Psychosomatic

In principle, it is possible that any physical complaints occur in the context of a psychosomatic event. This means that mental strain, conflicts and stress manifest themselves in physical complaints, without any underlying organic illness. Thus flank pain can also have psychosomatic causes.

It is important, however, that if the pain persists, all possible organic causes are first clarified before a diagnosis of psychosomatic complaints is made. This is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that this diagnosis may only be made if absolutely no other explanation for the symptoms can be found. A medical clarification is therefore essential. In the case of psychosomatic flank pain, relaxation techniques and psychotherapeutic care can lead to long-term relief of the symptoms.

Lateral localization

Right flank pain can have various causes. Pain is particularly typical for inflammation of the renal pelvis on the right side. The right flank is then very sensitive to knocking and the person affected suffers from severe pain and discomfort.

Ureteral stones on the right side can also trigger the symptoms, which then usually occur spasmodically and very suddenly and are often accompanied by nausea and sweating. In addition, muscular tension can trigger flank pain on the right side, as can right-sided shingles. After accidents and external violence, bruises in the tissue and muscles can also be responsible for the complaints.

In addition, the liver and intestine, which are located on the right side of the abdomen, could be the source of the complaints. Severe or persistent pain should be clarified by a physician to rule out serious causes. Left-sided flank pain can have different causes, just like right-sided flank pain.

As on the right side, the left kidney is also located in the flank area and can also be affected by inflammation of the renal pelvis. Often the origin of a pelvic inflammation of the kidney is an untreated cystitis that spreads to the upper urinary tract and finally to the kidney. Burning when urinating, flank pain, fever and indisposition can be the result.

Muscular tension or painful shingles also occur in the flank area and can be the cause of the symptoms. On the left side of the abdominal cavity are also the spleen, the stomach and the intestines, so that flank pain can also occur under certain circumstances when these organ systems are affected. Here, too, persistent or very severe complaints should lead to a medical clarification.

Flank pain on both sides is often caused by the musculoskeletal system and can be caused by tension or prolonged one-sided strain (lying down for long periods, remaining in the same body position for a long time). Less frequently, the kidney is the source of pain in bilateral flank pain. Inflammation of the renal pelvis usually affects only one kidney and not both kidneys at the same time.

However, this is possible in principle, so that in the case of bilateral flank pain, bilateral inflammation of the renal pelvis should also be considered. Shingles usually occurs on one side only, so it is less likely to be the cause. In case of tension, a hot water bottle can help to loosen the muscles.

In addition, massages and physical activity can help to ease the symptoms. Pain under the costal arch can have different causes. Pinched and irritated nerves are often the reason for the complaints.

An intercostal nerve runs between the ribs. If there is tension or dislocated vertebrae, the nerves can be irritated with radiating pain. This clinical picture is medically called intercostal neuralgia.

In addition, the liver is located on the right side under the costal arch, which can cause pain in various diseases. This area also contains the gallbladder, which can become inflamed (inflammation of the gallbladder) or contain gallstones. The latter can enter the bile duct and cause severe, colicky pain. On the left side below the costal arch is mainly intestine.However, in the rear rib area also the spleen lies in the left upper abdomen. If this is enlarged, it can press on surrounding structures or be painful due to the tension exerted on the organ capsule.