What Causes Pain On Left Side Of Abdomen?

Posted on Sat, 27 Sep 2014

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

Sat, 27 Sep 2014 Answered on

Mon, 13 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am having back pain above the waist, left of my spine that is quite severe and barely responds to Vicodin for over a week. A couple of days ago the pain included the area under my left rib cage. Through the night, I awaken in pain and reach for pain killers. Might this mean a problem with my pancreas?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ultrasound abdomen and serum tests required

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

Pain on left side of abdomen can be due to pancreatic pain.
However, a couple of investigations are required before a diagnosis can be made.
An ultrasound abdomen, serum tests for pancreatic enzymes - amylase and lipase are required to prove the pancreatic origin of pain.
However, left sided abdominal pain can be due to splenic pathology, pleural pathology or musculoskeletal pathology.
I suggest you to consult your physician for clinical assessment to find out the cause of left abdominal pain.

If you have more queries, I will glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal

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