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What Causes Sharp Pain On Left Side Above Waist Line?

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Posted on Fri, 4 Sep 2015
Question: Sharp pain on left side just above belt line. Pain when I inhale and when I move my lft arm or leg. Seems better when lying down. Has progressivelyx become sharper pain over days. It seems to be bowel related (deep).
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely muscular or superficial dermatome pain.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to health care magic,

Generally,Pain that arises from inside of abdomen are felt as cramps or dull aches.

Whereas skin and superficial pain are felt as pricking sharp pain or irritating pain.

So,this pain does not seem to be related with kidney or bowel as per your descriptions.So,it seems to be muscular pain.

However,I would like to ask some more information if you can tell me more about this -

1) is it a continuous pain or intermittent pain?

2) is it related to food?

3) Since how many days you have this sharp pain?

In this context, I would advice to continue on pain medications - ibuprofen or diclofenac available over the counter which may be helpful.

Also,decrease your activities or take rest for few days and wear loose clothing not constricting around waist line.

I expect you will feel better within 2 to 3 days and in case not,then you should see surgeon who will examine you thoroughly with some relevant investigations (blood counts and ultrasound abdomen) to detect the exact cause.

Hope this helps. Write back for more clarifications.

Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sandip Kabra (9 hours later)
1) turning from intermitant to continuous based on movement

2) at first I thought it may be food-based (4-5 days ago) but now I don't

3) the sharp pain started yesterday after I was pretty actve doing yardwork (Yardwork is a common activity for me). This morning after a good night's sleep the pain becomes sharp with almost every movement particularily my arm and leg on the left.

Thank you,
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Seems like a muscule pull.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the follow-up,

The symptoms you've mentioned seem fit with muscular pain so, there should be no issue of bowel / food involvement.

You can continue with over the counter pain killers with work restriction as I explained earlier.

You should feel better within 2 to 3 days.

Hope you will be fine after this.

Wishing good health.

Regards,
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sandip Kabra

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3078 Questions

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What Causes Sharp Pain On Left Side Above Waist Line?

Brief Answer: Most likely muscular or superficial dermatome pain. Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to health care magic, Generally,Pain that arises from inside of abdomen are felt as cramps or dull aches. Whereas skin and superficial pain are felt as pricking sharp pain or irritating pain. So,this pain does not seem to be related with kidney or bowel as per your descriptions.So,it seems to be muscular pain. However,I would like to ask some more information if you can tell me more about this - 1) is it a continuous pain or intermittent pain? 2) is it related to food? 3) Since how many days you have this sharp pain? In this context, I would advice to continue on pain medications - ibuprofen or diclofenac available over the counter which may be helpful. Also,decrease your activities or take rest for few days and wear loose clothing not constricting around waist line. I expect you will feel better within 2 to 3 days and in case not,then you should see surgeon who will examine you thoroughly with some relevant investigations (blood counts and ultrasound abdomen) to detect the exact cause. Hope this helps. Write back for more clarifications. Regards,