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Sunday, January 6, 2013

Lower Back Pain Causes / What Causes Lower Back Pain on the Left Side

Lower Back Pain Causes / What Causes Lower Back Pain on the Left Side

It is often difficult to determine the direct causes of lower back pain, as there are many possible contributing factors. Diagnosis might require the patient speak with a doctor if the cause cannot be determined based on previous conditions or specific actions.



Overuse
Probably the most common of the many possible causes of lower back pain is overuse of the muscles, tendons or joints. This can mean that the muscle is simply exercised more than it is used to or that the muscle has been pushed or strained by erratic movements, poor posture or strenuous activities. Overuse can cause pain to develop in ligaments, muscles, facet joints and sacroiliac joints. Sudden pressure, improper lifting and other forms of overuse can also cause a condition known as a herniated disc, which can also contribute to serious back in the lower back.

Medical Problems with the Spine
Spinal problems also represent one of the common causes of lower back pain. If the joints of the spine are damaged or degenerated due to a medical condition, the result can be painful movements or actions. Osteoarthritis or a degeneration of the spine’s joint tissue can cause lower back pain. Defects of the spinal joints such as spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis can cause the spine to slide out of place during activity, resulting in pain. If the spine becomes narrowed, as occurs with a condition known as spinal stenosis, pain becomes a major symptom. Deformities of the spine, from scoliosis or kyphosis could be other causes of pain in the back.

Injury
Accidents are also listed as common causes of lower back pain. Fractures, compressions, extensions and blunt force trauma can significantly damage the spine or muscles of the lower back, resulting in pain. Deep tissue damage that often results from other forms of injuries, such as chemical and topical burns, punctures, tears and frostbite can also be rather painful to the patient.

Diseases and Infections

Other possible causes of lower back pain can be diseases and infections. Bacterial infections can cause inflammation of the joints and tissues of the spine. Tumors and abnormal bone growths, such as those that occur with Paget’s disease or Scheuermann’s disease can also create painful sensations in the lower region of the back. Any form of disease or infection that alters the formation of the spine or creates abnormal tissues within the tendons, ligaments, muscles or discs of the back will most likely result in pain.


 



Sudden Versus Chronic Pain
Typically, lower back pain is characterized as either sudden or chronic (or severe). Pain that develops suddenly is probably caused by an accident or overuse due to exercise or repetitive movements. Determining the cause of chronic (or severe) lower back pain can be more difficult because it may be due to a number of possible causes. Diseases, infections, spinal problems and other medical conditions can all lead the development of severe lower back pain. In certain cases it is possible for a patient to experience both sudden and chronic pain in the lower back.

Determining the cause of lower back pain will most likely require the help of a medical professional, especially if the pain is chronic or severe.
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Lower Back Pain Causes / What Causes Lower Back Pain on the Left Side
Lower back pain on the left side could be sign of a serious medical condition. Most commonly it is a sign of overuse or poor posture. It is important that a patient determine the cause of their pain in order to rule out any serious medical complications.



Breathing Conditions
One of the possible causes of lower back pain on the left side could be conditions relating to breathing; muscular injuries in particular which can include damage to the diaphragm muscle. Difficulty breathing and left side lower back pain could also be signs of cardiac or pulmonary problems. These are considered to be serious medical conditions. Sudden pain and difficulties breathing could be the result of a left side specific muscle spasms, a condition which typically will resolve itself with time.

Kidney Infections
Because the two kidneys are located on opposite sides of the body, an infection in the left kidney could lead to the development of lower back pain on the left side. The kidneys are surrounded by a nerve-filled sensitive capsule. Infections often cause the organ to swell, which causes pain in this capsule. Calcification of the fluid inside of the kidneys can also lead to a very painful condition known as kidney stones. These will also create pain and tenderness in the lower back region, near the location of the kidneys.

Pregnancy
Pregnancy can also create pain in the lower back. This pain can be specific to the right or the left side. The pain is caused by irritation and pressure placed on the nerves surrounding the hips and the spine, due to the increasing growth of the fetus. This irritation can lead to the development of painful sensations. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy may also be a cause of side specific pain. These hormones can often alter the joints and ligaments attached to the spine, which can result in changes in movement and posture.

Side Specific Injury or Illness

Lower back pain on the left side can very often be the result of a side specific injury or illness. If the left side of the body is injured, then the injured portions of the body will radiate pain. It can also occur that injuries to other portions of the body can cause the shift or alteration of the body’s bones or muscles, which could cause pain to radiate on another part of the body. Illnesses or diseases that alter the body on the left side can also cause pain. These can include bacterial infections, viruses or the development of diseases.


 



Posture Related Problems

By far, the most common cause of lower back pain on the left side of the body is poor posture. In order to remain in a straight position, the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body have to stabilize the spine. Abnormal movements or pressures placed on a single side will serve to pull the spine out of its alignment. The result of this can be pain in the left side of the body. Repetitive movement, overuse of the muscles and poor posture can all lead to the formation of both sudden and chronic back pain.

While most incidents of left side lower back pain are due to muscle overuse or poor posture, some painful symptoms could also be signs of more serious health problems.

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