HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Pain Near The Lower Ribs Indicative Of An Organ Problem?

default
Posted on Thu, 26 Jul 2018
Question: For the last month, I have had pain in my left lower back near my ribs. I am worried this may be an organ problem rather than muscular.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
kidney is the organ to the side, most often has urinary symptoms

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The organs in the back to the side are the kidneys.

Pain related to the intestines are usually felt in the abdomen and though the spleen is also on the left side, it is not usually a source of pain.

In terms of the kidneys, if there are problems with these organs, there are usually kidney symptoms eg change in the smell or color of the urine, blood in the urine, change in the frequency of urination, discomfort with urination.
If you are having urinary symptoms then you should be assessed by your doctor. This would include physical examination along with blood and urine samples.

If there is pain with particular movements, then muscular or soft tissue injury is most likely.
If you can use NSAIDs, then you can try one of these, they reduce inflammation and treat pain eg naproxen, ibuprofen, voltaren.

Topical voltaren gel is also very useful for muscle or soft tissue pain.

If there are no other urinary/kidney symptoms but you are still concerned then you should be seen.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Pain Near The Lower Ribs Indicative Of An Organ Problem?

Brief Answer: kidney is the organ to the side, most often has urinary symptoms Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The organs in the back to the side are the kidneys. Pain related to the intestines are usually felt in the abdomen and though the spleen is also on the left side, it is not usually a source of pain. In terms of the kidneys, if there are problems with these organs, there are usually kidney symptoms eg change in the smell or color of the urine, blood in the urine, change in the frequency of urination, discomfort with urination. If you are having urinary symptoms then you should be assessed by your doctor. This would include physical examination along with blood and urine samples. If there is pain with particular movements, then muscular or soft tissue injury is most likely. If you can use NSAIDs, then you can try one of these, they reduce inflammation and treat pain eg naproxen, ibuprofen, voltaren. Topical voltaren gel is also very useful for muscle or soft tissue pain. If there are no other urinary/kidney symptoms but you are still concerned then you should be seen. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions