Lower Left Back Pain: Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

Lower back pain left side can be a painful experience that affects your daily life. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp, shooting pain. One may experience stiffness or a limited range of motion. In this blog, let's explore the various causes of lower left back pain and discuss effective treatment options that can provide relief.

What Does Lower Left Back Pain Feel Like?

Lower left back pain can vary in intensity and sensation. For some, it may feel like a constant ache, while for others, it may be a sharp, stabbing pain. You may also experience stiffness and limited mobility in your lower back. The pain may radiate to other areas, such as the buttocks, hips, or thighs. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to these symptoms and seek medical attention if they persist or worsen.

Lower Left Back Pain Causes

• Muscle strain or sprain: One of the most common causes of lower left side back pain in males and females is muscle strain or sprain. These may occur when the muscles or ligaments in the lower back get stretched or torn. Muscle strain or sprain can also happen due to sudden movements, lifting heavy objects, or poor posture. 
• Sciatica: Sciatica is another common cause of lower left back pain. It occurs when the sciatic nerve (the nerve that runs from your lower back to the legs) becomes compressed or irritated. This condition can result in shooting pain with numbness or tingling sensations in the lower back and legs. 
• Herniated disc: A herniated disc can cause lower left back pain when the soft inner tissues of the disc push through its outer layer and put undue pressure on nearby nerves. It can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back and legs. 
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder that can affect the lower back. It develops when the protective cartilage between the bones wears down, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. 
• Dysfunction of sacroiliac joints: The sacroiliac joints connect the lower part of the spine (sacrum) to the pelvis. Dysfunction of these joints can cause lower left back pain. People with this condition often complain of dull pain in their lower back and buttocks. 
• Kidney stones or infection: Lower left back pain may sometimes result from kidney stones or infection. Sometimes, kidney stones can evoke severe pain when they pass through the urinary tract. Kidney infection can also cause lower back pain and other symptoms such as urinary urgency, fever, and blood in the urine. 
• Endometriosis: In Endometriosis, the tissues that line the uterus grow outside of it, which can cause back pain on the lower left side in women, especially during menstruation. Other manifestations may include pelvic pain, painful periods, and infertility. 
• Fibroids: Fibroids are non-cancerous outgrowths that develop in the uterus. They can cause lower left back pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pelvic pressure. 

Lower Left Back Pain Treatment at Home

In addition to medical treatment, several home remedies can help reduce lower left back pain. These remedies are readily available and can be a source of comfort and control in managing your pain, such as:

• Ice:  An ice pack for the area with pain can help diminish inflammation and relieve temporary pain. Wrap an ice cube or pack in a thin cloth and apply it to the lower left back for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Hot packs: Applying heat to the lower left back can relax muscles and relieve pain. Use a heating pad or take a warm bath to soothe the affected area. Always remember that excessive heat can cause burns.
• Topical pain relieving lotion or cream: Over-the-counter topical pain relievers can temporarily relieve lower left back pain. These creams or lotions typically contain ingredients such as menthol or capsaicin, which help numb the area and reduce pain.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter NSAIDs can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Always follow the dosage as instructed by your doctor.
• Rest: Resting your lower left back can give it time to heal. However, prolonged bed rest can worsen the pain and stiffness. Balancing rest and gentle movement are always better for promoting healing and preventing muscle atrophy.
• Limiting activities: Avoid activities that aggravate your lower left back pain. If specific movements or exercises worsen the pain, modify or avoid them until you have recovered. Listen to your body and avoid overexertion.
• Exercise: While rest is essential, gentle exercise can help strengthen your lower back muscles and prevent future injuries. Consult a physical therapist or doctor for appropriate lower back muscle exercises.

Left Side Lower Back Pain Treatment

If home remedies and lifestyle modifications do not provide sufficient relief, medical treatment modalities for left-side lower back pain may include:

• Physical therapy: A physiotherapist can develop a customised treatment plan to address your lower left back pain. This plan may include exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and other approaches to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and overall function.
• Anticonvulsant medication for nerve issues: Doctors may sometimes prescribe anticonvulsant drugs such as Sciatica to help manage nerve-related pain. These medications work by stabilising nerve cells and reducing abnormal pain signals.
• Muscle relaxants: Doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants to relieve muscle spasms in the lower back muscles. Due to their potential aftereffects and interactions with other medications, you should use these medications under the guidance of your doctor.
• Antibiotics for a kidney infection: If a kidney infection causes lower left back pain, antibiotics will be necessary to treat it. It is essential to complete the entire course of antibiotics as your doctor prescribes.
• Nerve blocks: This treatment modality involves injecting medication into or around the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. Nerve blocks can temporarily relieve lower left back pain, especially in nerve compression or irritation.
• Steroid injections: Steroid injections can diminish inflammation in the lower left back. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medicines directly to the affected area, reducing pain and inflammation.
• Removing a kidney stone: If a kidney stone causes lower left back pain, medical intervention may be necessary to break up or remove the stone. Doctors remove the kidney stone through procedures such as lithotripsy or, in severe cases, surgery.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture includes inserting fine needles into specific points of the body. This therapy can stimulate healing and alleviate pain. While research on its effectiveness for back pain is mixed, some people may find relief from lower left back pain through acupuncture.
• Surgery: Doctors typically consider surgery as a last resort for severe cases of lower left back pain. They may recommend surgery if there is a severe problem, such as nerve compression, or if other treatments have failed to provide relief. Surgical options will depend on the underlying cause of the pain.

When to Contact a Doctor

While many cases of the lower left back need home remedies and lifestyle modifications, it is essential to contact a doctor if:

• The pain is severe and persistent
• The pain radiates down the legs or causes numbness or weakness
• You have difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function
• Other accompanying symptoms, such as fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss, are present

Conclusion

Lower left back pain can significantly impact your quality of life, but with effective treatment options, relief is possible. Whether it's muscle strain, sciatica, herniated disc, or other underlying issues, a combination of home remedies, medical treatment, and lifestyle alterations can help alleviate the pain and improve your overall well-being.

FAQ's

1. Is lower left back pain serious?

Lower left back pain can range from mild to severe, and its seriousness depends on the underlying cause. It can range from muscle strains to more serious issues like kidney stones or herniated discs. While most cases can be managed with conservative measures, persistent or severe pain should be assessed by a doctor to rule out any serious conditions.

2. What is the cause of lower back pain just above my buttock area?

Lower back pain just above your buttocks can be due to muscle strain, Sciatica, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or issues related to the kidneys or reproductive organs. It is always better to go to the doctor for an accurate diagnosis and proper management.

3. When should I worry about left lower back pain?

You should be concerned about left lower back pain if it is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other manifestations such as leg pain, numbness, weakness, difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function, fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss. It is essential to seek medical attention in these cases.

4. Can gas cause lower back pain?

Excess gas in the intestines can cause lower back pain. The build-up of gas can pressure the nerves in your lower back. It can result in pain and discomfort. However, if you are experiencing persistent, unbearable pain, it is essential to consult with a doctor to rule out other potential causes.

Dr. Sachin Zalani