Left Sided Body Pain
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Left side body pain
Left side body pain from shoulder to leg
Left side of my body hurts from head to toe
Problems only on left side of body
Whole left side of body hurts
About the Symptom
This describes a sensation of pain or discomfort in the left side of the body. Pain is a general term and might describe a dull, achy, sharp, or stabbing sensation.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Do you have pain on the left side of your body?
Reviewed By:
Benjamin Kummer, MD (Neurology)
Dr Kummer is Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), with joint appointment in Digital and Technology Partners (DTP) at the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) as Director of Clinical Informatics in Neurology. As a triple-board certified practicing stroke neurologist and informaticist, he has successfully improved clinical operations at the point of care by acting as a central liaison between clinical neurology faculty and DTP teams to implement targeted EHR configuration changes and workflows, as well as providing subject matter expertise on health information technology projects across MSHS. | Dr Kummer also has several years’ experience building and implementing several informatics tools, presenting scientific posters, and generating a body of peer-reviewed work in “clinical neuro-informatics” – i.e., the intersection of clinical neurology, digital health, and informatics – much of which is centered on digital/tele-health, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. He has spearheaded the Clinical Neuro-Informatics Center in the Department of Neurology at ISMMS, a new research institute that seeks to establish the field of clinical neuro-informatics and disseminate knowledge to the neurological community on the effects and benefits of clinical informatics tools at the point of care.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
Content updated on Jan 29, 2025
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FAQs
Q.
When Should I See a Doctor for Persistent Left Side Body Pain?
A.
You should see a doctor if your one-sided pain is persistent, gets worse over time, or comes with other concerning symptoms.
References:
Fenske JN, Berland DW, Chandran SK, et al. Pain Management [Internet].
Häuser W, Perrot S, Sommer C, Shir Y, Fitzcharles MA. Diagnostic confounders of chronic widespread pain: not always fibromyalgia. Pain Rep. 2017 Apr 30;2(3):e598. doi: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000000598. PMID: 29392213; PMCID: PMC5741304.
Hah JM, Aivaliotis VI, Hettie G, Pirrotta LX, Mackey SC, Nguyen LA. Whole Body Pain Distribution and Risk Factors for Widespread Pain Among Patients Presenting with Abdominal Pain: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Pain Ther. 2022 Jun;11(2):683-699. doi: 10.1007/s40122-022-00382-0. Epub 2022 Apr 25. PMID: 35467268; PMCID: PMC9098717.
Q.
How Common Is It for the Whole Left Side of the Body to Hurt From Head to Toe, and What Might Cause It?
A.
It is quite uncommon for pain to affect the entire one side of the body from head to toe. When it does occur, it may be linked to conditions that either cause widespread pain—like fibromyalgia—or to more localized but referred pain from joints, nerves, or even the brain.
References:
Genc H, Nacir B, Duyur Cakit B, Saracoglu M, Erdem HR. The effects of coexisting fibromyalgia syndrome on pain intensity, disability, and treatment outcome in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis. Pain Med. 2012 Feb;13(2):270-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2011.01300.x. Epub 2012 Jan 5. PMID: 22222238.
Bodle J, Emmady PD. Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania. 2023 Jun 5. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 32644406.
Cohen SP, Chen Y, Neufeld NJ. Sacroiliac joint pain: a comprehensive review of epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. Expert Rev Neurother. 2013 Jan;13(1):99-116. doi: 10.1586/ern.12.148. PMID: 23253394.
Sjaastad O, Bakketeig LS. The rare, unilateral headaches. Vågå study of headache epidemiology. J Headache Pain. 2007 Feb;8(1):19-27. doi: 10.1007/s10194-006-0292-4. Epub 2007 Jan 15. PMID: 17221345; PMCID: PMC3476116.
Quaghebeur J, Wyndaele JJ, De Wachter S. Pain areas and mechanosensitivity in patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a controlled clinical investigation. Scand J Urol. 2017 Oct;51(5):414-419. doi: 10.1080/21681805.2017.1339291. Epub 2017 Jul 5. PMID: 28678646.
