Some people only feel pain on their left side. Some people complain of pain around their left-side organs. This type of pain could be standard and safe but can also indicate a severe problem. According to H. Merskey and G.D Watson (1979), “pain tends to be more lateralized, except trigeminal neuropathy.” Let us look at why pain is more prevalent on the left.

What are the organs located on the left-hand side of the body?

A person who feels pain in their left side is likely experiencing pain from an organ. This is what is causing this sensation. Organs that may be responsible for the success include:

  • The heart is the most critical organ in human beings.
  • The lungs are divided into two sides.
  • The stomach is a part.
  • An intestine.
  • The left kidney.
  • The pancreas.
  • The left ovary (for women) and the fallopian tube.
  • The spleen.

What can cause pain on the left side?

Here is a list that details the various conditions and diseases that can cause pain on the left side.

  • Heart attack: When it comes to health, a heart attack is what everyone fears. The artery responsible for supplying blood becomes blocked and unable to maintain proper blood flow. An excess of fatty deposits within the street causes this blockage. (Healthline, 2021). Other heart conditions, such as pericarditis, could also cause this pain. The pain will spread to the chest and upper abdomen as the heart is on the left. Other symptoms may include difficulty breathing, numbness in the left arm, weakness, sweating, and coughing (Illiades, 2021).
  • Sprain or Strain Pain can be felt on the left side of your body if you have a sprain in one of the muscles or organs to the left. A strain occurs when a person tears a muscle or tendon. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases defines a sprain as the “tearing or twisting of a ligament which is an elastic connective tissue between one bone and another” (Medical et al., 2018). The following organs can be affected:
    • The back
    • The ankle
    • The arm
    • The foot
    • The Knee
    • The wrist
    • Leg
  • Kidney Disease and Infection: Any condition affecting the kidney could cause severe pain to the left side. The pain is sharp and stabbing. Bacteria cause this. The pain radiates from the ribcage and back. The pain can even reach the groin. The kidney is an essential organ of the body. It is responsible for controlling blood pressure, maintaining a healthy fluid level in the body, and removing all toxic waste. Sharp pain on the left side, which could indicate kidney disease, should not be ignored. It can have life-threatening consequences. Kidney stones are another condition that can cause excruciating pain in the left side of the body. This type of pain can be described as severe and causes many symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.
  • Pelvic pain in women: Women tend to be more susceptible to this sensation, particularly around the pelvis. This causes lower left abdominal discomfort. An ovarian cyst is the most common cause of pain on the left side of the body. The ovarian cyst, although harmless, can cause extreme pain in the left side. The cyst can develop next to or within an ovary and rupture. This causes severe pain on the left side. Ectopic pregnancy can also cause pelvic pain. This condition occurs when the fertilized egg grows out of the uterus. It can cause pain, vaginal blood, and changes to bowel habits. Treatment for pelvic pain can be achieved through medication or surgery, depending on its severity.
  • Menstruation cramps can be severe and cause extreme pain on the left side.
  • Left Colon Diseases Left abdominal pain can be caused by any infection, inflammation, or disease in the colon. This condition is known as “ulcerative Colitis.” It is characterized by inflammation that moves from the rectum towards the splenic bend, close to the spleen. The organs are on the left side of your body. This causes pain in that area. Various symptoms, including blood in the stools, weight loss, and diarrhea, can indicate these conditions.

Gas buildup in the colon can cause pain on either the left or right side. Gas buildup in the digestive system can be so unbearable that some people mistakenly think they have serious colon problems.

    • Spleen Damaged, Ruptured, or Enlarged: The location of the spleen on the upper left abdomen is behind the ribs. (NHS, 2019) The spleen is a vital organ in the immune system. Pain on the left side is caused by any condition that affects the spleen. It is essential to seek medical attention when the spleen ruptures or becomes damaged. Its symptoms are pain under the left rib, tenderness, and dizziness. When a spleen becomes infected, however, it will become enlarged. The only way to treat this condition is through surgery. Its symptoms include pain under the left rib, anemia, bleeding, and more.
    • Blood Clot in Left Lung A blood clot can cause extreme pain when it passes through the lung. If not treated, it can cause severe lung damage. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing blood, and, worst case scenarios, pneumonia.
    • Torsion of the Testicles: According to Medical News Today, “testicular twisting typically causes pain to one side of your body.” (D’Souza, 2021). Testicular torsion can be defined as the twisting of testicles. This causes blood to flow into the scrotum and cause pain. Testicular swelling, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are all symptoms.
    • Pancreatitis The organ “behind” the stomach is located in the upper left abdominal area (Columbia Surgery, 2021). When the pancreas becomes inflamed (a condition known as “pancreatitis”), it causes immediate pain to its upper left part. The pain can also radiate to the back and cause nausea, jaundice, and weight loss.
    • Cancer: A cancer in any of these organs causes severe pain on the left side. If the patient does not follow the correct treatment, the pain can radiate and reach all organs in the body.

What are some possible treatments for this kind of pain?

Treatment methods for left-side pain also vary according to the causes. No single treatment can be used for all of these pain types. It depends on where the sensation occurs, how severe it is, and how long you have been experiencing it. Over-the-counter medication, antibiotics, and lifestyle changes are all options for treatment.

When should a patient contact a healthcare provider?

  • If the pain persists beyond a few weeks and is unjustified, it is best to consult a physician immediately. Start with simple home remedies such as changing eating habits, exercising more, stretching painful areas, and hydrating. Not all home remedies are effective. The patient must be aware of all symptoms and their medical history to help determine the cause of pain. It is essential to check out symptoms of kidney and heart infections as soon as they appear.

Could you view our website for more information?

  • It is not pleasant to feel pain in the body, but it is common in many situations. The left side of the body is essential because it could indicate serious heart issues. Other body parts may also be affected, even if the pain is not mentioned. Therefore, you must be aware of any pain sensations you may feel to prevent more serious conditions from developing.