Left-sided abdominal pain
Abdominal discomfort can manifest in diverse forms, including specific, localized pain isolated to a particular region. Left-sided abdominal pain, for instance, is notably prevalent and frequently searched online, signifying its common occurrence. The underlying causes of such discomfort encompass a broad spectrum, including mild medical issues to potentially severe diseases. Consequently, it is imperative not to neglect or disregard left abdominal pain, as prompt attention and evaluation are essential.
What organs are on the left abdomen?
Accurate diagnosis of left-sided abdominal pain necessitates understanding the specific organs in this region, as it aids in pinpointing potential sources of discomfort. The left abdomen contains various organs distributed as follows:
- Upper Left Abdomen: This area encompasses the stomach, pancreas, spleen, the left lobe of the liver, and the left side of the colon.
- Lower Left Abdomen: In the lower left abdomen, one can find the left ovary (in females), the ureter, the uterus (in females), and the small and large intestines.
Due to the housing of multiple internal organs on the left side, the potential causes of pain are diverse and can manifest in distinct locations within the left abdomen. Therefore, consulting a specialist physician is imperative for a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis.
What are the causes of left abdominal pain?
Many conditions can cause pain in different areas of your abdomen. The following conditions can cause symptoms in the lower left section of your abdomen.
Diverticulitis
Diverticular disease refers to the formation of small bulges or pockets, known as diverticula, within the intestinal lining. When these pouches become inflamed or infected, it is referred to as diverticulitis.
The pain that is associated with diverticulitis is severe and usually located on the lower left side of the abdomen. Other diverticulitis symptoms may include constipation or diarrhea, fever, and nausea.
Kidney Stone
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys. If they get stuck, the stones can obstruct the passage of urine. The backup of urine is what can cause pain in your side, groin, or lower abdomen.
Besides abdominal pain, other symptoms of kidney stones may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe pain on either side of the lower back
- Fever and chills
Ectopic Pregnancy
When a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes, it is called an ectopic pregnancy. At first, the pregnancy may have the same signs as a typical pregnancy, such as a missed period and tender breasts. You might also experience mild pain in the lower abdomen and mild cramping on one side of the pelvis.
As the growing embryo stretches and distorts the surrounding tissues, symptoms can become more serious—especially if the fallopian tube ruptures. The lower abdominal pain can become sharper and more severe. you might also experience shoulder pain, weakness, dizziness, or fainting.7
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a group of symptoms that include bowel movement changes and abdominal pain—usually in the lower abdomen. The abdominal pain is related to bowel movements, with the pain often decreasing or going away after a bowel movement. You might also experience abdominal pain when you have a change in how often you make bowel movements.
The bowel movement changes can come in the form of diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of both. Besides abdominal pain and bowel changes, other symptoms of IBS include bloating and stool with white mucus.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
There are two types of inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both conditions cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. If you have either condition, you can experience abdominal pain due to inflammation, ulceration, and muscle contractions in the affected areas. Other symptoms may include diarrhea and bloody stool.
Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries. They are common, but they are usually small and don’t cause any symptoms.
However, if ovarian cysts grow, rupture, or twist, they can irritate and stretch the ovarian tissue. When this happens, you may feel a sharp or dull pain in your lower abdomen on whichever side the cyst is. So if the ruptured ovarian cyst is on your left ovary, you may feel pain in your lower left abdomen. The pain may come and go.
You may also feel pressure, bloating, or swelling on whichever side of the lower abdomen the cyst is affecting.
Ovarian Torsion
Ovarian torsion is when an ovary—and sometimes the connecting fallopian tube—twists over the ligaments that support it. This causes lower abdominal pain due to reduced blood flow and potential tissue damage.
The pain can be sharp or dull. The pain may be constant or come and go. The pain in your lower abdomen may spread to your back, side, or other parts of your abdomen.
Besides pain, ovarian torsion might cause nausea and vomiting.
Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion is when a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord. This cuts off the blood supply to the testicle, resulting in severe pain due to reduced blood flow to the tissues. The pain is usually felt in the scrotum or testicle. However, some people might also feel pain in their lower abdomen. Sometimes pain in the lower abdomen is the first symptom.
