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What Causes Pain In Left Side Of Waist And Back Pain?
Question: What could cause pain at left side of waist and back extending into iliac crest and up to just below ribcage? I have had this for more than six months and it is almost constant but sometimes goes away for a few hours or a day at a time. Sometimes feels more like back pain and sometimes more abdominal. Pelvic and upper abdominal ultrasounds showed nothing and blood tests showed no signs of infection. Colonoscopy 4 years ago showed diverticuli only. No significant gastrointestinal symptoms. Could this be spinal or is it more likely gastrointestinal?
Brief Answer:
Musculoskeletal back pain
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question. This region of the back is called the loin or lumbar region. You are correct in that pain can be referred from yourspine into this area.
X-rays followed by an MRI scan of you spine might be useful in identifying the cause of your pain.
If you do not have any assocaited neurological features such as shooting pains in the legs, numbness and weakness then it is likely that this is musculoskeletal pain back or pain due to degenerative arthritis in your spine. This often responds to antiinflammatory medication;core and back strengtheing excercises, which a physiotherapist could demonstrate to you.
Pain from the renal tract can also manifest in this area and you may have other symptoms consistent with this such as burning when you pass urine or blood in your urine. Occasionally an abdominal hernia can occur in this area - you may feel a small swelling that enlarges and hurts when you cough if this was the case.
Diverticular disease generally causes lower abdominal pain.
I hope this helps you understand your pain a little better and gives you some avenues to explore.
Best wishes
Musculoskeletal back pain
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question. This region of the back is called the loin or lumbar region. You are correct in that pain can be referred from yourspine into this area.
X-rays followed by an MRI scan of you spine might be useful in identifying the cause of your pain.
If you do not have any assocaited neurological features such as shooting pains in the legs, numbness and weakness then it is likely that this is musculoskeletal pain back or pain due to degenerative arthritis in your spine. This often responds to antiinflammatory medication;core and back strengtheing excercises, which a physiotherapist could demonstrate to you.
Pain from the renal tract can also manifest in this area and you may have other symptoms consistent with this such as burning when you pass urine or blood in your urine. Occasionally an abdominal hernia can occur in this area - you may feel a small swelling that enlarges and hurts when you cough if this was the case.
Diverticular disease generally causes lower abdominal pain.
I hope this helps you understand your pain a little better and gives you some avenues to explore.
Best wishes
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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