Q.
What Could Be the Underlying Issues If I Experience Problems Only on the Left Side of My Body?
A.
Problems only on one side of your body can come from a variety of issues like nerve or brain problems (for example, a stroke), heart-related pain, kidney issues, or even rare conditions affecting organs on that side.
References:
Schneider R, Gautier JC. Leg weakness due to stroke. Site of lesions, weakness patterns and causes. Brain. 1994 Apr;117 ( Pt 2):347-54. doi: 10.1093/brain/117.2.347. PMID: 8186960.
Foreman RD, Garrett KM, Blair RW. Mechanisms of cardiac pain. Compr Physiol. 2015 Apr;5(2):929-60. doi: 10.1002/cphy.c140032. PMID: 25880519.
Feit L, John D, Delgado Torres N, Sinert R. Flank pain and hematuria is not always a kidney stone. Am J Emerg Med. 2021 Feb;40:225.e1-225.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.07.046. Epub 2020 Jul 24. PMID: 32958382.
Aiyegbeni B, Jonnalagadda S, Creedon L, Teibe A. Rare Cause of Left Upper Abdominal Pain. Prague Med Rep. 2021;122(2):106-111. doi: 10.14712/23362936.2021.11. PMID: 34137686.
Q.
What Conditions Might Lead to Left Sided Joint Pain, and How Can It Be Managed?
A.
One-sided joint pain can result from conditions like inflammatory arthritis or other joint-related issues, and proper diagnosis often involves a careful history and exam. Treatment typically includes medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes to help manage the pain.
References:
Poudel P, Lappin SL. Inflammatory Arthritis. [Updated 2023 Apr 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Sonoda K, Tanaka Y, Tokuda Y. A young man with multiple joint pains and fever: A case with the importance of accurate history taking. J Gen Fam Med. 2017 Mar 24;18(2):79-81. doi: 10.1002/jgf2.21. PMID: 29263995; PMCID: PMC5689394.
Felson DT, Niu J, Quinn EK, Neogi T, Lewis CL, Lewis CE, Frey Law L, McCulloch C, Nevitt M, LaValley M. Multiple Nonspecific Sites of Joint Pain Outside the Knees Develop in Persons With Knee Pain. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017 Feb;69(2):335-342. doi: 10.1002/art.39848. Erratum in: Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017 Apr;69(4):862. doi: 10.1002/art.40096. PMID: 27589036; PMCID: PMC5292971.
Q.
What Could Be Causing Left Side Body Pain From the Shoulder to the Toe, and How Is It Treated?
A.
Pain running along one side from the shoulder to the toe can be caused by conditions affecting the muscles or nerves, such as hypothyroid myopathy or other musculoskeletal problems. Treatment depends on finding the root cause, which may include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
References:
Fariduddin MM, Haq N, Bansal N. Hypothyroid Myopathy. [Updated 2024 Jun 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Wahl EC, Smith D, Sesto M, Boissonnault W. Differential diagnosis of a patient with low back and toe pain. J Man Manip Ther. 2013 May;21(2):81-9. doi: 10.1179/2042618612Y.0000000023. PMID: 24421618; PMCID: PMC3649355.
El-Tallawy SN, Nalamasu R, Salem GI, LeQuang JAK, Pergolizzi JV, Christo PJ. Management of Musculoskeletal Pain: An Update with Emphasis on Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. Pain Ther. 2021 Jun;10(1):181-209. doi: 10.1007/s40122-021-00235-2. Epub 2021 Feb 11. PMID: 33575952; PMCID: PMC8119532.
Q.
What Could Cause the Left Side of My Body to Hurt When Breathing, and When Should I Seek Medical Attention?
A.
Left-sided pain when breathing can be due to conditions like pleurisy, scapulothoracic bursitis, or even issues related to the heart or lungs, such as a myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism. You should seek medical attention especially if the pain comes with other symptoms like shortness of breath or sweating.
References:
Boneti C, Arentz C, Klimberg VS. Scapulothoracic bursitis as a significant cause of breast and chest wall pain: underrecognized and undertreated. Ann Surg Oncol. 2010 Oct;17 Suppl 3:321-4. doi: 10.1245/s10434-010-1232-8. Epub 2010 Sep 19. PMID: 20853053.
Lu L, Liu M, Sun R, Zheng Y, Zhang P. Myocardial Infarction: Symptoms and Treatments. Cell Biochem Biophys. 2015 Jul;72(3):865-7. doi: 10.1007/s12013-015-0553-4. PMID: 25638347.
Hunter MP, Goldin J, Regunath H. Pleurisy. [Updated 2024 Nov 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
What Could Be the Reasons for Experiencing Discomfort on the Left Side of the Body?
A.
Discomfort on one side of your body can be caused by many things, including issues with your spine, muscles, or internal organs like the colon, kidneys, or even the surrounding tissues.
References:
Wasan AD, Anderson NK, Giddon DB. Differences in pain, psychological symptoms, and gender distribution among patients with left- vs right-sided chronic spinal pain. Pain Med. 2010 Sep;11(9):1373-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00922.x. Epub 2010 Jul 27. PMID: 20667025; PMCID: PMC2972385.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK292/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK292/
Hwang JA, Kim SM, Song HJ, Lee YM, Moon KM, Moon CG, Koo HS, Song KH, Kim YS, Lee TH, Huh KC, Choi YW, Kang YW, Chung WS. Differential diagnosis of left-sided abdominal pain: primary epiploic appendagitis vs colonic diverticulitis. World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Oct 28;19(40):6842-8. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i40.6842. PMID: 24187459; PMCID: PMC3812483.
Q.
Are There Specific Conditions That Cause Left Side Body Pain in Women?
A.
In women, one-sided body pain can be linked to conditions like chronic pelvic pain, inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, or even widespread pain syndromes like fibromyalgia that sometimes show unilateral symptoms. Proper diagnosis by a healthcare provider is key for effective treatment.
References:
Dydyk AM, Gupta N. Chronic Pelvic Pain. [Updated 2023 Apr 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Häuser W, Perrot S, Sommer C, Shir Y, Fitzcharles MA. Diagnostic confounders of chronic widespread pain: not always fibromyalgia. Pain Rep. 2017 Apr 30;2(3):e598. doi: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000000598. PMID: 29392213; PMCID: PMC5741304.
Chancay MG, Guendsechadze SN, Blanco I. Types of pain and their psychosocial impact in women with rheumatoid arthritis. Womens Midlife Health. 2019 Aug 9;5:3. doi: 10.1186/s40695-019-0047-4. PMID: 31417683; PMCID: PMC6688257.
Gregory NS, Sluka KA. Anatomical and physiological factors contributing to chronic muscle pain. Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2014;20:327-48. doi: 10.1007/7854_2014_294. PMID: 24633937; PMCID: PMC4294469.
Q.
Why Does the Left Side of My Body Hurt, and What Can I Do to Find Relief?
A.
One-sided pain can come from different places in your body, such as the brain’s pain processing center, your abdominal wall, and it may even be linked to stress. To find relief, it is important to get a proper evaluation and follow a treatment plan that may include medications, therapy, or lifestyle changes.
References:
Rezaei Haddad A, Ughratdar I, Ashkan K. A single thalamic target for deep brain stimulation to treat hemi-body pain syndrome. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2015 Sep;157(9):1519-23. doi: 10.1007/s00701-015-2504-7. Epub 2015 Jul 10. PMID: 26159322.
Shian B, Larson ST. Abdominal Wall Pain: Clinical Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Oct 1;98(7):429-436. PMID: 30252418.
Min SK, Lee BO. Laterality in somatization. Psychosom Med. 1997 May-Jun;59(3):236-40. doi: 10.1097/00006842-199705000-00005. PMID: 9178334.
Cuadrado ML, Young WB, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Arias JA, Pareja JA. Migrainous corpalgia: body pain and allodynia associated with migraine attacks. Cephalalgia. 2008 Jan;28(1):87-91. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2007.01485.x. Epub 2007 Nov 16. PMID: 18021265.
