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What Causes Left-sided Back Pain While Sneezing?

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Posted on Tue, 12 Jan 2016
Question: I'm 19. 5 8" 130 pounds. Caucasian. And my medical background is just asthma and allergies, but I'm not really allergic to some specific so far, just pollen/dust making me sneeze. I play a lot on my computer which I've heard can give back pain if not sitting right. Well I st in weird way a lot so I'm not doing it properly, but let me start here... Honestly I'm not the most health conscience person. I probably drink too many mtn dews (which is 100% true) which is like 5-6 cans A day. You could say I drink soda like some people drink beer. I'm cutting back now because my dad did get diagnosed the diabetes at like 58 or 59. So it'll be awhile for me genetically. Of course my extreme soda drinking probably got me messed up a little. My question isn't about that tho, just info I think could help just incase. I've done some research but can't get a good answer. My back has been killing me lately (after work it normally does but like very minor, over the counter medicine will help that) but recently my lower left back has been hurting all the way up right above the Kidney(but it doesn't feel like the kidneys are being affected) I was thinking it was the kidneys and I'd just got a kidney stone, which I believe can easily happen with soda drinkers, but especially mtn dew. So when I did research, I found something called flank pain. I wasn't sure if that's what I was having. But all this minor pain was at first, it was more then usual but still pretty minor (I also smoke marijuana, and that normally helps with the pain, but it's not medical or legal. I also tried recently vyvanse because I want to see it I actually need it, Ima talk to my doctor when I get a chance about it. And while we're talking about drugs I did drink some alcohol too, but not much, I barely felt the drinks. I'm now proud of the alcohol tho) but the last three days it's gotten worse and worse, and then all of sudden back to normal or even a little better right after I took the vyvanse. I don't see how a "focusing" medicine could do that (I'm also using that term loosely.) I'm going to be getting a physical done in a week, I would just like some info before going in. Could it be my kidney? its mostly my whole bottom half of my left side right below he ribcage. It sorta feels like it's REALLY sore sometimes. And it doesn't often sting, only in the side area however. The rest of my back just feels like Normal back pain, which runs in my family. So I could be freaking out for no reason. So after that I'm thinking either kidneys. But every kidney disease I've looked up have vomiting or groin pain associate with "flank" pain. I haven't had any symptoms for any of them. So if anyone knows are has a good guess I'll be really thankful

Please ignore grammar mistakes, my phone isn't letting me scroll up and I can't fix them sorry :/
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
In the left side of the back, could be muscle pain or kidney pain.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

The area that you described, left side below the rib cage, could be related to the kidney, but more likely would be a muscle strain or cramp.

Kidney infections that cause flank pain usually start first with a regular urinary tract infection of the bladder, and then go up into the kidneys. Not always, but this is the most common way they start. It is more likely to happen in females. Kidney infections also cause a fever and nausea and just feeling sick overall.

Kidney or ureteral stones usually causes waves of pain and nausea.

Muscular pain would change with change of position.

Your doctor will likely try to see the location of the pain. If he or she thinks it is related to the kidney, the dr. will request a urine specimen. A "dip" urinalysis can be done in the office while you are there, and will show if there is microscopic blood (which would go with stones or infection) and other signs of infection. He or she may send the urine to a lab for a complete urinalysis which may show indications of stones.

Stones are uncommon in someone your age, but considering you drink up to 6 cans of Mountain Dew, it would be something to consider.

Another test your doctor might do is a blood test for indicators of kidney function: BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine levels.

If there are some definite indications that the problem is in the kidney, the doctor may order imagine studies.

I advise gradually cutting back on the Mountain Dew. Now that you are on Vyvanse, you may not feel the need to self medicate with so much caffeine and sugar and might do fine without it.

I hope this information helps.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
This helped. Makes my mind at ease. When i take the pysical we will indeed do blood and unrine test. Again, THANKS!!! :)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
your welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Your welcome, and good luck!

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (11 minutes later)
So its probably just regular back pain then? When i move it, it hurts, or aches. Just in the last hour i feel more pain. would waiting a week untill my pysical be ok then? Should i only worry if my back has extreme pai? n
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
If the pain is worsening, then do go in to be seen quickly.

Detailed Answer:
It's hard to say, without examining you, whether it is definitely muscle pain and not something else. While muscle pain usual hurts more with movement, that is not an absolute rule.

So if it is bad pain, then do go in to an urgent care or if after hours, the ER, rather than waiting until your appointment next week.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes Left-sided Back Pain While Sneezing?

Brief Answer: In the left side of the back, could be muscle pain or kidney pain. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, The area that you described, left side below the rib cage, could be related to the kidney, but more likely would be a muscle strain or cramp. Kidney infections that cause flank pain usually start first with a regular urinary tract infection of the bladder, and then go up into the kidneys. Not always, but this is the most common way they start. It is more likely to happen in females. Kidney infections also cause a fever and nausea and just feeling sick overall. Kidney or ureteral stones usually causes waves of pain and nausea. Muscular pain would change with change of position. Your doctor will likely try to see the location of the pain. If he or she thinks it is related to the kidney, the dr. will request a urine specimen. A "dip" urinalysis can be done in the office while you are there, and will show if there is microscopic blood (which would go with stones or infection) and other signs of infection. He or she may send the urine to a lab for a complete urinalysis which may show indications of stones. Stones are uncommon in someone your age, but considering you drink up to 6 cans of Mountain Dew, it would be something to consider. Another test your doctor might do is a blood test for indicators of kidney function: BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine levels. If there are some definite indications that the problem is in the kidney, the doctor may order imagine studies. I advise gradually cutting back on the Mountain Dew. Now that you are on Vyvanse, you may not feel the need to self medicate with so much caffeine and sugar and might do fine without it. I hope this information helps.