Severe Left Flank Pain

Severe left flank pain occurs in a person's left flank, or left side of the body between the back and upper abdomen. People with severe pain in the left flank should have a doctor evaluate the condition.

Kidney Problems

• According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, left kidney problems can cause severe left flank pain, especially if the pain is accompanied by bloody urine, urgent and frequent urination, and a fever. People with left side pain may have a kidney infection, kidney abscess or kidney stone.

Other Causes

• People may notice severe left flank pain if they have shingles, a muscle spasm or a back problem, such as spinal arthritis or a diseased disk.

When to See a Doctor

• Individuals with left flank pain should see a doctor if the pain is unexplained or prolonged, if they have bloody urine or if the pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting or a fever.

Testing

• Doctors may use several medical tests to investigate a patient’s severe left flank pain including a urinalysis, x-ray of the lower spine or abdominal computerized tomography scan.

Treatment

• Physicians treat patients with severe left flank pain according to its cause and usually prescribe antibiotics to treat kidney infections and physical therapy to treat spinal arthritis or muscle spasms. Patients may take anti-inflammatory drugs or pain medications to relieve flank pain.