Pain under left rib cage and lower back

Pain in the back ribs can happen for many reasons.

Experiencing thoracic spine and rib pain? Learn more about what could be causing this and the treatment options that can provide lasting relief. Back pain in the ribs can be a common and often debilitating condition, causing discomfort and limiting mobility for many individuals. The pain can range from mild to severe and may be caused by various underlying conditions. Understanding the many causes of rib and back pain is important and can assist in securing an accurate diagnosis. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. The relationship between the back and the ribs is a close one.

Pain under left rib cage and lower back

Pain under the left rib cage area can be concerning, as it may indicate a problem with the organs or other structures in that area. The left rib cage houses vital organs such as the heart, spleen, left lung, and part of the stomach, all of which are necessary for the body to function. Pain on the left side under the rib cage can range from mild to severe, and it may also come with other symptoms that could indicate more clearly what is going on. You might be experiencing pain around your chest or abdominal area for several reasons. For example, the pain may be caused by costochondritis , an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, or more serious issues like an enlarged spleen or pancreatitis. Whatever the cause, it can be a good idea to be aware of the potential causes and symptoms to seek the right course of action if necessary. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek immediate medical attention. Continue reading to learn more about possible causes of pain under the left rib cage and what to do about it. Various health problems can cause pain under the left rib cage. Some common causes of pain on the left side under the rib cage include injuries, inflammation, and issues related to the organs in the surrounding area. Here are potential explanations for this type of pain:. Injuries such as broken ribs, muscle strains, or other types of damage to the rib cage can lead to pain in the region. These injuries can be caused by physical trauma or excessive strain from activities like sports or heavy lifting.

Examples include the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys. How to tell and location, type of pain, and severity. Read this next.

Pain under the left rib cage is commonly a sign of pancreatitis, kidney stones, or inflammation in the stomach. However, it can also be associated with injury to any other organs located in the upper left abdomen, such as the heart, spleen, pancreas, lung or left kidney. Pain in injured, left-sided organs can be sudden and is usually accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or increased pain with movement, coughing or sneezing. Since pain under the left ribs can be caused by so many different problems, it should always be assessed by a doctor preferably a gastroenterologist , specially if it is very intense or if it lasts for more than two days. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach, in the left upper quadrant.

The kidneys rest against the muscles of the lower back, which can make it hard to tell the difference between kidney pain and lower back pain. Additional symptoms can often help identify which type of pain it is. When trying to determine whether the pain is coming from the back or kidneys, people need to take into account:. In this article, we discuss the main characteristics and causes of kidney pain and back pain. We also cover when to see a doctor. The kidneys filter out waste and toxins from the bloodstream, which makes them susceptible to infection and damage. Excess calcium , oxalate, and phosphorous can accumulate in the kidneys to form kidney stones , which can be painful if they cause a blockage. It can also feel as though the pain is coming from deep within the body.

Pain under left rib cage and lower back

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Pain in the rib cage can result from injury or an underlying medical condition. Treatment may depend on the cause of the pain. Rib cage pain may be sharp, dull, or achy and felt at or below the chest or above the navel on either side. It may occur after an obvious injury or without explanation. Rib cage pain can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from pulled muscles to a rib fracture. The pain may occur immediately upon injury or develop slowly over time.

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This inflammation can cause pain under the left rib cage that worsens with breathing, coughing or sneezing. The relationship between the back and the ribs is a close one. Treatment options include the following:. If you think you could be having a heart attack or other medical emergency, call or your local emergency services right away. It may get worse when you cough, sneeze, or press on your ribs. The figure for females was Learn more here. It can also be a sign of a serious condition, like pancreatitis or a heart attack. Thanks for your message. It is very common for athletes involved in contact sports to get a slipped rib.

The spleen is a small organ usually about the size of your fist. But a number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Your spleen is an organ that sits just below your left rib cage.

It makes insulin , which your body uses to turn sugar into energy. Broken or bruised ribs. Beyond the pain, fibromyalgia often occurs with:. Updated in March In most cases, pain on the right side of the chest is a temporary symptom that happens due to conditions that are not serious, such as too much stress or muscle strain. The pain can range from mild to severe and may be caused by various underlying conditions. Intense pain, often caused by injuries or infections, may last for a short period and gradually subside with the appropriate treatment. Infection, inflammation , or injury to any of these organs can cause pain to radiate under and around your left rib cage. Next, they may take blood , stool , or urine samples for testing. Bone and muscle causes Internal organ causes Home remedies When to see a doctor Diagnosis When to get immediate care Bottom line Left-side back pain under your ribs can result from injury, inflammation, and other health conditions, including pancreatitis. To treat this type of strain, doctors often recommend pain medication and physical therapy. Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD. How Well Do You Sleep? This inflammation can cause an intense pain under the left rib cage that can radiate to the back.