression of a bad way that gets worse with efforts.
Infarction mainly affects elderly people or those living with chronic untreated conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
What to do: in cases of suspected heart attack, you should immediately call SAMU by calling 192 or take the person to an emergency room quickly. Check out the first aid steps that should be followed when suspecting a heart attack.
Other less common causes
In addition to the problems indicated above, there are other causes that can cause pain in the left side of the back but which are less common:
Since there are several causes that can lead to back pain, it is important to be aware of some characteristics that help the doctor to reach the diagnosis. Among them, the number of times the pain appears, whether it is frequent or not, whether it is acute or continuous, whether something improves or worsens the symptoms, for example, taking some medication, changing posture, urinating / defecating and, in the case of women, it is associated with menstruation.
Why is back pain common in pregnancy?
Back pain among pregnant women is very common and happens due to the adaptations of the body itself, since, in order to support the baby's size, there is a rearrangement of the entire abdominal area, where the muscles weaken and end up forcing the nerves more vertebral column. According to studies, these pains are more common in the lower back and frequent in pregnant teenagers.
Watch the video to learn some ways to fight back pain in pregnancy: