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What Causes Severe Pain In The Left Side Of The Back And Shoulder?

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Posted on Mon, 4 Sep 2017
Question: My wife has severe pain in her lower left side, in-between her hip and ribcage. She can’t lift her arms over her head because of the pain it causes. It hurts her when she sits or lays down in certain positions.
This just started yesterday and she has been taken Aleve and been putting Aspercreme on it over night.
What do you think this would be ?
Thank you XXXXXXX

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Could be muscle spasm.

Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon.
To me , it appears that she has probably pulled muscles on Left side of her back and shoulder- may be due to a bad sleeping posture. Some positions are more stressful than others , particularly lying on right side as the muscles are stretched .
I suggest pain killers + Muscle Relaxants , Hot fomentation and Local Analgesic Cream.
If the problem is not solved in few days ( about one week) then she may require orthopedic consultation or a visit to ER.
Thanx for the question. Please feel free to ask any other question.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (48 hours later)
Doctor Goel here are the answers to your question.

1. Pain exact site if possible with photo pic showing the location .(A) Left side between the rib-cage and hip. More so on her backside then the front. (between my fingers)
2. Pain - type , intensity , frequency , radiation if anywhere . (A) Consent - Pain level 1 to 10 it is a "8-9"
3. Heating pad subsides pain or persist . (A) No just makes her more conferrable.
4. Pain increase after activity or just bending head . (A) After activity & bending head - she has been laying in bed ever since with no activity.
5. Any x-ray or ultrasound done at hospital . (A) We haven't been to the hospital for any test yet.
6. Any associated symptoms if any (A) The medicine she is taken is making her sick to her stomach.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Could be because of kidney Disease.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
This region is called Lumbar area for our clinical picture . This kind of pain is generally due to Problem in kidney disease like stone ,infection etc.
For this area I suggest you go for an ultrasound ASAP to see any kidney pathology.
The second possibility of muscle pull remains and the treatment is as I have mentioned above.
Again I would advise an Ultrasound and X Ray of Lumbar spine ASAP.
Thanx .
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Gopal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 1532 Questions

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What Causes Severe Pain In The Left Side Of The Back And Shoulder?

Brief Answer: Could be muscle spasm. Detailed Answer: Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon. To me , it appears that she has probably pulled muscles on Left side of her back and shoulder- may be due to a bad sleeping posture. Some positions are more stressful than others , particularly lying on right side as the muscles are stretched . I suggest pain killers + Muscle Relaxants , Hot fomentation and Local Analgesic Cream. If the problem is not solved in few days ( about one week) then she may require orthopedic consultation or a visit to ER. Thanx for the question. Please feel free to ask any other question.