All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Back pain left
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
Back pain on the left is an extremely common symptom. It occurs in a variety of diseases, and therefore the key to success in its treatment is as accurate as possible diagnosis. A scrupulous examination of the body, as a rule, makes it possible to clearly determine the cause of the appearance of pain.
[1]
Diseases that cause back pain on the left
Back pain to the left can accompany various diseases of the internal organs.
1. Diseases of the cardiovascular system:
- stenocardia, myocardial infarction of small-focal (especially the posterior wall), which often cause painful sensations between the scapulae on the left side at the level of TIII-TIV paravertebrally;
- an aneurysm of the aorta, which is characterized by pain of a constant, moderate or intense nature. Painful sensations can sometimes cause compression of the thoracic spinal nerves;
- Pericarditis, which is characterized by pain of varying intensity. They can gradually build up, sometimes irradiate to the shoulder, back, neck, back. It is often noted that the patient is forced to take a certain position of the body (a seat with a slight inclination forward).
2. Diseases of the respiratory system:
- dry pleurisy, which is accompanied by painful sensations of a cutting character in the right or left half of the chest, directly associated with respiratory movements;
- a sudden pneumothorax with spontaneously arising acute pain in the chest radiating into the scapula. For this disease, a decrease in the chest excursion on the affected side and a complete absence of any noise during auscultation are characteristic;
- pneumonia, one of the symptoms of which is intense or moderate pain in the right or left half of the chest or in the scapula. Pain can increase with coughing and deep breathing. In addition, in parallel, fever, cough, wheezing in the lungs during auscultation;
- cancer of the bronchi or lungs. The intensity, nature and pattern of pain depends on the localization of the disease and its spread. If the tip of the lung is affected, the Penkost syndrome develops (this disease is also called brachial plexopathy), in which pain in the shoulder, scapula, medial surface of the hand is noted. If the pleura germinates, there is pain in the chest on the affected side, which is greatly enhanced by movements of the trunk, coughing and breathing. If the intercostal nerve is involved, the pain may be shrouded in nature.
3. Diseases of the digestive system:
- acute form of pancreatitis with spontaneously arising pains of a high degree of intensity in the epigastric region, which are circumfluous and irradiate in the foreleg, scapula, lower left part of the thorax, heart area. There may also be a pronounced spasm of the muscles of the peritoneum;
4. Urinary system diseases:
- thrombosis of the renal artery and renal colic;
- retroperitoneal hematoma. A spontaneously arising pain of incomprehensible origin in the lumbar region of a patient who receives anticoagulant therapy.
5. Disorders of the peripheral nervous system and spinal cord. The pain in this case is often streaking and has a projection character, that is, its pattern is limited to the cutaneous representation of the affected root or nerve. Often this pain is characterized by distal proliferation.
If you have back pain on the left, first of all, you need to immediately seek advice from a specialist. It is not recommended to delay with a visit to the doctor, because, at first glance, a frivolous symptom may be a signal of a very serious ailment that can be successfully cured with timely treatment and the appointment of the correct course of treatment. So, you need to contact the gastroenterologist, infectious diseases specialist, traumatologist, orthopedist, manual therapist, therapist, family doctor, cardiologist, pulmonologist, urologist, nephrologist, gynecologist (for women), proctologist, surgeon. If the back pain is acute on the left, of course, it is advisable to call an ambulance, the doctors of which either immediately eliminate the problem with which you addressed them, or send you for a full examination, which, undoubtedly, will only help to find out the cause of back pain left and your soonest full recovery.