What Causes Pain In The Lower Left Back Radiating To The Abdomen?

Posted on Fri, 4 Nov 2016

Question: Yes my husband has a sharp stabbing pain on his left lower side Above the hip toward the front. He has had divitriculitis flare ups in the past but not this extreme. This pain makes it difficult for him to stand, sit or lay down comfortably. Could it be a kidney stone?

Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This could be either a stone or diverticulitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello. The pain of a kidney stone usually starts on one side in the lower back and radiates around to the abdomen and into the groin, so this isn't typical of a kidney stone but it is much more typical of diverticulitis.

He needs to see a doctor now for an exam and a ct scan of the abdomen and pelvis which will determine whether it's diverticulitis or a kidney stone.

Stones usually pass in a few days, but diverticulitis requires a course of one or two oral antibiotics.

Please let me know if you need any more information.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad