What Causes Abdominal Pain On The Lower Left Side

What Causes Abdominal Pain On The Lower Left Side ?

Abdomen extends from the chest to the pelvic region of the body. Numerous vital organs like kidneys, stomach, liver, spleen, digestive tract and pancreas are located in this region. Any injury, damage or malfunctioning of organs in the abdomen or unwanted pressure/injury to the abdominal muscle walls can lead to discomfort in the region causing pain.

Millions of people suffer from abdominal pain or cramps on a daily basis. It can be mild, moderate or extremely severe. The discomfort felt can be acute or chronic. If the pain is recurrent, immediate medical examination should be carried out to diagnose the condition. The causes for abdominal pain are numerous and varied. However, if you experience pain specifically in the lower left side of the abdomen for a long period, you could be suffering from any one of the following disorders:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Aortic aneurysm
  • Diverticulitis
  • Food poisoning
  • Constipation
  • Bowel obstruction/cancer
  • Hernia
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Kidney disorders
  • Ulcers

Lower left abdominal pain could also be caused due to descending/movement of:

  • The large bowel
  • Left ureter
  • Left ovary
  • Left fallopian tubules
  • Sigmoid colon
  • Left kidney

Other causes include displacement of nerves, muscles and blood vessels on the left side, trapped wind in the stomach, transverse colon volvulus, etc.

Simple gastrointestinal problems like food poisoning and constipation can be easily cured with antibiotics and medications. Cysts, cancer and displacement of organs will require a more elaborate procedure. Surgery is also considered in such cases. Pain killers provide temporary relief. However, if the symptoms persist, X rays, blood tests, stool analysis, urine tests and scans can reveal the cause for pain.

More Articles :

What Causes Abdominal Pain On The Lower Left Side