Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Orthopedic Surgeon · Orthopaedics
Dull left lumbar pain, right left lumbar pain and lower left back pain can be caused by a number of different medical conditions. These conditions may range from musculoskeletal issues such as muscle strains, ligament sprains or disc herniation to more serious causes such as kidney stones, internal organ injuries or even cancer.
Most often the cause of the symptoms will be an issue related to musculoskeletal structures in the lower back. Muscle strain and ligament sprain are common causes due to improper lifting techniques, normal wear-and-tear over time or sudden movements that result in muscular stress on specific body parts. Structures like vertebrae discs may also become herniated leading to dull aches that get worse with certain activities such as bending or coughing/sneezing.
In rare cases however there can be more severe underlying conditions causing these symptoms. Depending on the age of the individual and other factors, a physician may order diagnostic tests for diseases like osteoarthritis, renal colic (kidney stones) infections or even tumors within abdominal organs including pancreas and gallbladder which can refer pain down into the left lumbar area. Additionally pancreatitis might present itself with upper-mid back abnormalities along with radiating pains into lower areas of your body depending on its severity at presentation
Therefore it is important anytime dull lumbar discomfort presents itself; it should not be ignored but rather evaluated by your medical provider for further evaluation if necessary through imaging (X-rays/MRI) laboratory studies (urine analysis/cultures) possibly even endoscopic procedures if warranted after proper diagnosis is made by a licensed health care professional
