Lower Left Back Pain from Internal Organs

Lower left side back pain from internal organs can impact males and females. Learn more about causes, symptoms and treatments below.

Lower back pain (LBP) is an incredibly common medical condition. It affects nearly 7 out of 10 adults at some stage in their lives. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that lower back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide.

Lower back pain is often caused by injuries to muscles, ligaments or the spine. However, when the pain is felt on one side of your back, such as the lower left side of your back, it can be a sign of a more serious issue with internal organs like the kidneys, colon, uterus or pancreas.

Read on to learn the different causes and symptoms of lower left side back pain from internal organs in both males and females. Plus, discover your diagnostic and treatment options, and learn when to know if your pain is an emergency.

Causes and symptoms of lower left side back pain from internal organs

Some types of lower left back pain can indicate a problem with abdominal organs that are present in both males and females. These include kidneys, the pancreas or the colon.

Some internal causes of lower left back pain include the following:

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are a hard buildup of minerals and acids that are made up of chemicals in the urine. Lower left back pain from a kidney stone can occur when the stone moves inside the kidney or when your body tries to get rid of a kidney stone by pushing it from the kidneys to the bladder.

Along with lower left back pain, kidney stones can cause symptoms like:

• pain during urination
• a persistent urge to urinate coupled with difficulty in doing so
• bloody or cloudy urine
• nausea and/or vomiting

Kidney infections (pyelonephritis)

A left kidney infection can lead to lower left back pain, ranging from a dull ache to intense discomfort. Often originating in the urinary tract and bladder, kidney infections can escalate and spread to the kidneys. The pain, typically located next to the spine above the hip, often becomes more pronounced with movement or pressure.

Along with pain in your back, side or groin, common symptoms of a kidney infection can include:

• fever
• chills
• nausea and/or vomiting
• a burning feeling or pain when urinating, or frequent urination

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis, a condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, often results in upper abdominal discomfort that can radiate to the lower left area of the back. This discomfort can be worsened by eating (especially fatty foods).

In cases of short-term pancreatitis, the pain may persist for hours or days. Chronic pancreatitis can cause discomfort that lasts considerably longer.

Along with back pain, symptoms associated with pancreatitis can include:

• fever
• nausea and/or vomiting
• a rapid heartbeat
• tenderness around your abdomen

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes your colon (large intestine) to become inflamed, causing pain and cramping. The abdominal cramping in particular can manifest as acute pain in the back and abdomen, affecting the left side of the back.

Along with lower left back pain, symptoms of UC can include:

• diarrhea
• rectal discomfort
• weight loss
• stomach cramping
• blood in your stool
• an urgent need to go to the bathroom, even when your bowels are empty

Causes of lower left side back pain in females

While anyone can be impacted by lower back pain caused by internal organs like the kidneys, colon, or pancreas, there are some types of internal lower left back pain that impact females in particular. They can be a result of the following:

Gynecological disorders

There are several gynecological disorders that can cause lower left back pain in females.

• Endometriosis is a chronic and often painful medical condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the lining of the pelvic cavity, and in rare cases, even beyond the pelvic organs. Back pain is a common symptom of endometriosis, along with painful intercourse, excessive bleeding, and chronic pelvic pain.
• Fibroids are masses that grow on the uterus. While they're typically benign, they can result in lower left side back pain in females. Common symptoms include lower left side back pain, abnormal menstruation, and frequent urination.
• #### Pregnancy Pregnancy often leads to back pain for a number of reasons. These can include weight gain, changes in postures, hormonal changes, stress, and pregnancy-induced sciatica.

Pregnancy can also cause muscle separation in pregnant females; as the uterus expands, the muscles along the abdomen can separate. This alters the normal support for the back and can lead to pain.

The intensity and nature of back pain during pregnancy can vary widely among different individuals. While it's a common occurrence, persistent or severe back pain pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.

Causes of lower left side back pain in males

As discussed above, some types of lower left side back pain can be gender-specific. In males, lower left side back pain caused by internal organs can a result of the following conditions:

Prostatitis

Lower left side back pain in men could be linked to issues with the prostate, a gland found only in males. Conditions such as prostatitis, which is an inflammation of the prostate, can lead to discomfort and pain in the lower back region. This pain might be particularly localized on the left side.

Prostate cancer

Lower left back pain in males can be a manifestation of prostate cancer, particularly if the cancer has advanced and spread to the nearby areas or bones. This pain may arise as the cancer affects the nerves and muscles in the lower back.

Along with this localized pain, common symptoms of prostate cancer may include difficulties with urination, such as a weak or interrupted urine flow; frequent urges to urinate, especially at night; blood in the urine or semen; erectile dysfunction; and unexplained weight loss. Early detection and prompt medical attention are vital, as early-stage prostate cancer may not exhibit any noticeable symptoms at all.

When is lower left side back pain an emergency?

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms alongside your back pain, you should seek emergency medical care, as the pain may be indicative of a serious or life-threatening issue:

• Sudden, severe pain in your lower back
• A fast change in the severity of your back pain
• Fever and/or chills
• Vomiting
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Changes in your urine's appearance, such as bloody, cloudy or foul-smelling urine

If the pain is mild but is still not resolving within a week, you should still consult a healthcare provider. They can conduct an examination, discuss your medical history, and run diagnostic tests to identify the cause of your pain.

What does treatment for lower left side back pain look like?

Treatment options can range from OTC pain relievers or muscle relaxers to prescription medications, physical therapy or surgery.

In order to properly diagnose and treat lower left side back pain, your healthcare provider may require an x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scan to examine soft tissue and check for any internal injuries or growths.

Conditions such as kidney stones can cause acute low back pain, and a physical examination might be required to help diagnose any underlying causes of low back pain.

How Sesame can help

If you’re dealing with lower left back pain, it can be hard to know whether it’s a pulled muscle or something more serious. With Sesame, you don’t have to wait weeks for answers. You can book an affordable online doctor visit or in-person doctor visit with a licensed clinician—sometimes as soon as today.

The process is simple: browse providers, choose a price and time that works for you, and join your appointment through a secure video link or see someone in person. A doctor can help you understand your symptoms, recommend treatment, and provide prescriptions if needed.

Getting care quickly can give you peace of mind—and make sure you’re not ignoring something that needs attention.