Q.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Left-Sided Pain, and How Can They Be Diagnosed?
A.
Left-sided pain can have several common causes depending on where it is in the body, including problems in the digestive tract (like diverticulitis or epiploic appendagitis), heart issues, or musculoskeletal conditions like fibromyalgia. The diagnosis depends on the area affected.
References:
Hwang JA, Kim SM, Song HJ, Lee YM, Moon KM, Moon CG, Koo HS, Song KH, Kim YS, Lee TH, Huh KC, Choi YW, Kang YW, Chung WS. Differential diagnosis of left-sided abdominal pain: primary epiploic appendagitis vs colonic diverticulitis. World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Oct 28;19(40):6842-8. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i40.6842. PMID: 24187459; PMCID: PMC3812483.
Akbulut S, Ulku A, Senol A, Tas M, Yagmur Y. Left-sided appendicitis: review of 95 published cases and a case report. World J Gastroenterol. 2010 Nov 28;16(44):5598-602. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i44.5598. PMID: 21105193; PMCID: PMC2992678.
Nelson MJ, Pesola GR. Left lower quadrant pain of unusual cause. J Emerg Med. 2001 Apr;20(3):241-5. doi: 10.1016/s0736-4679(00)00316-4. PMID: 11267811.
Foreman RD, Garrett KM, Blair RW. Mechanisms of cardiac pain. Compr Physiol. 2015 Apr;5(2):929-60. doi: 10.1002/cphy.c140032. PMID: 25880519.
Úbeda-D'Ocasar E, González-Gerstner D, Cimadevilla-Fernández-Pola E, Ojedo-Martín C, Hernández-Lougedo J, Hervás-Pérez JP. Effects of Diathermy on Pain in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Biomedicines. 2024 Jul 2;12(7):1465. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines12071465. PMID: 39062038; PMCID: PMC11275016.
Q.
Why Would I Only Have Pain on the Left Side of My Body, and How Can It Be Treated?
A.
Sometimes, pain on just one side of your body happens because our brains and nerves process pain a bit differently on each side. Treatment depends on the cause, so it's important to get a proper evaluation from a healthcare provider.
References:
Göbel H, Westphal W. Die laterale Asymmetrie der menschlichen Schmerzempfindlichkeit [Lateral asymmetry of the human pain sensitivity.]. Schmerz. 1987 Sep;1(2):114-21. German. doi: 10.1007/BF02527738. PMID: 18415557.
Smith HS, Harris R, Clauw D. Fibromyalgia: an afferent processing disorder leading to a complex pain generalized syndrome. Pain Physician. 2011 Mar-Apr;14(2):E217-45. PMID: 21412381.
Dydyk AM, Munakomi S. Thalamic Pain Syndrome. 2023 Aug 13. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 32119377.
Q.
What Are the Possible Causes of Left Side Muscle Pain under the Ribs?
A.
Left side muscle pain under the ribs can be caused by problems with the ribs, muscles, or nerves, like twelfth rib syndrome, intercostal neuralgia, rib syndrome, or inflammation where the ribs join the breastbone (costochondritis).
References:
Cranfield KA, Buist RJ, Nandi PR, Baranowski AP. The twelfth rib syndrome. J Pain Symptom Manage. 1997 Mar;13(3):172-5. doi: 10.1016/s0885-3924(96)00271-0. PMID: 9114637.
Fazekas D, Doroshenko M, Horn DB. Intercostal Neuralgia. [Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Scott EM, Scott BB. Painful rib syndrome--a review of 76 cases. Gut. 1993 Jul;34(7):1006-8. doi: 10.1136/gut.34.7.1006. PMID: 8344569; PMCID: PMC1374244.
Schumann JA, Sood T, Parente JJ. Costochondritis. [Updated 2024 Apr 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
What Spiritual Interpretations Exist for Experiencing Pain on the Left Side of the Body?
A.
Some spiritual views suggest that pain on the left side of the body may be a symbol of inner emotional or spiritual imbalance that invites you to reflect and heal, though it is not a substitute for medical evaluation.
References:
Miller M, Speicher S, Hardie K, Brown R, Rosa WE. The Role of Spirituality in Pain Experiences among Adults with Cancer: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study. Res Sq [Preprint]. 2023 Oct 16:rs.3.rs-3425339. doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3425339/v1. Update in: Support Care Cancer. 2024 Feb 20;32(3):169. doi: 10.1007/s00520-024-08378-6. PMID: 37886465; PMCID: PMC10602141.
Illueca M, Bradshaw YS, Carr DB. Spiritual Pain: A Symptom in Search of a Clinical Definition. J Relig Health. 2023 Jun;62(3):1920-1932. doi: 10.1007/s10943-022-01645-y. Epub 2022 Sep 9. PMID: 36083524; PMCID: PMC9461389.
Siler S, Borneman T, Ferrell B. Pain and Suffering. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2019 Jun;35(3):310-314. doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2019.04.013. Epub 2019 Apr 30. PMID: 31053393; PMCID: PMC7009317.
Q.
How Can I Distinguish between Left Sided Kidney Pain and Other Types of Left Side Pain?
A.
Left kidney pain is usually felt in the back and side near your lower ribs, sometimes spreading toward your groin, and it is often linked with urinary or kidney-specific symptoms, unlike muscle or nerve pain.
References:
Badawy I, Mbaya K, Metwally H. Acute Appendicitis Presenting As Left Flank Pain: A Case Report. Cureus. 2024 Jun 11;16(6):e62181. doi: 10.7759/cureus.62181. PMID: 38993448; PMCID: PMC11239144.
Penfold D, Leslie SW, Lotfollahzadeh S. Nutcracker Syndrome and Left Renal Vein Entrapment. [Updated 2024 May 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Cox C, MacDonald S, Henneberry R, Atkinson PR. My patient has abdominal and flank pain: Identifying renal causes. Ultrasound. 2015 Nov;23(4):242-50. doi: 10.1177/1742271X15601617. Epub 2015 Aug 17. PMID: 27433264; PMCID: PMC4760602.
Q.
What Might Be the Reasons for Experiencing Pain on the Left Side of the Body Only?
A.
Pain happening only on one side of your body may be due to differences in how our body feels pain or because of a condition affecting structures on that particular side.
References:
Akbulut S, Ulku A, Senol A, Tas M, Yagmur Y. Left-sided appendicitis: review of 95 published cases and a case report. World J Gastroenterol. 2010 Nov 28;16(44):5598-602. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i44.5598. PMID: 21105193; PMCID: PMC2992678.
Dydyk AM, Conermann T. Chronic Pain. [Updated 2024 May 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Göbel H, Westphal W. Die laterale Asymmetrie der menschlichen Schmerzempfindlichkeit [Lateral asymmetry of the human pain sensitivity.]. Schmerz. 1987 Sep;1(2):114-21. German. doi: 10.1007/BF02527738. PMID: 18415557.
Wasan AD, Anderson NK, Giddon DB. Differences in pain, psychological symptoms, and gender distribution among patients with left- vs right-sided chronic spinal pain. Pain Med. 2010 Sep;11(9):1373-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00922.x. Epub 2010 Jul 27. PMID: 20667025; PMCID: PMC2972385.
Q.
What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Alleviate Left Sided Body Pain?
A.
Changing your daily habits—like being more physically active, eating right, and managing stress—can help reduce pain on one side of your body.
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.
Dragan S, Șerban MC, Damian G, Buleu F, Valcovici M, Christodorescu R. Dietary Patterns and Interventions to Alleviate Chronic Pain. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 19;12(9):2510. doi: 10.3390/nu12092510. PMID: 32825189; PMCID: PMC7551034.
Nijs J, Reis F. The Key Role of Lifestyle Factors in Perpetuating Chronic Pain: Towards Precision Pain Medicine. J Clin Med. 2022 May 12;11(10):2732. doi: 10.3390/jcm11102732. PMID: 35628859; PMCID: PMC9145084.
Q.
