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Published on: 4/28/2025

What Steps Should I Take If the Left Side of My Body Hurts Persistently?

If one side of your body hurts persistently, you should talk to a healthcare provider for a full evaluation and follow their guidance to manage the pain. Steps might include medical testing, trying gentle exercise, and exploring treatments like physical therapy or counseling.

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Explanation

When you experience ongoing pain on one side of your body, the first step is to arrange a visit with your doctor. They will ask questions about your pain—when it started, how it feels, and if anything makes it better or worse—to help figure out what might be causing it. A good evaluation may include a physical exam and possibly some tests to look at your nerves, muscles, or other structures. In some cases, pain may be linked to the way we handle stress or other emotions, a concept known as somatization. Once the cause is clearer, your doctor might suggest gentle exercises or physical therapy, which many studies have found useful in reducing chronic pain and improving movement. In addition, they could recommend medications or other treatments tailored to your situation. Keeping active, within the limits of your pain, can improve blood flow and help you feel better. Always follow professional medical advice, and if your symptoms persist or worsen, make sure to update your healthcare provider so they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

(References)

  • Geneen LJ, Moore RA, Clarke C, Martin D, Colvin LA, Smith BH. Physical activity and exercise for chronic pain in adults: an overview of Cochrane Reviews. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Apr 24;4(4):CD011279. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011279.pub3. PMID: 28436583; PMCID: PMC5461882.

  • Min SK, Lee BO. Laterality in somatization. Psychosom Med. 1997 May-Jun;59(3):236-40. doi: 10.1097/00006842-199705000-00005. PMID: 9178334.

  • De Benedittis G. Headache lateralization and functional cerebral asymmetry: a task-related EEG power spectrum analysis. J Neurosurg Sci. 1987 Jul-Sep;31(3):109-19. PMID: 3449604.

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