A sharp pain in the lower back left side can have many causes. While many require treatment, most aren’t serious.
Approximately
Your lower back consists of five vertebrae. Discs between them cushion the bones, ligaments hold the vertebrae in place, and tendons attach muscles to the spinal column. The lower back has 31 nerves.
Also, organs such as the kidneys, pancreas, colon, and uterus are located near your lower back. All of these can be responsible for pain in the left side of your lower back.
There are many potential causes of lower back pain on the left side. Some are specific to that area, while others may cause pain in any part of the back. Common causes include:
Muscle strain or sprain
A muscle strain or sprain is the most common cause of low back pain.
A strain is a tear or stretching in a tendon or muscle, while a sprain is a tear or stretching in a ligament.
Sprains and strains usually happen when you twist or lift something improperly, lift something heavy, or overstretch your back muscles.
These injuries can cause swelling, difficulty moving, and back spasms.
Sciatica
Sciatica is pain caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. This is the nerve that runs through your buttocks and down the back of your leg.
Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis compressing part of the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica usually only affects one side of the body. It causes an electric or burning low back pain that radiates down your leg. The pain may get worse when you cough, sneeze, or sit for a long time.
Serious causes of sciatica can cause weakness and numbness in your leg.
Herniated disc
A herniated disc occurs when one or more of the discs between your vertebrae get compressed and bulge outward into spinal canal.
These bulging discs often push on nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness. A herniated disc is also a common cause of sciatica.
Herniated discs can be caused by an injury. They also become more common as you age, because the discs naturally degenerate. If you have a herniated disc, it’s likely you’ve had recent low back pain.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is when the cartilage between your vertebrae starts to break down. The lower back is a common site of osteoarthritis, because of the stress of walking.
Osteoarthritis is usually caused by normal wear and tear, but previous back injuries can make it more likely.
Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis. Twisting or bending your back may be especially painful.
Dysfunction of sacroiliac joints
Dysfunction of the sacroiliac (SI) joints is also called sacroiliitis. You have two sacroiliac joints, one on each side of your spine where it connects with the top of your pelvis. Sacroiliitis is inflammation of this joint. It can affect one or both sides.
Pain in your lower back and buttocks is the most common symptom. The pain is usually made worse by:
- standing
- climbing stairs
- running
- putting too much weight on the affected leg
- taking large steps
Kidney stones or infection
Your kidneys play a vital role in flushing waste from your body. Kidney stones may form in these organs. These stones can result from different causes, such as a buildup of waste or not enough fluid in your kidneys.
Small kidney stones may not cause any symptoms, and may pass on their own. Larger stones, which may require treatment, can cause these symptoms:
- pain while urinating
- sharp pain on one side of your lower back
- blood in your urine
- vomiting
- nausea
- fever
A kidney infection usually starts as a urinary tract infection (UTI). It causes most of the same symptoms as kidney stones. If not treated, a kidney infection can permanently damage your kidneys.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs cells that resemble the uterus lining, called endometrial cells, grow outside the uterus. These cells can swell and bleed every month when you get your period, which causes pain and other issues.
Endometriosis is most common in women in their
Pain is the most common symptom, including:
- very painful menstrual cramps
- lower back pain
- pelvic pain
- pain during sex
- painful bowel movements or urination when you have your period
Other symptoms include:
- bleeding in-between periods (spotting)
- heavy periods
- digestive issues such as diarrhea
- bloating
- infertility
Fibroids
Fibroids are tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. They are usually benign.
Symptoms of fibroids include:
- heavy bleeding during periods
- painful periods
- lower abdominal bloating
- a full feeling in your lower abdomen
- low back pain
- frequent urination
- pain during sex
Other potential causes of low back pain on the left side
Pancreatitis and ulcerative colitis can both cause low back pain. However, this is a rare symptom of both. When they do cause back pain, it’s usually higher in the back. Both conditions should be treated as soon as possible by a doctor.
Back pain is very common throughout pregnancy. This may be because of:
- the heavier front of your body straining back muscles
- posture changes
- your abdominal muscles weakening as your stomach grows, which means your spine isn’t as well supported
- sciatica
- hormones causing the ligaments in your pelvis to relax, to prepare for birth (f they become too mobile, this can cause pain)
- SI joint dysfunction
- kidney infection (if the urinary tract infections that are more common in pregnancy aren’t treated properly)
To diagnose lower back pain, a doctor will first do a physical exam. They’ll look at how well you move and if your back has any visible issues.
Then they’ll take a medical history. This will cover your symptoms, any recent injuries, previous back issues, and the severity of your pain.
A physical exam and medical history are often enough for a doctor to determine the cause of your pain. However, they may also need to do an imaging test. Potential tests include:
- X-ray, which can find broken or misaligned bones.
- CT scan, which shows soft tissues such as the discs between vertebrae and potential tumors
- myelogram, which uses dye to enhance the contrast in a CT scan or X-ray to help a doctor identify nerve or spinal cord compression
- nerve conduction test if the doctor suspects nerve issues
- bone scan to see if you have any bone issues (not used as commonly as X-ray)
- ultrasound to look more closely at soft tissues (not used as commonly as CT scans)
- blood tests if the doctor suspects an infection
- MRI scan if there are signs of a serious problem
In general, there’s not a lot of evidence for treatments for low back pain not caused by a specific issue. In many cases, time, rest, and pain relievers will help. Other issues need medical attention and treatment.
Unless you have signs of a serious condition or have a recent injury, you can often try at-home remedies first and then see a doctor if you still have pain.
Self-care
Home treatments may include:
- ice
- hot packs
- topical pain relieving lotion or cream
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- rest (so long as it’s not prolonged bed rest)
- limiting activities that cause more pain
- exercise
Medical treatment
Medical treatment may vary depending on the cause of the pain. Potential treatments include:
- physical therapy
- anticonvulsant medication for certain nerve issues
- muscle relaxants
- antibiotics for a kidney infection
- nerve blocks
- steroid injections if you have inflammation
- breaking up or removing a kidney stone
- acupuncture (although research for its effectiveness for back pain is mixed)
- surgery if you have a severe issue, such as nerve compression, or if other treatments fail
What causes lower back pain just above the buttocks?
When the pain affects the lower back above the buttocks, the cause could be sciatica or a dysfunction of sacroiliac joints.
When should I worry about left lower back pain?
While many causes of lower back pain can be healed with time and over-the-counter remedies, some can require medical attention. See a doctor if you have:
- pain that doesn’t get better after a few weeks
- numbness, tingling, and weakness, especially in your legs
- issues controlling your bladder or bowels
- trouble urinating
- severe pain, especially if it’s sudden
- fever
- unexplained weight loss
- pain after a fall or injury
- history of cancer
- recent surgery
- recent injection to the back
- history of taking blood thinners
If you need help finding a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
What nerve is pinched above the left buttock?
Typically this is the sciatic nerve, which runs through your buttocks and down the back of your leg.
Lower back pain on your left side, above the buttocks, has many potential causes. Many can be treated with home remedies. But others can be serious.
If you’ve had a recent injury, have numbness or weakness in your legs, have signs of an infection, or experience pain that seems connected to your menstrual cycle, call a doctor.
