What Causes Back Pain On Left Side Near The Spinal Cord And Chest Tightness?

Posted on Sun, 3 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 3 Jul 2016 Answered on

Mon, 25 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Have back pain on left side - near spinal cord. Had for over a month, feels like really bad muscle strain. It's behind my rib cage towards the bottom of the cage. To high for kidneys - only other symptom is breathing feels tight. Advil seems to help but it's a 24/7 dull pain and sometimes bending over hurts like a muscle pull. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Here is what you can do.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to Health Care Magic, I am Dr Muhammd Ahmad, I have closely read your question and I understand your concerns, I will hereby guide you regarding your health related problem.

There are usually two pains i left side in lower ribs...

1) Kidney.
2) Stomach or duodenum errosion

I want to mention that the place you described is not " too hight for kidney" it might be the kidney ..and your description of pain being dull achy and aggravating on position change supports it being a kidney problem.

Here is what you do , this will cover both stomach and kidney what ever it may be..

1) Drink loads of fuild avoiding fizzy drinks.. alcohol...coffee caffeine..smoking (what ever is relevant). Fluid clears kidney and also supports stomach diluting acid.
2) Use loads of fiber and fruits.
3) Keep salt content low in food.
4) If you have stomach symptoms use gaviscon and if its just that pain then you can do without using it.
5) If this doesnt help in a week do visit a doctor you might have to get a urine examination adn an ultrasound done to rule out any kidney stone etc.

I hope this answered your question, if you have more feel free to ask,otherwise close the discussion and rate it.

Regards.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.
General and Family Physician.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar