What Causes Acute Pain On Left Side Closer To Shoulder Blade?

Posted on Fri, 11 Jul 2014

Question: I had a sudden acute pain on my left side closer to my shoulder blade three days ago. I went to local emergency room thinking I had a possible kidney stone. I had a kidney stone about 7 years ago. Also, I have a horseshoe kidney. I was told at emergency room that I did not have a kidney stone but a UTI. I had a previous UTI a few years ago and my pain was in lower back below waist. It has been three days of taking Cipro and I don't feel much better and the pain is still pretty much the same. Is it common for the pain to be so high in my back? When should I start feeling better?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
can you give me a little more information

Detailed Answer:
Hello mam,
I have read your question and I want to know little more information before I advice you.
1. Is this pain occurs only on movements or it is also present when you are resting on bed?
2. Is there any symptoms like burning sensation during urination, warm urine or fever?
Please send me answers of these question. I will try my best to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (7 days later)

I n answer to your second question, I did have a slight warm sensation and also chills with occasional fever but only chills when I went to ER.
To answer your first question, the pain was constant though came in waves of severity. When the wave of pain came which was every 2 or 3 minutes it was very painful. I couldn't take it any longer and went to hospital's urgent care where they diagnosed me with Costochondritis. The Dr. prescribed Naproxin and Tramadol for pain. I have had that pain about 1 year ago for 3 days and pain went away. This time was much worse and lasted longer. I am feeling better now with hardly no pain just an ache once in awhile that comes and goes. Only took meds for 3 days. I still have doubts about the diagnosis but really don't have any idea what else it could be.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I think you had both UTI and costochondritis

Detailed Answer:
Hello madam,
It is good that your pain is relieved. I think you may be having both costochondritis and urinary tract infections. You have responded to treatment . For future, I would suggest you to drink lot of juices and water. Cital syrup is also helps.
For costochondritis prevention there is no specific medicines, only calcium and vitamin d is helpful.
I hope this answer will help you. Let me know if you want to ask any other questions. Thanks..

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad