If pain is present in both the lower left abdomen and back, it can be an overwhelming and frightening experience for many individuals. The pain that occurs in the lower left side abdomen and back can indicate issues with any of the organs in the abdomen.
Lower left side abdomen and back pain can be triggered by constipation or serious conditions such as a kidney stone. Being familiar with the danger signs and symptoms of the serious health conditions is vital in order to determine when it is time to consult a doctor.
Diverticulitis
It is important to note that diverticulitis is a usual cause of lower left abdomen and back pain as well as a frequent reason for hospitalization. As an individual starts to age, small-sized pouches develop along the walls of the colon. In most cases, these pouches develop in the sigmoid colon situated on the left side of the abdomen.
Diverticulitis develops once bacteria are stuck in these pouches and become infected. Take note that the infection can cause inflammation of the colon, resulting to pain in the lower left abdomen including the back. Other symptoms include constipation, fever, diarrhea and nausea.
Other digestive symptoms triggers
There are other colon issues aside from diverticulitis that can cause lower left abdomen and back pain. Even constipation can trigger pain as the colon distends with stool. In case sore constipation is linked with bloating and inability to pass out gas, it can result to colon blockage.
The presence of tumor in the last part of the colon can also cause lower left abdomen and back pain. Take note that colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths with symptoms such as bloating, changes in stool consistency and blood-streaked stools.
Urinary system causes
Intense, left-sided back pain that radiates to the lower abdomen can indicate a kidney stone or urinary tract infection. The kidney stones develop due to excess amounts of the crystal-forming substances in the urine. Once the larger stones move through the urinary system, they end up stuck which results to pain, nausea and blood-streaked urine.
When it comes to a urinary tract infection on the left side, it can trigger similar pain. An infection involving the kidney is called as pyelonephritis and linked with one-sided abdomen and back pain, fever and burning sensation during urination.
Reproductive system causes
Lower left abdomen and back pain among women can indicate an issue with the ovary or fallopian tube on that side. A cyst, infection or twisting of the ovary can cause intense pain that worsens over time.
A pregnancy that is located in the left fallopian tube or ovary instead of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy) is another possible cause for pain and usually accompanied by vaginal bleeding. Among men, a tumor, testicular infection or twisting of the left testicle can cause pain that spreads from the testicle into the left side of the abdomen and back.
When to consult a doctor
A doctor should be consulted right away if the individual develops abdomen and back pain, especially if it does not subside in a few days or worsens. It is vital to seek immediate medical care if the individual experiences abdomen and back pain accompanied by blood-streaked stool, fever, vaginal bleeding as well as inability to pass gas, persistent vomiting, fainting or dizziness.