Is My Body Sending Warning Signs? Left-Sided Pain and Symptoms

Q: Is My Body Sending Warning Signs? Left-Sided Pain and Symptoms

Hello Jean： Regarding the left limb pain without muscle weakness, it is generally necessary to consider cervical nerve compression, which should not have a direct relationship with the brain. <br>I recommend seeking assistance from a neurologist. <br>Additionally, normal health c

Is there something wrong with my body?

Recently, I don't know if it's because of the winter, but my left side (left leg, left arm, left waist) has been very sore.
Yesterday, the pain was so severe that I couldn't sleep.
In the past, I would only experience something like rheumatic pain that would resolve in a day, but this time it has lasted for about 2 to 3 days.
My left leg feels completely swollen and uncomfortable, and my left arm is very sore; yesterday it was so painful that I couldn't sleep.
I started to wonder if it might be related to my kidneys because I have had persistent soreness in the left side of my lower back.
Even after using a massage tool or applying topical patches, it remains sore after a couple of days.
A doctor from my company’s health check-up said it was nothing serious and attributed it to poor posture, but many traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have suggested it might be related to kidney issues.
Recently, I have felt a heavy sensation, as if something is pressing on my lower back.
I experience this discomfort every day during my commute.
Additionally, my saliva has become very thick; when I spit, it can stretch out long and keeps dripping.
My sense of smell has also deteriorated.
The last time a colleague ate instant noodles, which had a strong odor, I couldn't smell it at all, even though my left-hand neighbor and those across from me could.
What should I do? I've noticed these symptoms for about a year now (with the back pain lasting even longer), but I haven't paid much attention to them.
Doctor, is there really something wrong with my body?

jean, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/11/30

Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine

Hello Jean: Regarding the left limb pain without muscle weakness, it is generally necessary to consider cervical nerve compression, which should not have a direct relationship with the brain.
I recommend seeking assistance from a neurologist.
Additionally, normal health check results may be due to insufficient examination items.
The left lower back pain with a foreign body sensation could indeed indicate a kidney issue, but ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis should not be overlooked.
I suggest consulting a gynecologist for further evaluation.
I hope all your tests come back normal.
Thank you for your message.

Reply Date: 2005/11/30

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a range of concerning symptoms, particularly on the left side of your body, including pain in your left leg, arm, and lower back, as well as changes in your saliva and sense of smell. These symptoms can indeed be alarming and may indicate underlying health issues that warrant further investigation.

First, let's address the left-sided pain. Pain that is localized to one side of the body can arise from various causes. In your case, the persistent pain in your left leg, arm, and lower back could suggest a musculoskeletal issue, such as muscle strain or nerve compression. Poor posture, especially if you have a sedentary job, can lead to muscle imbalances and discomfort. However, given the duration and severity of your symptoms, it’s essential to consider other potential causes, including nerve-related issues or even referred pain from internal organs.

The mention of kidney-related concerns is also noteworthy. The kidneys are located in the lower back, and pain in that area can sometimes be associated with kidney stones or infections. However, it’s crucial to rule out other conditions that could mimic kidney pain, such as issues with the ovaries or uterus in women, which can also cause referred pain to the lower back. Since you mentioned that you have had some medical evaluations that did not reveal significant issues, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion or consult a specialist, such as a nephrologist or a gynecologist, to explore these possibilities further.

Your symptoms of thick saliva and altered sense of smell could be indicative of other health issues. Thick saliva can result from dehydration, certain medications, or even conditions affecting the salivary glands. Changes in smell, or anosmia, can be associated with various factors, including sinus issues, neurological conditions, or even viral infections. Given that you have noticed these symptoms over the past year, it would be wise to discuss them with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a neurologist to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may be related to lifestyle factors such as posture and stress, the persistence and combination of your symptoms suggest that it would be prudent to seek further medical evaluation. A comprehensive approach that includes a thorough physical examination, possibly imaging studies, and consultations with specialists in neurology, nephrology, and ENT could provide more clarity on your condition.
It's essential to listen to your body and take these warning signs seriously. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so don't hesitate to advocate for your health and seek the care you need.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Neck Pain: Is It a Stroke Warning Sign?

Hello: Recently, I have been experiencing frequent pain on the left side of my neck. When I turn to the left, it feels like a muscle is twitching. Sometimes the pain radiates to my temple, and occasionally I feel a bit of numbness on the left side of my head, along with soreness ...

Dr. Huang Yingzhe reply Neurology
Based on your symptoms, it seems more like myofascial pain syndrome. Please consult a nearby neurologist or rehabilitation physician for further treatment!

Understanding Left-Sided Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps

Hello Doctor: In the past few months, I have consulted with cardiology, gastroenterology (underwent gastroscopy), otolaryngology, and neurology (X-rays and thyroid tests), all of which showed normal results. However, I still experience pain on the left side of my head (in multipl...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Your symptoms may suggest the possibility of cervical nerve root compression, which can cause abnormal sensations on the side of the head. Symptoms related to the autonomic nervous system typically affect internal organs, such as increased heart rate. It is recommended tha...

Understanding Persistent Left-Sided Numbness: Causes and Concerns

Dear Doctor, In the past, I occasionally experienced numbness in my hands while sleeping at night, but for the past month, I have been experiencing daily numbness, specifically in my left hand, which is unusual as it used to be more sporadic. The numbness is primarily on the out...

Dr. Du Haojie reply Neurology
1. Limb numbness is a common symptom of peripheral neuropathy, often caused by compression in younger women, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome. Neurological examinations may appear normal even if symptoms are mild. 2. Headaches can be evaluated with an electroencephalogram (EEG)....

Understanding Left-Sided Weakness and Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions

Hello, doctor. I am a 19-year-old student. Recently, I've been experiencing some issues on the left side of my body, and I would like to consult you. I've noticed weakness and a tingling sensation in my left arm. When I try to lift or grip things, I feel a lack of stren...

Dr. Chen Shunsheng reply Rare Disease
Please seek medical attention at a neurology center as soon as possible. This should not be related to posture, and it is important to rule out any potential lesions in the right hemisphere of the brain or cervical spinal cord. Please make an appointment promptly. The association...