What Causes Lower Left Back Pain? (2024)

Lower back pain is common and sometimes may be felt only on the left side. The pain may result from an injury or medical condition involving one of your organs.Muscle strain from lifting or pushing a heavy object is a common cause of lower back pain. Kidney pain from an infection or kidney stone is another common cause that may need medical care. Contact your healthcare professional if you have severe back pain that does not go away.

This article explores the possible causes of lower left back pain and gives some pain-relieving tips.

See Also

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Strains and sprains of the muscles in your lower back or pelvis can cause significant lower back pain. Sprains are when you tear or stretch a ligament. Strains are when you injure a muscle or tendon. These injuries typically happen when you lift or move something heavy without proper technique.

Experts Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source recommend using a heat pack and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to reduce pain. Some injuries also need prescription muscle relaxants.

Endometriosis is when the cells of the inside of the uterus start growing on the outside of the uterus. This growth can affect surrounding organs and can cause back and pelvic pain.

Other common symptoms of endometriosis may include Trusted Source Office on Women's Health Governmental authority Go to source:

• painful menstrual cramps
• painful urination and bowel movements during your period
• pain during or after sex
• bleeding or spotting between periods
• difficulty getting pregnant
• digestive problems

Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation and pain in your joints. One of the areas where arthritis can develop is the back, which can cause lower back pain in the middle, right, or left side of the back. It can also induce stiffness and swelling.

There are many types of arthritis. However, research Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source shows that spine osteoarthritis is the primary cause of lower back pain.

Treatment typically involves NSAIDs, heat packs, acupuncture, and physical therapy.

A kidney infection is a serious condition that requires treatment because it can cause permanent damage. This infection can cause pain and discomfort in your lower back on either side. Other symptoms may include Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source:

• fever
• chills or shivering
• loss of appetite
• diarrhea
• feeling weak and tired
• bloody urine

Kidney infections typically require antibiotics. With prompt treatment, you can usually avoid permanent damage or further complications. Seek medical care right away if you have symptoms of a kidney infection.

Kidney stones may form if there is a buildup of waste or not enough fluid in your kidneys. Kidney stones can cause sharp pain on one side of your lower back.

Other symptoms of kidney stones may include Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source:

• fever
• nausea or vomiting
• blood in your urine
• pain while urinating

Small kidney stones may pass, while larger ones may require medical intervention.

A slipped disc, or herniated disc, occurs when one of the discs that sit between your vertebrae bulges outward into your spinal canal. The slipped disc may push a nerve in your spine and cause burning or stinging pain that radiates down your legs.

Other symptoms may include:

• weakness
• numbness
• tingling

Slipped discs can be painful, but most heal within 8–12 weeks Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source. In some cases, medical care is needed.

Some precautions and medications may relieve lower back pain. Home remedies and treatments for lower back pain resulting from injury or strain may include:

• limiting activities that can cause more pain
• light exercise may help reduce stiffness and discomfort
• alternating ice and hot packs to decrease inflammation
• topical pain-relieving medication
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen

If you need medical treatment, your medical professional may order imaging to determine the source of your pain. After finding the cause of your pain, your treatment plan may include:

• steroid treatment
• nerve blocks
• antibiotics
• physical therapy
• muscle relaxants
• acupuncture
• massage
• surgery

Seek medical care if your lower back pain does not go away after a couple of days or if you’re experiencing a fever, digestive issues, or feeling weak.

Here are a few other common questions about lower left back pain. Angela Bell, M.D., FACP, has reviewed the answers.

Contact your doctor if you have lower left back pain that worsens, persists for more than a few days, or occurs with other concerning symptoms. This may indicate a serious condition that requires medical treatment.

Back pain that subsides with rest and over-the-counter (OTC) medications may be muscle-related. If the pain does not subside when you lie down or occurs with other symptoms like fever, digestive issues, or tingling, it may indicate that the problem is not muscular.

Many times, lower back pain occurs with muscle or tissue injury. This usually goes away within a week with rest, applying heat and ice, and taking NSAIDs.

If you experience back pain and other symptoms such as fever, nausea, or feeling ill, you may have a medical condition needing treatment. Contact your medical professional if you are concerned about lower back pain, if it does not resolve with rest or home remedies, or if you’re experiencing other symptoms.