Pain on the left side below the ribs
Pain on the left side of the body under the ribs or under the costal arch can occur during sports activities, for example. The best known phenomenon is the so-called side stitches, which cause stabbing and pulling pain in the rib area when endurance sports are practised – especially when running. Muscular irritation in the rib area can also occur, for example after sporting activities.
The intercostal nerves run between the ribs, which can also be pinched or irritated. This leads to so-called intercostal neuralgia, which causes stabbing pain along such a nerve path. The spleen is also located in the left upper abdomen behind the ribs. If the spleen is enlarged as part of a disease, it can press on surrounding structures and cause pain on the left side of the body. Last but not least, complaints there can also be triggered by diseases of the stomach and intestines.
Pain on the left side like side stitches
Pain on the left side of the body can be caused by problems in the back. Back problems are a common clinical picture in the western world, as many people suffer from too weak back muscles due to lack of exercise and predominantly sedentary activities. Muscular imbalances lead to unfavorable postures and thus to pain in the back or side area.
Herniated discs can also cause pain that radiates to the left side of the body. If a disc protrudes from its actual position, it can press on nerves that emerge from the spinal cord at this point. Along the course of the nerves, pain of varying severity can occur, including sensory disturbances and motor deficits. The spine can also be affected by bony extensions or alterations that constrict the spinal canal and can thus press on nerves. This can also explain pain on the left side of the body.
Pain on the left side of the abdomen
Pain on the left side of the body in the abdomen makes one think of various causes. In women, the pain often comes from the internal genitals. They can be caused by ovulation, menstruation or for example by ovarian cysts.
Very severe pain occurs in the case of a pedunculated ovarian cyst and ectopic pregnancy. As these are emergencies, immediate medical intervention is required. Pathological changes in the uterus are also possible causes of pain.
In addition, a hernia should be considered in case of pain in the left abdomen. This involves a gap in the abdominal wall through which tissue or – in the case of large hernias – intestinal loops are pushed. Especially when pressure in the abdominal cavity increases, such as during coughing or pressing, pain and a bulging of the hernia sac will occur.
For anatomical reasons, this clinical picture occurs more frequently in men than in women, but even in these cases a hernia should always be considered. In men, pain in the left lower abdomen can also be caused by testicular torsion. In this case a testicle turns around itself and thereby cuts off its vascular supply. This is an emergency and must be surgically corrected as soon as possible, otherwise the testicle will die off with loss of the testicle.
