Pain in the left lower back in women is localized to one side of the body and may feel like a constant pain or a pain that flares up periodically and then subsides. It can be a stabbing, intense, dull or persistent pain. Often pain in the left lower back resolves or worsens with movement, and may even change with pressure on the back.
The common causes of sharp, stabbing pain in the left back :
- Damage to structures along the spine such as elemental joints and intervertebral discs
- Damage to the soft tissue structures that support the spine, such as ligaments and muscles
- Disorders that affect internal organs such as the intestines, kidneys, and reproductive organs
Soft tissue injury man suffers sharp stabbing pain in the lower left back.
Overused, weakened, or overstretched muscles and tendons in the lower back can become stretched. Likewise, a torn or overstretched ligament can cause a painful sprain. Both types of injury involve inflammation associated with sharp, stabbing muscle spasms. Events such as sudden movements (e.g. twisting, bending), difficult falls, and minor car accidents can damage the soft tissue of the lower back. Poor posture and improper lifting techniques can also cause back injuries. Signs that lower left back pain may be the result of soft tissue damage include back pain or stiffness, back tingling discomfort during exercise, and muscle spasms.
SPINE INJURY
Conditions such as facet joint syndrome, disc herniation, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction can also cause unilateral (eg, left-sided) back pain.
HERNIATED DISC
Intervertebral discs are located in the lower part of the spine between the individual vertebrae, where they act as protective shock absorbers. Debilitating spinal injuries, improper lifting techniques, an inactive lifestyle, and performing repetitive motions can all cause the disc to expand or bulge, resulting in a herniated disc. Depending on the position of the disc, it can cause discomfort on one side of the lower back (such as the left side). Often discs can rupture or burst. When this happens, a person usually experiences severe discomfort that requires surgical treatment to prevent long-term nerve damage.
SACROILIAC JOINT DYSFUNCTION
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction develops when the joint that connects the sacral (lower) portion of the spine to the rest of the pelvis begins to move abnormally. In some people, joints can become stiff, causing incoordination and back pain. Others may experience pain due to loose joints. The latter is especially common in pregnant women due to hormonal changes that may cause pain in the lower left area. The pain may be accompanied by inflammation around the joint, which can lead to persistent pain in the left lower back, pain in the buttocks, and pain in the back of the left thigh.
INTERNAL ORGAN PROBLEM
A sharp, stabbing pain in the lower left corner of your back may indicate an internal problem such as kidney infection, kidney stones, ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis, or uterine disease (eg fibroids, endometriosis).
For proper management of your lower back pain visit Specialty Care Clinics. Call us now.