Lower Left Back Pain: Common Causes and What to Do

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints. Over 540 million people experience low back pain at any given time. It may be temporary due to age or sitting posture. But when it’s specifically persistent lower left back pain, it raises different concerns, like - Is it temporary? Is it something serious? Is it muscular? Because the left lower back is connected to a network of muscles, nerves, bones, and organs, finding the exact cause can be a task.

If you are feeling unusual left side back pain, stop avoiding it. It’s officially time to start looking for the causes and solutions. This guide breaks it all down and explains what you should do about it.

Understanding the Left Lumbar Region Pain

The left lumbar region is the area between the rib cage and the pelvis. It includes several parts of the body, including the left kidney, the lower part of your spine, the surrounding muscles, nerves, some of the small intestine, part of the colon, as well as reproductive structures in females. 

Pain in the lower left back can be due to problems in any of these components. That’s why it becomes important to look at a broader picture.

What Causes Left Lower Back Pain?

1. Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain

The most common culprit of left lumbar pain is tissue injury. Overuse, poor posture, sudden movements, sudden falls, twisting, or heavy lifting can strain muscles or ligaments in the left lower back.

To verify this cause, look for some other symptoms, like:

• A sharp or dull ache 

• Limited range of motion

• Pain worsens when moving and is relieved when resting

• Stiffness 

Treatment: 

In this case, use a mix of hot and cold therapy. Apply ice during the first 48 hours, then heat. You can also take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications if needed. However, always consult a healthcare professional before starting any dosage.

1. Herniated Disc

The discs between your spine’s vertebrae act as cushions. A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc, occurs when one of the discs breaks. It can press on nearby nerves, causing left side back pain that can even extend down the leg. A sudden injury or regular wear and tear can lead to a slipped disc.

Check if you have any of the following symptoms combined with the pain:

• Pain shooting down the buttock or leg

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg

• Worsens with prolonged sitting or walking

Treatment: 

At the beginning stage, it can be treated with rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. However, if the symptoms worsen, an MRI and professional help are recommended. 

1. Kidney Issues

As the left kidney sits just beneath the ribcage, issues like kidney stones or infections can cause left lumbar region pain. It feels deeper and more internal, so you know by yourself it's not muscle strain.

Small kidney stones may not cause any inconvenience and pass by themselves, but it’s the bigger ones that can create problems. Consider the following symptoms to make sure:

• Inconsistent, sharp, cramping pain

• Painful urination with blood

• Nausea or vomiting 

Whereas, symptoms of Kidney Infection include

• Foul-smelling, painful, and frequent urination

• Dull, aching pain in lower left back

• Fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting

Treatment

Consult a doctor as soon as possible. While kidney stones may pass on their own, kidney infections need antibiotics. 

1. Spinal Osteoarthritis or Degeneration

It is one of the common forms of osteoarthritis, causing low back pain and sometimes even disability. Normal wear and tear or a back injury can lead to degeneration of spinal joints, especially in those over 50. This can trigger pain in the lower left back. 

The common signs include:

• Gradual onset of dull, achy pain

• Morning stiffness

• Reduced flexibility

• Pain while bending or twisting

Treatment:

Spinal osteoarthritis can become stable with consistent exercise, core strengthening, NSAIDs, and physiotherapy. Nevertheless, you might require injections or surgery if the condition worsens.

1. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction

The joint that connects your pelvis to your spine is SI joint, dysfunction of which is called sacroiliitis. Inflammation here can cause left side back pain near the buttocks and hips. Not to forget, it can also affect both sides.

To verify this cause, look for the following symptoms:

• Shooting pain in the lower back

• Pain worsening with daily physical activities

• Discomfort radiating into the thigh

Treatment:

The alignment and function can be improved with the help of physical therapy and stretching. However, in more severe cases, healthcare providers may find the need to explore surgical or SI joint injection options.

What Causes Left Lower Back Pain in Females?

If you’re wondering, ‘Is there anything specific that causes left lower back pain in females?’ then yes, it's their reproductive health issues. While men and women share most causes of left lumbar region pain, some are uniquely female.

Those female-specific factors are:

1. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): It is a female reproductive infection caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. It can spread to surrounding tissues and cause bilateral or one-sided pelvic and lower back pain. 

