Definition
Pain on the left side of the body can have various causes. The body is anatomically divided into two halves in the midline at the spine or sternum. Pain that occurs on the left side of this midline therefore affects the left side of the body.
Since there are many possible causes for the pain, many people are familiar with this problem and develop pain on the left side of the body at least once in their lives. Persistent and/or severe complaints should be a reason to consult a doctor in order to have serious diseases clarified as the cause. An overview of pain on the right side of the body can be found at Pain on the right side of the body
Associated symptoms
Pain in the left side of the body is very unspecific and occurs in many different diseases and conditions. In the case of pain on the left side of the body, which is caused by incorrect posture, muscular tension or the like, there is hardly any other discomfort apart from the pain. If necessary, movement restrictions may exist.
In the case of herniated discs or nerve entrapments, there may be other symptoms in addition to the pain. Irritated nerves can cause sensory disturbances such as numbness or tingling sensations. In the worst case also to paralysis.
In an ectopic pregnancy, bleeding may occur in addition to the pain. Nausea and dizziness may also occur. Similar symptoms can also occur with pronounced menstrual cramps.
In the case of an inguinal hernia, a bulge on the affected groin is noticeable. Nausea and fever may also occur. If the pain emanates from digestive organs, such as the stomach or intestines, digestive complaints such as nausea, vomiting or changes in bowel movements may occur.
In addition, general fatigue can occur. In case of a heart attack, immediate action must be taken. In addition to pain, which mainly occurs in the chest area, but can also radiate into various regions such as the arm, neck or upper abdomen, there may be shortness of breath, vomiting, anxiety sweating and a feeling of tightness.
It is not possible to make a general statement about the duration of pain in the left half of the body, as the duration depends strongly on the cause. Pain due to poor posture, herniated discs or spinal malpositions can quickly recede on the one hand, but in the worst case it can also become chronic. In addition, the duration generally depends on when treatment is started and how well it works. Painkillers can often relieve the pain quickly, but they should not be a long-term solution. If the pain persists for a long time, it is always advisable to consult a doctor for clarification and treatment.
