When I Sleep On My Left Side, I Get Discomfort

Posted on Sat, 24 Aug 2019

Question: When I sleep on my left side, I get discomfort just under my left rib cage, when I go to roll over onto my back, that discomfort become a sharp pain, it actually feels like something is shifting inside. The pain is internal not external and lasts only a minute or two. I have also had increases indigestion and nausea, I’m not throwing-up, but my food does comes up on me every so often, especially if I bend over. The last associated issue with all this would be a soreness on my right side, I don’t want to say pain, it’s just an sensitivity or ack on my left side that is constant, These symptoms have been going on for about 3-4 weeks, but vary by the day. Only more recently has the indigestion been more noticeable in increasingly more uncomfortable. What do you think might be going on.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You should be investigated

Detailed Answer:
Hi
First,we will discuss about pain below rib cage.As per your description,it looks like Musculoskeletal pain.Skeletal muscle relaxant tablet containing Thiocolchicoside will help.If there is no response, you should get an.X Ray chest.
Regarding nausea, indigestion it can be due to Acid peptic disease.I prescribe capsule containing Rabeprazole along with Domperidone to my patients with similar complaints.
Upper GI endoscopy and Ultrasound abdomen should be done if there is no response from the above medicine.
Nothing to worry.
Hope I answered your query.If you have any questions,I will clarify further.
Wish you good health
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (1 hour later)

In feel that the pain associated under my left rib by my stomach doesn’t seem to conform with the musculoskeletal diagnosis. I have been treated in the past for both tendinitis and fibromyalgia pain and this is not similar. This pain is located by my stomach and spleen and only hurt when I change position from my left side to my back one time, not every time I move. It literally feel like something inside shifts. I doesn’t bother me during the day, sitting, driving, walking, bending, only when I’m laying on my left side and start to feel pressure or uncomfortable and roll over to my back. It’s a sharp uncomfortable pain located by my stomach and left rib cage.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Investigations will give a clue

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Swellings that move in the Abdomen below rib cage on left side are very very rare.Even, Spleen will not move as it is attached to surrounding structures through Ligaments.
Cysts in the mesentery will move.But,they are located near belly button.
Simple investigation like Ultrasound abdomen will give a clue.
Please consult a Doctor and proceed further.
Nothing to worry.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (2 hours later)

I do realize that the organ isn’t actually shifting, but the pain shifts, which makes it feel like something is moving, I was trying to provide a similar description . I’ll definitely consult with my physician, I was simply looking for some guidance or areas of concern.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It could be due to Spleen or Splenic flexure of Colon

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Spleen,Splenic flexure of Colon are located in the left upper part of the Abdomen.
Lesions in these organs can produce pain in that area.
Ultrasound Abdomen will give a clue.
If it is due to Abdominal muscle,the area that is supplied by the corresponding nerve will be painful.Here, skeletal muscle relaxant tablets will help.
Hope I answered your question
Regards

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