What Causes Pain In Lower Left Back Radiating To Lower Left Abdomen?

Posted on Fri, 18 Sep 2015

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

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 Answered on

Fri, 9 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been having a dull ache in my lower back on the left side that travels around and has the front left side of my abdomen aching as well. This has been going on for about 2 weeks. My doctor ran a urine culture for 48 hours which came back negative along with a pelvic ultrasound to check for ovarian torsion. It also came back negative. Any other thoughts on what it might be? Currently she has me taking 3 ibuprofen 3 times a day and using a heating pad. I'm not any worse, but not any better either.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following information is needed for a more accurate diagnosis....

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and I can say as following:

1. Apart uro-genital tract problems, the pain that is located in your lower back on left side traveling around and has your front left side of your abdomen aching might be associated with a colitis attack.

But here I need to have more details:
- are you feeling bloating or full of gas as well?
- have you had any changes in your bowel movements (constipated? diarrhea) recently?
- difficulty in passing the stool?
- problems with stomach so far: heartburn? burning, pain after eating?

When constipated, the colon will get enlarged because the stool will remain there for long time. This will make you feel the pain at the left side (of your back and abdomen).

You are saying that your doctor run a pelvic ultrasound; did he also notice gas in your bowel (colon) too? You can provide the full tests reports so I can analyze them myself and give a more precise opinion.

Looking forward to have the requested information for a more accurate diagnosis.
Dr.Albana

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