Numb back: symptoms, diagnosis, prevention. Bobyr Clinic

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Pain in the left side under the ribs

Most people associate pain under the ribs on the left side with heart problems.
However, a similar syndrome can be a sign of other diseases - from intercostal neuralgia to renal failure. There is no clear reason that will allow you to initially determine the diagnosis based on the localization of pain. That is why pain under the left rib requires consultation with a specialist. A visit to the clinic under such circumstances should not be postponed in order to avoid unforeseen health consequences. Timely diagnosis will help determine the cause, and treatment prescribed by a doctor will relieve you of your ailments in the shortest possible time.

Causes of pain on the left under the ribs

Localization of discomfort in the area of the left rib may indicate the development of an acute process or the presence of chronic diseases of the nervous, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular systems, gastrointestinal tract, injuries of the diaphragm, ribs, liver, kidneys, spleen, etc.

Periodicity, irradiation, accompanying syndromes (nausea, vomiting, headaches), factors that intensify the pain syndrome (physical activity, respiratory activity, change of position, eating or drinking water) - this information provides the basis for a detailed analysis of pain and understanding why it hurts on the left side. ribs.

To diagnose pain, a list of studies (laboratory, instrumental) is used: CBC, blood biochemistry, urine analysis, radiography, ultrasound examination, MRI, CT. Depending on the medical history, external examination and research results, a consultation with a specialized specialist (gastroenterologist, traumatologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist, surgeon, etc.) is scheduled.

Numb back: symptoms, diagnosis, prevention

Every person has encountered the problem of numbness in different parts of the back and wonders about the health of the spine

. The problem is how often and regularly this inconvenience occurs and what it can lead to. There can be many sources of such discomfort, ranging from scoliosis to diseases of the internal organ systems. It is extremely important to prevent any diseases associated with the back, diagnose problems in time and correct them correctly.

How does numbness in the back manifest?

Numbness can vary in strength and location. It can manifest itself both in the form of a complete loss of sensitivity in a certain area, and in a slight tingling sensation. Such symptoms indicate a circulatory disorder in the spinal region. If there is pain during numbness, then most likely nerve endings that have been pinched are involved.

An additional description of the symptomatic complex will help to understand in more detail the causes of discomfort. The main symptoms of degenerative-dystrophic processes in the tissues of the spine are:

Acute pain that radiates to other parts of the body;
Difficulty inhaling;
Difficulty concentrating, dizziness and headache;
Visual impairment;
Loss of sensation in the limbs, complete or partial;
Shooting pain is felt throughout the entire spine;

In addition to these symptoms, the patient may be bothered by a number of others. If the lower back in women becomes numb, the cycle is disrupted and atypical vaginal discharge is present, this may indicate gynecological problems. If a man experiences erectile dysfunction, increased body temperature, pain when the pelvic region is tense, and his back becomes numb, then he may have prostatitis. Stomach diseases are accompanied by numbness in the thoracic region of the back, nausea, heartburn, and indigestion.

Why does the back feel lost?

The problem of back numbness occurs due to poor circulation and pinched nerves. With poor blood supply, tissues lose their sensitivity; if a nerve is pinched, the signal transmission channel from the brain is blocked and an unpleasant feeling of numbness also occurs. Depending on the location, there are different causes of discomfort:

Thoracic region - here the main causes of numbness may be curvature of the spine
, as a result of which some vertebrae are displaced and intervertebral discs and nerves are compressed. Any damage in the area of the shoulder blades and shoulders, inflammatory processes, tumors lead to numbness in this area;
Lumbar region – here the range of causes is somewhat wider. Numbness in this area can be affected by kidney disease, dysfunction of the reproductive system of men and women, pregnancy and, as a result, a shift in the center of gravity in the spine.

Thus, it is important to find the cause of discomfort, because it is one of the symptoms of more complex diseases.

Basic treatment methods

Depending on the cause of the discomfort, different treatments are prescribed. If numbness is caused by diseases of the internal organs, drug treatment of the system in which the disorder occurred is prescribed. In the case of structural disorders in the spine, it is suggested to use a whole range of treatment methods, some of them can be carried out at home, some in specialized clinics. At the same time, folk medicine is given a special place here. The methods that are used are useful for the general tone of the body and directly help get rid of back numbness:

Shower – a contrast shower helps keep the body in good shape and, in addition, improves blood circulation. During water procedures, first direct a stream of hot water to the problem area, and then cold. Do this manipulation several times, then smear your back with warming ointment and wrap it with a warm scarf;
Camphor ointment - this consistency, together with eucalyptus oil, has a warming effect. Apply it to the problem area for 3 days before going to bed;
Pepper tincture – a numb back can be rubbed with a mixture of red hot pepper pods and vodka, infused for a week in a dark place.

