Left Side Lower Back Pain: Causes and Concerns for Students

Left flank pain?

Hello Dr.
Wu, I would like to ask you: I am a senior high school student, and since July of last year, I have been studying at a cram school for about fourteen hours a day, drinking approximately 1000 to 1500 cc of water daily.
Starting in March of this year, as I prepared for college applications, the stress increased, and I continued to sit for about fourteen hours a day.
I noticed that since mid-March, I have been experiencing some pain in my left lower back.
Initially, I thought it was due to insufficient water intake, so I increased my water consumption, which alleviated the symptoms temporarily.
However, I found that the relief only lasted while I was drinking water, and a few hours later, the dull pain would return, though it wasn't severe.

As April has progressed, the symptoms seem to have worsened rather than improved.
Previously, I would only feel discomfort in my lower back when sitting or lying down (the pain could occur on either side or both sides at times, but drinking water usually helped, or sometimes the pain would resolve on its own).
Now, I feel a burden whether I am standing or walking (it feels like having a wallet in my pocket, and there is some pain); sitting and lying down exacerbate the pain.
However, the intensity of the pain is not very severe (I had a tailbone injury two years ago that was more painful than this).
I constantly feel as if something is pressing on my lower back; when I apply pressure with my hand, it causes sharp pain that lasts for a while before subsiding.

Recently, I have started drinking a lot more water, reaching or exceeding 2000 cc daily, but my condition has not improved.
My urine color appears normal (not particularly dark or concentrated), but there are some bubbles (which I have noticed before).
I do not experience pain while urinating.
Since I also have a fever today and my lower back condition has not improved, and I have not had a normal bowel movement in the last couple of days, I feel like there is some stool accumulated in my abdomen.

I would like to ask you, doctor, is it possible that I have kidney inflammation or kidney stones? Or could it be related to nerve or spinal issues? I had a tailbone injury two years ago but did not seek medical attention; I only had massage therapy last year.
Currently, I am fine except for the inability to stand for long periods.
Could this injury be related to my current condition? Additionally, there is a family history of diabetes, and my sister has only one kidney.
Could this also affect my kidney health? Thank you for taking the time to respond!

Nicole, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/04/29

Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine

1.
First, rule out kidney inflammation or kidney stones—consider arranging for a urinalysis and renal ultrasound.
2.
If neither of these is the cause, consider inflammation of the muscles and tendons beside the spine (which may be caused by prolonged sitting; please ensure proper lumbar support).
3.
Drink an adequate amount of water (about 1500CC-2000CC daily); excessive water intake will not improve your current condition.
4.
With a family history of diabetes and your sister having only one kidney, this indicates that you are at high risk for kidney disease; regular screening is recommended.

Reply Date: 2009/04/29

More Info

Dear Student,
Thank you for your detailed inquiry regarding your left lower back pain. It’s important to address your concerns thoroughly, especially considering your history and the symptoms you are experiencing.

From your description, it seems that your pain has developed gradually, coinciding with long hours of studying and sitting, which can lead to muscle strain and postural issues. Prolonged sitting, especially in a slouched position, can contribute to discomfort in the lower back due to increased pressure on the lumbar spine and surrounding muscles. This is particularly true for students who spend extended periods in one position without adequate breaks or movement.

The fact that you experience pain when sitting, lying down, and even standing or walking suggests that it could be related to muscle tension or strain rather than a serious underlying condition. However, the pain's persistence and the fact that it worsens with certain activities warrant further investigation.

You mentioned a previous tailbone injury, which could potentially contribute to your current symptoms. Injuries to the coccyx can lead to changes in posture and compensatory movements that may strain other areas of the back. Additionally, your family history of diabetes and your sister's kidney condition could raise concerns about your renal health, especially since you are experiencing back pain and have noticed changes in your urinary habits.

While it is possible that your symptoms could be related to kidney issues such as inflammation or stones, the absence of urinary symptoms like pain during urination or changes in urine color makes this less likely. However, the presence of bubbles in your urine could indicate proteinuria, which should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Given your symptoms, I recommend the following steps:
1. Posture Correction: Ensure that your study area is ergonomically set up. Use a chair that supports your lower back, and take regular breaks to stand, stretch, and walk around. This can help alleviate muscle tension.

2. Physical Activity: Incorporate gentle exercises such as stretching, yoga, or pilates into your routine. These can help strengthen your core muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce strain on your back.

3. Hydration and Diet: Continue to stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and discomfort. Additionally, ensure you have a balanced diet rich in fiber to promote regular bowel movements, as constipation can contribute to abdominal and back pain.

4. Medical Evaluation: Since your symptoms have persisted and you have a history of tailbone injury, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend imaging studies, such as X-rays or an MRI, to assess your spine and rule out any structural issues. Additionally, a urinalysis can help evaluate your kidney function and check for any abnormalities.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including any changes in pain intensity, urinary habits, or bowel movements. This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to muscle strain from prolonged sitting and poor posture, it is essential to rule out any underlying conditions, especially given your family history. Seeking a professional evaluation will provide you with a clearer understanding of your situation and appropriate treatment options.
Take care, and I wish you a speedy resolution to your discomfort.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Left Side Lower Back Pain: Causes and Remedies

On the afternoon of April 16th, while walking, I suddenly experienced sharp pain in my lower back. It feels empty on the left side of my waist, but the pain persists whether I am sitting or standing. Lying down used to be more comfortable, but now it has become increasingly uncom...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello: Young people often experience lower back pain due to poor posture, frequent movement, or congenital structural issues of the spine. The treatment should be based on the underlying cause. It is recommended to first visit an orthopedic clinic to determine if there is a struc...

Understanding Chronic Left-Sided Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my left lower back for over a month. Three weeks ago, I received an injection at the hospital, which provided relief for only a week before the pain returned. Initially, I thought it was due to lifting heavy objects, and I applied pa...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
If the symptoms are characterized by numbness and pain, one should be cautious about the possibility of sciatica. If there is severe pain, inability to walk, or if there is no improvement after a period of medication and rehabilitation treatment, further examinations are necessar...

Understanding Left Side Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions

Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in the upper left side of my lower back for some time now, especially when riding my motorcycle or sitting. Previously, I would have pain in my back or lower back, but now it is only the left side that feels a dull ache that persists for a wh...

Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Regarding left-sided lower back pain, most people tend to think it is a kidney issue. However, after examination, it is often found to be merely inflammation of the muscles or tendons. It is recommended that you visit a nephrology clinic to arrange for urine tests and ultrasound ...

Understanding Left-Sided Back Pain: When to See a Specialist

Hello doctor, I have pain on the left side of my spine in the back, which occurs when I do a bow stretch. It has been several months and feels like a continuous pain. I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who diagnosed me with myofascial pain syndrome. From a West...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Hsiao-An: 1. There are many causes of back pain, including degenerative, neoplastic, inflammatory, infectious, radiculopathy, metabolic, traumatic, and referred pain, among others. Therefore, a wide range of specialties may be involved, and sometimes diagnosis is not st...