What Diagnostic Tests Are Recommended If the Left Side of My Body Hurts From Head to Toe?
A.
To diagnose pain that affects your entire left side, doctors often begin with a thorough neurologic exam and may use tests like sensory assessments and even a skin biopsy to see how your nerves are working.
References:
Buonocore M. Unilateral peripheral neuropathic pain: The role of neurodiagnostic skin biopsy. World J Clin Cases. 2014 Feb 16;2(2):27-31. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i2.27. PMID: 24579067; PMCID: PMC3936215.
Keizer D, van Wijhe M, Post WJ, Wierda JM. Quantifying allodynia in patients suffering from unilateral neuropathic pain using von frey monofilaments. Clin J Pain. 2007 Jan;23(1):85-90. doi: 10.1097/01.ajp.0000210950.01503.72. PMID: 17277649.
Shahrokhi M, Asuncion RMD. Neurologic Exam. [Updated 2023 Jan 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Genc H, Nacir B, Duyur Cakit B, Saracoglu M, Erdem HR. The effects of coexisting fibromyalgia syndrome on pain intensity, disability, and treatment outcome in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis. Pain Med. 2012 Feb;13(2):270-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2011.01300.x. Epub 2012 Jan 5. PMID: 22222238.
Sjaastad O, Bakketeig LS. The rare, unilateral headaches. Vågå study of headache epidemiology. J Headache Pain. 2007 Feb;8(1):19-27. doi: 10.1007/s10194-006-0292-4. Epub 2007 Jan 15. PMID: 17221345; PMCID: PMC3476116.
Q.
How Does Chinese Medicine Interpret Problems Only Occurring on the Left Side of the Body?
A.
In Chinese medicine, problems that occur only on the left side of the body are seen as signs of an imbalance in your body's energy—or Qi—often reflecting an issue with your yin energy and related internal organs.
References:
Greenwood MT. The Qi of Body, Mind, and Spirit: A Contextual Perspective on the Elusive Nature of Qi. Med Acupunct. 2024 Apr 1;36(2):87-92. doi: 10.1089/acu.2023.0071. Epub 2024 Apr 11. PMID: 38659729; PMCID: PMC11036150.
Zhang Z, Zhang F, Wang Y, Du Y, Zhang H, Kong D, Liu Y, Yang G. Traditional Chinese medicine for stable angina pectoris via TCM pattern differentiation and TCM mechanism: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2014 Oct 30;15:422. doi: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-422. PMID: 25359307; PMCID: PMC4233055.
Li YW, Dou BM, Wang SJ, Lü ZX, Li W, Xu ZF, Liu YY, Xu Y, Fang YX, Guo YM, Guo Y. S1脑区CXCL1/CXCR2参与针刺改善佐剂性关节炎大鼠炎性痛的作用机制 [Acupuncture alleviates inflammatory pain by activating CXCL1/CXCR2 signaling in the primary somatosensory cortex in adjuvant induced arthritis rats]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2024 Apr 25;49(4):331-340. Chinese. doi: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230107. PMID: 38649200.
Q.
What Are the Common Causes of Shoulder Pain Specifically on the Left Side?
A.
Left shoulder pain is often caused by problems like rotator cuff tendonitis, shoulder impingement syndrome, or other issues with the muscles and joints in your shoulder.
References:
Mitchell C, Adebajo A, Hay E, Carr A. Shoulder pain: diagnosis and management in primary care. BMJ. 2005 Nov 12;331(7525):1124-8. doi: 10.1136/bmj.331.7525.1124. PMID: 16282408; PMCID: PMC1283277.
Creech JA, Silver S. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. [Updated 2023 Apr 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Varacallo MA, El Bitar Y, Mair SD. Rotator Cuff Tendonitis. [Updated 2023 Aug 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
What Steps Should I Take If the Left Side of My Body Hurts Persistently?
A.
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.
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.
Q.
What Anatomical Structures on the Left Side of the Body Could Be Responsible for Causing Pain?
A.
Pain on the left side of your body can come from many places, such as the nerves, muscles, bones, joints, and even parts of your brain that help process pain.