Lower abdominal pain may also be the only symptom, which is why healthcare providers may consider testicular torsion when someone with testicles says they have pain in their lower abdomen.
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia is where tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall near the groin. This causes pain as the protruding tissue puts pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues.
Small Bowel Obstruction
Your small bowel, or small intestines, can become blocked and make it so that food and stool can’t pass through. Most often, adhesions (bands of scar-like tissue) you get after surgery cause the blockage.
The pain may come and go or get worse over time. In addition to pain, you may experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, and bowel sounds.
Acupuncture for Left-sided abdominal pain
Acupuncture has long been recognized as an effective treatment for various types of abdominal pain, including discomfort or issues specifically located in the left abdomen. The left abdomen, home to key organs such as the stomach, pancreas, and colon, can experience a range of problems like bloating, constipation, digestive issues, or even chronic pain. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body, promoting the flow of qi (energy) and encouraging the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This is particularly effective for abdominal pain, as acupuncture can help relieve tension, reduce inflammation, and improve the function of digestive organs.
The process of acupuncture for the left abdomen typically involves the insertion of very thin, sterile needles at carefully selected points that correspond to the organs and systems affecting that area. A licensed acupuncturist will first perform an evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and overall health. Then, based on the assessment, the practitioner will insert needles at specific acupuncture points to restore balance and relieve discomfort. The process itself is minimally painful for most individuals, with patients often describing the sensation as a mild tingling or pressure rather than pain. These needles remain in place for about 20 to 30 minutes while the patient relaxes. The therapeutic effects of acupuncture for left abdominal issues are believed to be due to its ability to enhance blood circulation, release muscle tension, and balance the body’s internal systems, leading to improved digestion and pain relief.
Some of the primary acupuncture points for treating issues in the left abdomen include:
- Zusanli (ST36), located on the lower leg, which is known to strengthen the digestive system and promote overall abdominal health.
- Shimen (ST29), located on the abdomen just below the navel, is often targeted for its effectiveness in relieving lower abdominal pain, bloating, and digestive issues.
- Sanyinjiao (SP6), found on the inner side of the lower leg, is another important point that helps regulate the digestive system and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Qihai (CV6), located on the midline of the abdomen, is believed to stimulate the body’s vital energy and promote digestive health.
These points, among others, are selected based on the specific nature of the abdominal issue and the patient’s overall health, ensuring a personalized and effective acupuncture treatment. By addressing imbalances in the body’s energy flow, acupuncture provides a holistic and drug-free approach to managing left abdominal pain and related disorders.
Any risks?
Acupuncture is generally safe and effective for treating left-sided abdominal issues, but there are some risks and considerations to keep in mind.
- Infection: Although rare, infection can occur if needles aren’t properly sterilized. Reputable acupuncturists use single-use, sterile needles to minimize this risk, so ensure your practitioner follows proper hygiene protocols.
- Organ Injury: The left abdomen contains important organs like the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and colon. While the risk of organ injury is minimal due to the thin needles, incorrect placement or excessive insertion depth could cause harm. It’s essential to choose a licensed, experienced acupuncturist familiar with abdominal anatomy.
- Bruising or Bleeding: Acupuncture may sometimes cause small bruises or minor bleeding, especially if needles are inserted too deeply or near blood vessels. These issues are usually temporary and resolve on their own, but it’s important to communicate any concerns with your acupuncturist.
- Aggravation of Symptoms: Acupuncture may cause temporary worsening of symptoms, such as bloating or discomfort, before providing relief. These effects are typically short-lived, but discussing them with your acupuncturist is important for adjusting treatment.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals should be cautious when receiving acupuncture in the abdominal area, particularly on the left side, as some points can stimulate uterine contractions. Always inform your acupuncturist if you’re pregnant.
- Underlying Health Conditions: People with certain health conditions, such as bleeding disorders, a weakened immune system, or significant abdominal issues (e.g., hernias, recent surgeries), should consult with their acupuncturist to ensure safety before proceeding with treatment.
To minimize risks, seek treatment from a licensed acupuncturist with knowledge of abdominal anatomy and safe practices. A thorough consultation to discuss your health history and symptoms is vital to ensure that acupuncture is right for you.
