Approximately 84 percent of adults report having lower back pain at some point in their lives. The pain can be on one side of the spinal column or on both sides. The exact location of the pain can give clues about its cause. Show
Your lower back consists of five vertebrae. Discs between them cushion the bones, ligaments hold the vertebrae in place, and tendons attach muscles to the spinal column. The lower back has 31 nerves. As well, organs such as the kidneys, pancreas, colon, and uterus are located near your lower back. All of these can be responsible for pain in the left side of your lower back, so there are many potential causes. While many require treatment, most aren’t serious. There are many potential causes of lower back pain on the left side. Some are specific to that area, while others may cause pain in any part of the back. Common causes include: Muscle strain or sprainA muscle strain or sprain is the most common cause of low back pain. A strain is a tear or stretching in a tendon or muscle, while a sprain is a tear or stretching in a ligament. Sprains and strains usually happen when you twist or lift something improperly, lift something heavy, or overstretch your back muscles. These injuries can cause swelling, difficulty moving, and back spasms. SciaticaSciatica is pain caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. This is the nerve that runs through your buttocks and down the back of your leg. Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis compressing part of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica usually only affects one side of the body. It causes an electric or burning low back pain that radiates down your leg. The pain may get worse when you cough, sneeze, or sit for a long time. Serious causes of sciatica can cause weakness and numbness in your leg. Herniated discA herniated disc occurs when one or more of the discs between your vertebrae get compressed and bulge outward into spinal canal. These bulging discs often push on nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness. A herniated disc is also a common cause of sciatica. Herniated discs can be caused by an injury. They also become more common as you age, because the discs naturally degenerate. If you have a herniated disc, it’s likely you’ve had recent low back pain. OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis is when the cartilage between your vertebrae starts to break down. The lower back is a common site of osteoarthritis, because of the stress of walking. Osteoarthritis is usually caused by normal wear and tear, but previous back injuries can make it more likely. Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis. Twisting or bending your back may be especially painful. Dysfunction of sacroiliac jointsDysfunction of the sacroiliac (SI) joints is also called sacroiliitis. You have two sacroiliac joints, one on each side of your spine where it connects with the top of your pelvis. Sacroiliitis is inflammation of this joint. It can affect one or both sides. Pain in your lower back and buttocks is the most common symptom. The pain is usually made worse by:
Kidney stones or infectionYour kidneys play a vital role in flushing waste from your body. Kidney stones may form in these organs. These stones can result from different causes, such as a buildup of waste or not enough fluid in your kidneys. Small kidney stones may not cause any symptoms, and may pass on their own. Larger stones, which may require treatment, can cause these symptoms:
A kidney infection usually starts as a urinary tract infection (UTI). It causes most of the same symptoms as kidney stones. If not treated, a kidney infection can permanently damage your kidneys. EndometriosisEndometriosis occurs cells that resemble the uterus lining, called endometrial cells, grow outside the uterus. These cells can swell and bleed every month when you get your period, which causes pain and other issues. Endometriosis is most common in women in their 30s and 40s. Pain is the most common symptom, including:
Other symptoms include:
FibroidsFibroids are tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. They are usually benign. Symptoms of fibroids include:
Other potential causes of low back pain on the left sidePancreatitis and ulcerative colitis can both cause low back pain. However, this is a rare symptom of both. When they do cause back pain, it’s usually higher in the back. Both conditions should be treated as soon as possible by a doctor. Back pain is very common throughout pregnancy. This may be because of:
While many causes of lower back pain can be healed with time and over-the-counter remedies, some can require medical attention. See a doctor if you have:
If you need help finding a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. To diagnose lower back pain, a doctor will first do a physical exam. They’ll look at how well you move and if your back has any visible issues. Then they’ll take a medical history. This will cover your symptoms, any recent injuries, previous back issues, and the severity of your pain. A physical exam and medical history are often enough for a doctor to determine the cause of your pain. However, they may also need to do an imaging test. Potential tests include:
In general, there’s not a lot of evidence for treatments for low back pain not caused by a specific issue. In many cases, time, rest, and pain relievers will help. Other issues need medical attention and treatment. Unless you have signs of a serious condition or have a recent injury, you can often try at-home remedies first and then see a doctor if you still have pain. Self-careHome treatments may include:
Medical treatmentMedical treatment may vary depending on the cause of the pain. Potential treatments include:
Lower back pain on your left side, above the buttocks, has many potential causes. Many can be treated with home remedies. But others can be serious. If you’ve had a recent injury, have numbness or weakness in your legs, have signs of an infection, or experience pain that seems connected to your menstrual cycle, call a doctor. What causes lumbago with sciatica?Causes of Lumbago and Sciatica
Bone spurs. Spondylolisthesis. Spinal tumors. Lumbar or pelvic muscle spasm.
How do you treat lumbago with sciatica?Lifestyle and home remedies. Cold packs. Place a cold pack on the painful area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. ... . Hot packs. After 2 to 3 days, apply heat to the areas that hurt. ... . Stretching. Stretching exercises for the low back might provide some relief. ... . Medications.. How long does lumbago sciatica last?For the majority of patients, acute sciatica pain resolves within 1 – 2 weeks. In some cases, behavioral modification or at-home remedies may be adequate for relieving sciatica pain. However, certain patients may develop chronic sciatica pain which may wax and wane but remains present over many years.
What is the best cure for lumbago?Treatment Options for Lumbago. anti-inflammatories for temporary pain relief.. hot or cold compresses.. exercise and gentle stretches.. acupuncture.. chiropractic & spinal manipulation.. physical therapy.. surgery.. |