Lower back pain can occur for a variety of reasons, from degenerative spine conditions and disc disorders to spine injuries, deformities, and tumors. However, when pain only affects the lower left area of the back, it could point to a handful of specific conditions or causes. In New Jersey, Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) deploys a multi-specialty team to provide accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment to patients with back pain. Here, CNSO explains what lower left back pain could mean.
Causes of Lower Left Back Pain
Several injuries or conditions could result in pain that affects the lower left side of the back above the buttocks. These may include:
Disc Problems
Intervertebral discs play a vital role in absorbing shock and providing flexibility to the spine. Each soft, spongy disc is made up of water molecules and loose collagen fibers, forming a gelatinous material. The disc’s exterior is rugged, resembling a fibrous rind, and it encloses the gel-like contents within the disc. When a disc begins to degenerate or is injured, several disc disorders may cause lower back pain on the left side, such as:
- Bulging disc: This causes pain and pressure on surrounding nerves in the spine. It occurs when a disc deforms under pressure, moving out of alignment and colliding with nearby nerves.
- Degenerative disc disease: With age, discs lose density and shape, causing pain and symptoms due to less shock absorption and flexibility. Degenerative disc disease is associated with spinal arthritis, specifically spondylosis or degenerative spine disease.
- Herniated disc: This painful condition is the result of one or several intervertebral discs becoming compressed and bulging into the spinal canal. This is also known as a slipped disc.
Muscle Injuries
An injury to the spine, lifting improperly, overstretching back muscles, or repetitive movements are just a few causes of muscle sprains or strains. These injuries may result in mobility problems, swelling, back spasms, and pain, and some patients may experience isolated symptoms in the lower left side of their backs.
Radiculopathy
Pinched nerves can develop anywhere in the body. When they affect the neck or back, pain and other symptoms, like tingling, numbness, and loss of function in the limbs, may radiate down the arms or legs, a condition known as radiculopathy. Within the spine, radiculopathy is most common in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions. Radiculopathy could also be caused by brain tumors and spine tumors, which can compress the spinal cord.
Sciatica
Running from the buttocks down the back of the leg, the sciatic nerve can become compressed from disc problems, spinal stenosis, or other causes, resulting in sciatica. Symptoms range from shock-like or burning pain that travels down the leg and may worsen when sitting for long periods. Severe cases of sciatica may also cause numbness and weakness in the leg. For some patients, sciatica symptoms may only affect one side of the body.
Sacroiliitis
There are two sacroiliac (SI) joints in the body, located where the pelvis connects to the lumbar spine. SI joints absorb pressure and shock, but when they become inflamed, the result is pain during physical activity, a condition known as sacroiliitis. Sacroiliitis may affect the left side only, the right side only, or both sides.
Spinal Arthritis
When it comes to arthritis of the spine, there are several subtypes, though they are all a result of wear and tear on the spinal joints. Symptoms include pain and stiffness, especially during movement. The most common types of spinal arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, both of which are treated by the multi-specialty team at CNSO.
The Importance of Prompt Medical Attention for Lower Left Back Pain
Because back pain isolated on the lower left side can indicate a serious condition, proper evaluation and treatment are imperative. Whether they are considering back surgery or seeking a second opinion, patients in New Jersey find relief from their symptoms with help from CNSO.
To diagnose and treat lower left back pain and the underlying conditions causing it, CNSO deploys a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to ensure appropriate care. CNSO accomplishes this by involving a well-rounded team when forming diagnoses and treatment plans. This team includes neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine specialists, physiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, interventional pain management physicians, and certified physical therapists.
CNSO is always as conservative as possible when it comes to treatment, reserving surgical procedures as a last resort for patients who have not found success with non-surgical modalities. Treatment options for lower left back pain may include pain management, physical therapy, and spine surgery if necessary.
Learn More About Lower Left Back Pain Treatments at CNSO
Whether someone has lower left back pain or discomfort and symptoms elsewhere in the body, CNSO is here to help. Serving patients at several office locations in northern New Jersey, CNSO has the expertise to diagnose and treat patients at all stages of their journey, from pain management to physical therapy to surgery (if necessary). For more information, request an appointment at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics.
