Why Would I Only Have Pain on the Left Side of My Body, and How Can It Be Treated?

Our bodies can sometimes feel pain more on one side because the way our nerves send signals isn't exactly the same on both sides. Studies have shown that many people have a natural difference in pain sensitivity between the left and right sides. In conditions like fibromyalgia, the brain and nerves may amplify pain signals, and this can sometimes show up more on one side. Another possibility is thalamic pain syndrome, where injury to a part of the brain called the thalamus causes pain on one side of the body. To treat this kind of pain, doctors usually start by figuring out why you are experiencing it. They may do a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and sometimes suggest imaging tests. Depending on what they find, treatment might include medications to help calm nerve signals, physical therapy to keep your muscles and joints working well, and sometimes counseling or other supportive therapies. Getting help from a doctor is important so you can find the cause of your pain and create a plan that works best for you.