Flank pain left back
Back left flank pain can have the same causes as back left flank pain in general. Due to the close proximity of the spine with the vertebral bodies and exiting nerves, these structures are a common cause of back left flank pain. Many reasons are conceivable: Age-related wear and tear (arthrosis) of the joints between the vertebral bodies, a broken vertebral body after a fall, rheumatic diseases, (congenital) malpositions or a poor posture of the spine.
Flank pain through the spleen
The spleen is located in the left upper abdomen and measures a maximum of 14 x 5 x 8 centimeters in adults. Flank pain on the left side can be caused by an enlarged spleen because the organ capsule is under tension. This is the case, for example, with Pfeiffer’s glandular fever, infection with the cytomegalovirus or malaria. Diseases of the blood can also lead to an enlargement of the spleen, but the pain then only occurs after a longer period of time. Flank pain on the left side after an accident with blunt abdominal trauma (severe bruising of the abdomen) can be an indication of a ruptured spleen.
Flank pain due to pancreas
The pancreas is about 15-20 centimeters long and is located in the upper abdomen, reaching across the spine. Inflammation of the pancreas is painful and causes a ring-shaped pain in the upper abdomen, which radiates to the left and/or right flank.
Flank pain due to kidney diseases
Diseases of the kidney and the draining urinary tract are a common cause of flank pain on the left side. Inflammation of the renal pelvis on the left side causes severe, oppressive flank pain on the left side, fever and a general feeling of illness. It is usually caused by an inflammation of the bladder.
Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys) is less often responsible for flank pain on the left side because it very often occurs on both sides. Suddenly appearing pain of the left flank with radiance into the lower abdomen and genital region and undulating course speak for kidney stones as cause of the pain. Kidney tumors can also cause pain in the left flank, but the pain does not appear as a dull, pressing pain until a late stage.
