IMPACT SCORE JOURNAL RANKING CONFERENCE RANKING Conferences Journals Workshops Seminars SYMPOSIUMS MEETINGS BLOG LaTeX 5G Tutorial Free Tools

Lower Back Pain on the Left Side, Above Buttocks

Written by Resurchify | Updated on: January 14, 2023

Lower Back Pain on the Left Side, Above Buttocks

Approximately 84 per cent of adults said they had ever experienced lower back pain. A single or both sides of the spinal cord experience pain, which then spreads to the buttock region in some upper part. Any form of pain, from a mild ache to a violent stabbing one, could be present—constant or intermittent. A significant indicator of the particular origin of the issue is the precise position of the back discomfort, which can also involve buttock pain.

What is the precise cause of your left lower back ache above your buttocks? A complicated mechanism makes up your lower back. The bones, ligaments holding the vertebrae together, and tendons connecting the muscles to your spinal column are all located below the five vertebrae and the discs between them. Your uterus, colon, pancreas, and kidneys are all close to your lower back. Your lower back pain could be brought on by any one of these factors. When trying to pinpoint the source of your pain, it's critical to keep this in mind.

Lower back pain might occasionally only be felt on one side of the body. While some people have a nagging ache that never goes away, others have chronic pain.One may experience several kinds of back discomfort. While some people complain of severe stabbing pains, others describe a dull aching. Additionally, people with lower back discomfort respond to pressure and movement differently. While it relieves pain for some, it can exacerbate it for others.

What Conditions Lead to Lower Left Back Pain?

Some factors can cause pain in any part of your back, while others are particular to the left side of your lower back. These are typical causes of this kind of pain:

Muscle Strain Or Sprain

A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is torn or stretched, whereas a sprain occurs when a ligament is affected. This is typically the result of twisting or lifting too heavy of an object incorrectly (i.e., utilising your back instead of your legs), which overstretches your muscles. Your back muscles may spasm as a result, making it painful for you to move around.

Sciatica

Your sciatic nerve travels through the buttocks and down the back of your leg, causing sciatica. Sciatica is caused by the compression of this nerve. Bone spurs, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis are frequent reasons. Typically, only one side of your lower back is affected by this illness, and you will experience a burning or electric-like pain that spreads down your leg and causes leg pain. When you cough or sneeze, the pain could get worse. Long periods of sitting also exacerbate hip discomfort in addition to back pain.

Disc Herniation

It is the condition in which one or more of the discs between your vertebrae become compressed and protrude outward into your spinal canal.

You experience pain, numbness, or weakness because your nerves are being pressed against by the protruding discs. Another typical side effect of a herniated disc is sciatica. This disorder can result from an injury, and as you age, the discs and the nerve roots naturally deteriorate, increasing your risk of developing it.

The ailment known as sacroiliitis often referred to as sacroiliac joint dysfunction, is an inflammation that can affect one or both sides of your spine. There are two sacroiliac joints in your body, one on either side of your spine. It joins with your pelvic bone at the top. The pain in your lower back and buttocks that characterises sacroiliitis is the most typical sign of the condition. Standing, running, climbing stairs, taking big steps, and placing a lot of weight on the affected leg typically make this pain worse.

Endometriosis

It is a condition in which cells similar to those in the uterine lining proliferate outside of the uterus. These cells tend to expand and bleed when you have your monthly period, which can hurt and lead to additional problems.Typically, women in their 30s and 40s will experience this illness. Along with lower back discomfort, other typical symptoms include pelvic pain, excruciating cramps during your period, difficult urine or bowel movements, and pain during sex. Infertility and digestive problems like bloating and diarrhoea could also occur.

Fibroids

These are often benign tumours that develop in the uterine lining. Fibroid symptoms include painful, heavy bleeding during periods, a sense of fullness in the lower abdomen, bloating in the lower abdomen, stomach pain, frequent urination, and pain during sex.

