What Does Back Pain on the Lower Left Side Indicate?
Back pain on the lower left side indicates anything from an injury to pressure on the nerve roots, says WebMD. In rare cases, lower back pain is a sign of ankylosing spondylitis, bacterial infection or spinal tumors. Proper diagnosis for lower back pain requires the opinion of a medical professional.
One of the most common causes of lower back pain is pressure on the sciatica nerve, explains WebMD. Pain usually affects one side of the body at a time. Symptoms include lower body pain that gets worse when seated, a tingling sensation down the leg and constant pain in one side of the body. This condition is caused by degeneration of the spine, pregnancy, lack of exercise or wearing high heels. Pain accompanied by weakness in the extremities, numbness or loss of bowel control requires immediate medical attention.
Pain caused by injuries or the natural aging process is the most common form of lower back pain, according to WebMD. An uncommon form of lower back pain is ankylosing spondylitis, which is a form of spinal arthritis that requires special treatment. Severe and constant pain requires medical attention, notes Mayo Clinic. If the pain spreads below the knee or happens in conjunction with unexplained weight loss, it may be a sign of a more serious condition.