References:
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Pain, Disability, and Chronic Illness Behavior; Osterweis M, Kleinman A, Mechanic D, editors. Pain and Disability: Clinical, Behavioral, and Public Policy Perspectives. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1987. 7, The Anatomy and Physiology of Pain. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK219252/
Genç H, Saracoğlu M, Duyur B, Erdem HR. The role of tendinitis in fibromyalgia syndrome. Yonsei Med J. 2003 Aug 30;44(4):619-22. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2003.44.4.619. PMID: 12950117.
Kim JS. Sensory symptoms in ipsilateral limbs/body due to lateral medullary infarction. Neurology. 2001 Oct 9;57(7):1230-4. doi: 10.1212/wnl.57.7.1230. PMID: 11591841.
Niddam DM, Lee SH, Su YT, Chan RC. Brain structural changes in patients with chronic myofascial pain. Eur J Pain. 2017 Jan;21(1):148-158. doi: 10.1002/ejp.911. Epub 2016 Jun 28. PMID: 27352085.
Maallo AMS, Moulton EA, Sieberg CB, Giddon DB, Borsook D, Holmes SA. A lateralized model of the pain-depression dyad. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 Aug;127:876-883. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.003. Epub 2021 Jun 6. PMID: 34090918; PMCID: PMC8289740.
Q.
Why Does the Whole Left Side of My Body Hurt, and What Are the Treatment Options?
A.
The pain on one whole side of your body could happen because nerves or parts of your brain are sending pain signals from an injury, inflammation, or conditions like fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. Treatment depends on the cause and can include medications, physical therapy, and sometimes therapies for pain and mental health.
References:
Dave AJ, Selzer F, Losina E, Klara KM, Collins JE, Usiskin I, Band P, Dalury DF, Iorio R, Kindsfater K, Katz JN. Is there an association between whole-body pain with osteoarthritis-related knee pain, pain catastrophizing, and mental health? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2015 Dec;473(12):3894-902. doi: 10.1007/s11999-015-4575-4. Epub 2015 Oct 6. PMID: 26443774; PMCID: PMC4626500.
Fouché JJ, Van Loghem JAJ, Thuis J, De Heer LM, van Oijen MGH. Left/Right Pain Asymmetry With Injectable Cosmetic Treatments for the Face. Aesthet Surg J. 2017 Jun 1;37(6):708-714. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjw214. PMID: 28333175.
Genç H, Saracoğlu M, Duyur B, Erdem HR. The role of tendinitis in fibromyalgia syndrome. Yonsei Med J. 2003 Aug 30;44(4):619-22. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2003.44.4.619. PMID: 12950117.
Kim JS. Sensory symptoms in ipsilateral limbs/body due to lateral medullary infarction. Neurology. 2001 Oct 9;57(7):1230-4. doi: 10.1212/wnl.57.7.1230. PMID: 11591841.
Q.
What Conditions Might Cause Left Side Body Pain Extending From the Shoulder to the Leg?
A.
Pain that starts in the shoulder and appears to spread down one side of your body might be linked to shoulder problems like impingement or a frozen shoulder, or even an issue with the accessory nerve. Sometimes, the pain seen in the shoulder area goes further because changes in how you move and use your body can place extra strain on nearby muscles and nerves.
References:
Creech JA, Silver S. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. [Updated 2023 Apr 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
St Angelo JM, Taqi M, Fabiano SE. Adhesive Capsulitis. [Updated 2023 Aug 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
AlShareef S, Newton BW. Accessory Nerve Injury. [Updated 2022 Dec 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
What Could Be the Medical Reasons for Experiencing Weakness on the Left Side of the Body?
A.
One sided body weakness can be caused by a stroke, very low potassium levels (hypokalemia), or rare brain infections like encephalitis.
References:
Schneider R, Gautier JC. Leg weakness due to stroke. Site of lesions, weakness patterns and causes. Brain. 1994 Apr;117 ( Pt 2):347-54. doi: 10.1093/brain/117.2.347. PMID: 8186960.