Infection or Kidney Stone

Kidney stones develop when there is not enough fluid in the kidneys or when waste accumulates. The majority of kidney stones, especially little ones, could even go unnoticed and naturally dissolve. However, your doctor may decide that larger stones need to be treated. Sharp radiating pain on one side of the lower back is one of the symptoms, along with nausea, vomiting, severe or bloody urination (burning sensation also occurs), fever, and nausea. Urinary tract infections frequently precede kidney infections. In contrast to kidney stones, this illness necessitates medical attention because it might permanently harm your kidneys.

Causes of Lower Left Back Pain While Breathing

Back pain and breathing difficulties can be brought on by scoliosis, kyphosis, and other diseases affecting your spine.

  • Scoliosis is the consequence of your spine twisting to one side. It is a prevalent condition among pre-teens and teenagers, however, it can occur at any age. Particularly severe scoliosis might put additional strain on the lungs because of the curvature. The patient's breathing could become unpleasant or even difficult as a result.
  • Kyphosis is a disorder that causes a forward bend in the spine and a stooped posture. Kyphosis is frequently brought on by spinal injuries and ageing. You'll also endure oedema and balance issues in addition to back discomfort. Breathing and eating can be more challenging in severe cases of kyphosis, or at least uncomfortable.

Males With Lower Left Back Pain

When it comes to issues with lower left back discomfort, men are not exempt from them. The duct beneath the testicles, known as the epididymitis, can become inflamed in men. Viral or bacterial infections are frequent causes of severe inflammation. This is also possible with physical trauma. Males of any age can get this illness, however, it most frequently affects those between the ages of 20 and 30. This bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, but more serious cases may necessitate surgery to drain or remove the epididymitis.

In addition, testicular cancer is another illness that affects roughly 1 in 250 men, according to the American Cancer Society. One of the signs of this condition is lower back discomfort, which is also accompanied by testicular pain, a dull ache in the abdomen, groyne pain, and a tumour in one or both testicles. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are available as treatments.

How to Manage Left Side Lower Back Pain

Home remedies are frequently sufficient to solve problems if hospital care is not necessary. Painkillers, rest, and time ought to do the trick. Ice and heat packs, topical painkillers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, and restricting activities that could increase your pain are all examples of self-care therapy.If your situation necessitates medical attention, you may benefit from physical therapy, muscle relaxants, nerve blocks, and anticonvulsant medicine for specific nerve problems as viable pain management options. An epidural, also known as a lumbar spine steroid injection, can temporarily relieve your nagging pain. When ibuprofen is unable to manage your persistent pain, stronger painkillers like hydrocodone (Lortab or Vicodin) will come in handy.Be aware that these medications have the potential for habit formation, so follow your doctor's recommendations when using them.Antibiotics or other treatments to dissolve or remove kidney stones may be necessary if you have renal issues. If your disease is that bad, surgery can be your only choice.

How Likely Is It That You Have a Serious Back Condition?

Yes, there are instances where lower back pain has worrying origins and has to be treated right away in a hospital, but this is not as often as you may believe. Contrary to popular belief, your illness is less likely to develop into an infection, an autoimmune disorder, or even worse, cancer

For people over the age of 55, one in twenty episodes of lower back discomfort turns out to fracture. Therefore, your chances of having lower back pain that is easier to manage increases the further you are from this age.However, your doctors naturally want to be on the safe side and encourage you to get your strange symptoms examined for your peace of mind. It's best to rule out the worst-case possibilities so you may better manage your pain without worrying about passing away soon.

Types Of Back Pain On The Left

The following are three typical back pain conditions that can affect your left side:

  • Acute discomfort usually only lasts a short while and manifests itself immediately. An injury, such as a fall, frequently results in this kind of discomfort.The typical duration of subacute discomfort varies from a few weeks to a few months. It might be brought on by disease or harm.
  • Pain that lasts longer than three months is referred to as chronic pain. It typically results from a chronic medical condition, like arthritis.

