Back pain that is localized to the upper left side can be both frustrating and puzzling, especially when the cause is unknown. Depending on your health history, you may wonder if the pain is related to your spine, shoulder, ribs, or possibly an internal organ, such as the heart. Let’s look at some possible causes of upper left back pain, and when it requires a doctor visit. Show Sometimes the cause of upper back pain is easy to find. And other times, it's more mysterious. Watch: Causes of Upper Back Pain Video Muscle strainUpper back pain is commonly related to a muscle strain, which can feel anywhere from a dull ache to an intense or burning pain. For people experiencing mild to moderate upper left back pain with recent onset, muscle strain is by far the most common cause. Some potential muscle strain causes include:
Sometimes an intercostal muscle, which is a small muscle between adjacent ribs, can be strained in the upper back and lead to pain and possibly difficulty breathing. See Upper Back Pain from Intercostal Muscle Strain advertisement Foraminal stenosisCervical Spinal Stenosis VideoOn each side of the vertebra is a bony opening called the intervertebral foramen where the spinal nerve exits the spinal canal. When this foramen narrows, such as due to facet joint osteoarthritis, bone spurs, and/or a herniated disc, it is called foraminal stenosis. When there is less space in the foramen, the spinal nerve can become pinched or inflamed. Cervical foraminal stenosis in the lower neck may radiate pain down into the shoulder blade region. While less common, thoracic foraminal stenosis may also cause pain in the upper back to one side, such as the left side. Radicular pain from foraminal stenosis can range from mild to burning or electric-like, and sometimes it’s accompanied by tingling, numbness, and/or weakness. Read more about Cervical Foraminal Stenosis Vertebral compression fractureWhen small cracks in a vertebra result in at least 15% of its height being lost, it’s considered a vertebral compression fracture. The thoracic spine (middle and upper back) is where vertebral compression fractures typically occur. People with osteoporosis, a condition where the bones become weakened, are most likely to have compression fractures, which can occur without any type of high-impact collision or fall. It is also possible for vertebral compression fractures to occur during heavy lifting, sports, auto or bike accidents, or falls. Watch Spinal Compression Fracture Video Most spinal compression fractures are felt in the middle or on both sides of the spine equally. However, in some cases the pain can be felt more on one side than the other. Some compression fractures are more severe and could involve a spinal nerve becoming compressed. So if the spinal nerve on the left side became pinched or inflamed, the pain may be felt more toward the left. See Vertebral Fracture Symptoms advertisement Internal organ problemWhile rare, sometimes a problem with an internal organ can manifest primarily as upper left back pain. A couple examples include:
Various other causes may also lead to upper left back pain. When to see a doctorWhen upper left back pain persists for a couple weeks, it’s important to visit a doctor in order to get an accurate diagnosis and pain relief. If upper back left pain is ever accompanied by numbness, weakness, severe headache, nausea, trouble walking, bowel/bladder incontinence, or other troubling symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. What organ is on the left side of your back?What organ is on the bottom left side of your back? Several organs can cause lower left back pain, including the kidney, pancreas, intestines, ureter, uterus, and one of your ovaries (if present). How do I know if my back pain is kidney-related?
When should I worry about left side back pain?Emergency Symptoms
Go to the emergency room if your back pain is severe or if you believe it could be an emergency, such as a serious health problem or injury. You'll also want to recognize if it's happening in conjunction with other symptoms, such as spinal tenderness, swelling, or bowel or bladder problems.
What causes sharp stabbing back pain?1. Sharp pain rather than a dull ache: This could indicate a torn muscle or ligament, or a problem with an internal organ in the back or side. 2. Radiating pain: This pain "moves" or shoots to the glutes or legs, which could indicate a nerve compression condition.
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