Chiang WF, Yeh FC, Lin SH. Unilateral paralysis associated with profound hypokalemia. Am J Emerg Med. 2012 Nov;30(9):2100.e5-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2012.02.007. Epub 2012 Mar 29. PMID: 22463964.
Pan D, Bridges LR, du Parcq J, Mahadeva U, Roy S, Ali IKM, Cosgrove CA, Chiodini PL, Zhang L. A rare cause of left-sided weakness in an elderly woman: amoebic encephalitis. Lancet. 2020 Jul 11;396(10244):e1. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31365-9. PMID: 32653069.
Q.
What Might Cause Pain on the Left Side of the Body, Affecting Both the Arm and Leg?
A.
Pain on the left side affecting both the arm and leg can come from problems in the brain or nerves, such as a stroke or central nerve pain.
References:
Tanei T, Maesawa S, Nishimura Y, Nagashima Y, Ishizaki T, Mutoh M, Ito Y, Saito R. Relief of Central Poststroke Pain Affecting Both the Arm and Leg on One Side by Double-independent Dual-lead Spinal Cord Stimulation Using Fast-acting Subperception Therapy Stimulation: A Case Report. NMC Case Rep J. 2023 Feb 9;10:15-20. doi: 10.2176/jns-nmc.2022-0336. PMID: 36873746; PMCID: PMC9981231.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK219252/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK219252/
Schneider R, Gautier JC. Leg weakness due to stroke. Site of lesions, weakness patterns and causes. Brain. 1994 Apr;117 ( Pt 2):347-54. doi: 10.1093/brain/117.2.347. PMID: 8186960.
Schif A, Ravid S, Hafner H, Shahar E. [Acute hemiplegia and hemianesthesia together with decreased tendon reflexes mimicking acute stroke representing a conversion disorder]. Harefuah. 2010 Jan;149(1):29-32, 63, 62. Hebrew. PMID: 20422837.
Q.
How Can I Determine If My Left Leg and Left Shoulder Pain Are Related?
A.
To check if your left leg and left shoulder pain are related, a careful look at your pain patterns, movement, and overall strength can help reveal a connection.
References:
Laslett LL, Otahal P, Hensor EM, Kingsbury SR, Conaghan PG. Knee Pain Predicts Subsequent Shoulder Pain and the Association Is Mediated by Leg Weakness: Longitudinal Observational Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. J Rheumatol. 2016 Nov;43(11):2049-2055. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.160001. Epub 2016 Oct 1. PMID: 27803343.
Creech JA, Silver S. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. [Updated 2023 Apr 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Mitchell C, Adebajo A, Hay E, Carr A. Shoulder pain: diagnosis and management in primary care. BMJ. 2005 Nov 12;331(7525):1124-8. doi: 10.1136/bmj.331.7525.1124. PMID: 16282408; PMCID: PMC1283277.
Q.
What Could Be the Link between Pain in the Left Shoulder and Left Leg?
A.
Left shoulder and left leg pain might be linked through similar muscle or nerve issues, where weakness or abnormal movement from one area adds strain to another.
References:
Gordon J, MacNeill H, Oh PI, Marzolini S, Kin R. Quantifying the Occurrence of Shoulder Pain after Cardiac Surgery in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Population. Physiother Can. 2020 Nov 1;72(4):339-347. doi: 10.3138/ptc-2019-0016. PMID: 35110806; PMCID: PMC8781494.
Slaven EJ, Mathers J. Differential diagnosis of shoulder and cervical pain: a case report. J Man Manip Ther. 2010 Dec;18(4):191-6. doi: 10.1179/106698110X12804993426884. PMID: 22131792; PMCID: PMC3113270.
Laslett LL, Otahal P, Hensor EM, Kingsbury SR, Conaghan PG. Knee Pain Predicts Subsequent Shoulder Pain and the Association Is Mediated by Leg Weakness: Longitudinal Observational Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. J Rheumatol. 2016 Nov;43(11):2049-2055. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.160001. Epub 2016 Oct 1. PMID: 27803343.
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