2. Ovarian: Cysts or Torsion can cause sharp or dull pain radiating to the left side lower back.

3. Fibroids: Uterine fibroids can trigger persistent pain in the lower left back as they press on nerves and muscles.

4. Endometriosis: It causes left-sided back pain when the uterine lining grows around the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic wall

5. Pregnancy Strain: In the third trimester, the growing uterus places extra strain on the lumbar spine and pelvic joints, contributing to lower left back pain.

When to Contact a Doctor

Lower left back pain can be easily managed. But you need to watch out for some red flags that suggest a more serious issue, such as:

• Fever and chills

• Unexplained weight loss

• Pain extending to the legs with numbness or weakness

• Difficulty controlling the bowel or bladder

• Pain following trauma

• Persistent pain that doesn’t improve

If any of these feel familiar to you, it’s time to seek medical advice promptly.

Diagnosing Pain in the Lower Left Back

Doctors diagnose lower left back pain by narrowing down the root cause through a step-by-step process. They usually rely on a combination of results rather than a single test. Here’s what it usually involves:

1. Medical History

The first and most important step is figuring out the source of the left back pain. Is it musculoskeletal, gynecological, urinary, or gastrointestinal? This can be underlined by asking questions such as:

• Where exactly is the pain?

• When did it start? 

• Is it sudden or gradual?

• What does it feel like? 

• Any triggers? 

• Are there any other symptoms? 

1. Physical Examination

The next step is to do targeted checks to locate the origin. Here, the professionals check for tenderness, muscle strength, flexibility, sensation, and swelling by pressing on certain areas.

1. Imaging Tests

If symptoms persist or the cause isn’t clear, you may have to undergo imaging tests, like

• X-ray: To check for bone alignment and fractures.

• MRI: For a view of soft tissues, discs, muscles, reproductive organs, and nerves.

• Ultrasound: Best when kidney or gynecological issues are suspected

• CT Scan: Often used for tumors or complex spinal problems. 

1. Lab Tests

They’re not the primary method for diagnosing left lumbar region pain, but they can confirm certain underlying conditions. 

• Urine test: To check for kidney infections or stones

• Blood work: To rule out infection, inflammation, or anemia

• Hormone levels: In case irregular periods or endometriosis are suspected as a factor in left lower back pain in females.

Treating Left Side Back Pain

Depending upon the cause and severity, here are a few tips and tricks to treat left side back pain.

1. Home Remedies

• Use ice packs in the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation.

• Switch to hot therapy to relax tight muscles.

• Rest briefly for around 2 days, but don’t stay stuck in bed.

• Use ergonomic furniture to prevent future pain.

• Massage the affected area once a day.

1. Physical Therapy

• Take a physiotherapy session for professional support.

• Try gentle stretching for the lower back, hips, and hamstrings.

• Switch to light exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga.

• Work on your core and glutes to reduce back strain.

• Correct posture while sitting or standing.

1. Medical Treatment

• Consider OTC medications to help with pain and inflammation.

• Apply topical pain creams or spray for localized relief.

• If pain is severe, consult a doctor and take prescription meds.

• A professional may provide injections for temporary pain relief.

Preventing Left Side Back Pain

You can’t always control organ-related causes, but there are some practical ways to help prevent left side back pain, such as:

• Maintaining good posture

• Regular exercise 

• Lifting properly by bending knees and keeping the object close

• Avoiding prolonged sitting without breaks

• Weight management 

• Staying hydrated

• Stress management

FAQs

1. What are the most common causes of lower left back pain?

Muscle strain, kidney issues, gynecological conditions, digestive problems, or spinal issues are some of the leading causes of lower left back pain.

1. When should I be concerned about lower left back pain?

If the pain lasts more than a few days, worsens with time, radiates down the leg, or comes with additional symptoms, it's concerning enough to seek medical help.

1. Can poor posture lead to pain in the lower left side of the back?

Yes. Sitting or standing unevenly for long periods can strain muscles and ligaments, especially in the lower back, causing one-sided pain.

1. What are some effective home remedies for lower left back pain?

The most effective home remedies for lower left back pain include cold packs, heat therapy, stretching, yoga, OTC pain relievers, and staying active. However, these solutions might be temporary if the underlying cause is unknown.

1. Should I see a doctor for lower left back pain that comes and goes?

Yes. Recurring pain, especially when paired with other symptoms, can indicate an underlying issue.