The Causes Of Left Back Discomfort Risk Factors

The following are some causes of back discomfort.

Bad Posture

Having a forward-leaning head posture and a rounded shoulder are two of the most prevalent postural issues that cause back discomfort. Low back discomfort results from these positions' impact on the neck and back muscles and ligaments.

Obesity

Obesity can place additional strain on your joints and lumbar discs, which can lead to more wear and tear on the lower back and pain.

Smoking

Smoking can significantly reduce the blood flow to your spine, causing it to age and degrade more quickly.

Age

Due to wear and tear on their discs and joints in the spine, older persons are more likely to have lower back discomfort.

Injury

Back injuries put people at a higher risk of acquiring persistent back pain. This is due to the possibility that a back injury could harm the discs, ligaments, and muscles of the back, resulting in chronic discomfort.

Level of Fitness

Physically unfit individuals may be more prone to injury, which increases their risk of acquiring back discomfort.

Genetics

Back discomfort can often be caused by hereditary disorders. For instance, a person's genetics play a role in their propensity to develop osteoporosis. Spondylosis and sacroiliitis are two further instances.

An Evaluation Of Left Back Discomfort

The typical methods for diagnosing left back and above-the-buttocks pain are listed below.

Testing for Electrodiagnosis

These examinations are utilised to gauge the electrical activity of the muscles and nerves. Among the electrodiagnostic tests are:

Test for Nerve Conduction Velocity

This test3 assesses the rate at which electrical signals go through a neuron. This can assist identify whether the nerve itself is the issue.

Electromyography (EMG)

This examination monitors the electrical activity of the muscles and can reveal whether the issue is with the muscle itself or the nerves that govern it.

Prompted Possible Tests

These tests track how the brain's electrical activity changes in response to stimuli. These tests aid in identifying any nerve problems that may be preventing the spinal cord from receiving messages from the brain.

X-Ray Imaging Tests

X-rays can reveal further bone and tissue lesions or show whether the vertebrae are out of position.

CT Scan: Computerized Tomography- A CT scan reveals disc, ligament, and muscle issues in the back.

Imaging Using Magnetic Resonance (MRI)

A magnetic field and radio waves are used in this test to produce images of the interior of the body. Finding issues with the discs, ligaments, and muscles in the back is done with an MRI.

Other Tests

To identify the underlying cause of left back and above-the-buttocks pain, several tests can be performed. They consist of:

  • Body scan- Bone scans are used to find fractures and malignancies in the bone.
  • Back tap (lumbar puncture) - A spinal tap is a procedure used to gauge the pressure in the spinal canal and check for bleeding or infection.
  • A blood test- If you think your back discomfort may be caused by an infection, a blood test can help you figure that out.
  • Discography of the spine- This test, also known as a discogram5, involves injecting a needle into the lumbar discs and is typically used for back pain that is challenging to cure. The patient then describes their level of pain, pressure, or lack thereof.

Avoidance Of Left Back Discomfort

  • Being healthy in terms of weight- Carrying too much weight strains the back muscles excessively and might cause pain. If you are overweight, discuss a weight loss strategy with your doctor.
  • Decent posture- Your body's position is referred to as your posture. Pain in the back muscles might result from poor posture's strain on them. To support your back, try keeping your shoulders down and relaxed while pushing your tummy in. As you stand, maintain your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
  • Yoga- Your lower back muscles will be stretched and made more flexible by doing various yoga poses like the locust or downward dog. Your back will be strengthened, and your range of motion will be improved.
  • Use an ergonomic bed for sleep- A bed with an ergonomic design will aid in preserving your spine's natural curve as you sleep. You may experience fewer morning pain awakenings as a result of this.
  • Using a backrest- When sitting or standing, back support helps maintain your back's neutral position. By doing so, you can lessen the strain on your muscles and avoid getting hurt.
  • Avert bending and strenuous lifting- Your lower back muscles won't be overworked, which will avoid back pain. When carrying out heavy jobs, such as moving furniture or carrying goods, use the buddy system to lessen the chance of strain or injury.

Pain Management For The Left Back

There are numerous therapies available

Medication

NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, NSAIDs are used to treat inflammation and discomfort. They consist of medications including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Topical painkillers sold without a prescription- Menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus are substances found in a lot of lotions, sprays, patches, and gels. They are useful for delivering momentary pain and stiffness alleviation. The common ones can be bought over the counter without a prescription and include lidocaine, menthol, and capsaicin.

Muscle Relaxants

These medicines aid in the reduction of pain and muscular spasms. They consist of drugs like tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine.

  • Narcotic drugs- Opioids are used for very bad pain. Among them are drugs like morphine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone.

Exercise Physical Therapy

Pain relief with back exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles is possible.

  • Cold and heat therapy- Muscle soreness in the lower back may be relieved by using heat or cold packs.
  • External enticement- Massage, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound are a few examples of therapies that reduce pain.
  • Spinal Angioplasty- This treatment involves injecting numbing and steroid medications, such as epidural corticosteroid6, directly into the painful location. This may offer relief in the short term, but it is not viewed as a long-term treatment.

Self-Control Strategies

Orem's theory and Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory on self-efficacy serve as the theoretical foundations for the idea of self-management. Self-efficacy is the conviction that one can make a difference in their circumstances. The self-efficacy measures listed below can help reduce lower back pain:

  • taking breaks when standing or sitting for prolonged periods
  • stretching activities to release muscle tension
  • putting on relaxed footwear with strong heel counters and adequate arch support
  • using a cold compress on the sore spot twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes

Surgery

Surgery can be the next course of action suggested by your doctor if other therapies have failed to relieve your back discomfort. The underlying source of the discomfort will determine the kind of surgery needed.

Alternative/Holistic Options For Left Back Pain Therapy

Among the alternative/holistic approaches are:

  • Acupuncture- Thin needles are inserted at various body parts as part of this Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) procedure. It is said that this exercise causes the body to generate hormones that reduce pain.
  • Massage treatment- Using a variety of techniques, experienced therapists give massages,
  • stretching, kneading, and drumming, among others. This is thought to relax your muscles, improve blood flow, and decrease stress.
  • Chiropractor treatment- To relieve pressure, chiropractors manually modify the joints of the spine.
  • T'ai Chi- Tai Chi is a martial art that blends slow, soft motions with deep breathing and relaxation. This is thought to increase strength, flexibility, and balance.

Conclusion

There are numerous possible reasons for lower back discomfort on your left side, above the buttocks. Many conditions are treatable at home. Others, however, may be grave. Call an emergency room if you have recently been injured, have numbness or paralysis in your legs, have symptoms of an infection, or feel the pain that appears to be related to your menstrual cycle.

No one treatment works for all cases of left back pain, so what helps you might not help someone else. Be careful to consult your doctor if you have tried one or more of the aforementioned techniques but have not experienced relief. They might suggest different therapies or refer you to an expert. When lower back discomfort also affects the testicles, it may be a sign of an underlying condition. Kidney stones, infections, and spinal issues are among the potential causes. If the pain is severe, does not go away, or manifests along with other unsettling symptoms, people should contact a doctor.

Lower back pain might occasionally only be felt on one side of the body. While some people have a nagging ache that never goes away, others have chronic pain.One may experience several kinds of back discomfort. While some people complain of severe stabbing pains, others describe a dull aching. Additionally, people with lower back discomfort respond to pressure and movement differently. While it relieves pain for some, it can exacerbate it for others.


         

Tags


Written by
Resurchify
Resurchify is an information portal for the people pursuing research. We bring to you a varied list of research gatherings like conferences, journals, meetings, symposiums, etc across multiple areas. Along with that, we also share a huge chunk of details of these events.

Check out other articles written by Resurchify .

DMCA.com Protection Status