Laboratory procedures also help get rid of the symptoms of numbness in the back. Physiotherapy is most often used in modern medicine:

Electromyostimulation - to stimulate muscle activity and improve blood flow, microcurrent is applied to tissues;
Magnetic therapy – deep tissue massage is performed using two magnets. The level that magnets reach cannot be achieved by other means;
Phonophoresis – micromassage is carried out using acoustic waves. Tissues are massaged at a depth of up to 6 centimeters. As a result, it is possible to relieve pain and swelling, speed up the process of tissue restoration;
Paraffin therapy – liquid paraffin is used to warm tissues; this procedure improves blood circulation and improves tissue conductivity.

Massage procedures and exercise therapy

Massage and physical therapy are not only universal means for treating diseases associated with the back, but also an excellent way to prevent back numbness. Exercise therapy, when all simple exercises are performed correctly, naturally reduces the curvature of the spine and also tones the muscles.

Therapeutic massage courses perfectly increase muscle elasticity, improve blood circulation and help cope with almost all diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr

Diseases associated with pain on the left under the ribs

The reasons why it hurts under the left rib may be:

cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction;
enlarged spleen, splenic rupture;
intercostal neuralgia;
gastrointestinal dysfunction (ulcer, gastritis, gastroduodenitis, stomach cancer, pancreatitis);
kidney dysfunction;
pulmonary diseases (pneumonia, pneumonia, cancer, pleurisy);
endocrine disorders;
vegetative-vascular dystonia;
injuries to the ribs, diaphragm, internal organs;
musculoskeletal system (osteochondrosis, protrusion, etc.).

The nature of the pain (sharp, dull, aching, pulling, shooting) also provides information about the possible source of the problem. Pain in the left side under the ribs often accompanies injuries and ruptures of internal organs. Dull, diffuse, long-lasting pain distinguishes gastrointestinal diseases; they are also indicated by pain in the morning in the epigastric region. Morning pain after a long sleep of a shooting nature with sudden movements is a characteristic of osteochondrosis. Permanent aching pain is a sign of disturbances in the functioning of the heart, and aggravated by nausea and vomiting is a sign of stomach ulcers.

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Elimination of pain on the left under the rib

Localization of pain makes it possible to focus on dysfunction of specific organs. Pain in the left side under the ribs in front, retrosternal pain is associated with functional disorders of cardiac activity - clinical forms of coronary heart disease (myocardial infarction). The same localization of pain is observed in gastrointestinal ulcers, stomach cancer and gastritis with high/low acidity. Damage to the diaphragm is characterized by pain on the left under the rib in front, radiating to the supraclavicular region or under the scapula, aggravated by respiratory activity, coughing, and sneezing.

Painful sensations accompanied by headaches, migraines, and manifestations of convulsions are a sign of disorders of the nervous system. The pain is localized on the left under the ribs on the side and is paroxysmal in nature. The same symptoms are characteristic of a viral disease – herpes zoster. The pain is aching at first, eventually turning into a sharp one. Pain syndrome precedes the appearance of herpetic eruptions.

Kidney disease and vertebral osteochondrosis are distinguished by pain in the back left under the ribs. Acute severe pain indicates renal colic. Tolerable pain of a constant nature indicates an enlargement of the organ and the development of inflammation. With osteochondrosis, pain changes the level of intensity with physical activity. The answer to the question of what hurts in the left side below the ribs is in most cases the same - the spleen. Disturbances in its work entail the appearance of aching pain.

The patient’s understandable desire is to relieve acute pain with the help of antispasmodics and analgesics. However, this is a situational temporary solution that does not eliminate the cause and is very dangerous to health. If you have pain on your left side under the ribs, especially in combination with pallor/blueness of the skin, nausea, vomiting, increased pain when lying down, or increased temperature, contact a medical facility immediately.

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What diseases does pain in the right side of the abdomen indicate?

29.07.2021

Abdominal pain is a common symptom, but on its own it is usually not a reliable sign of an underlying cause. In this regard, it is called a nonspecific symptom. It is therefore important to determine the location of the pain and take into account other symptoms present to arrive at a possible diagnosis. This is also supported by the results of diagnostic studies such as abdominal ultrasound

Right abdominal refers to any discomfort, burning sensation, or obvious pain that occurs in the right side of the abdomen .

Organs on the right side of the abdomen

Understanding which organs lie in this area and which symptoms may be associated with specific organs will help in determining the cause of abdominal .

Sometimes pain may originate from a problem in one place, but be felt in another. It is known as referred pain. In other cases, pain that occurs in one place may spread to a wider area beyond which the diseased organ lies. This is radiation pain.

On the right side are the following organs:

liver;
gallbladder;
cecum with appendix (if present), ascending colon and half of the transverse colon;
kidney and ureter ;
part of the pancreas ;
part of the small intestine;
part of the stomach .

Organs such as the ovary, fallopian tube, and uterus are technically located in the pelvic cavity. In addition, the surface of the abdominal wall (muscles and fascia), major blood vessels (aorta and inferior vena cava ), nerves , lymph nodes, fatty tissue, deep muscles and tissues are also part of the abdominal cavity.

Causes of pain in the right side of the abdomen

There are many reasons that cause diffuse abdominal , that is, spreading over a large area of the abdomen or even throughout the entire abdomen . This is mainly due to structures extending across many quadrants of the abdomen . This article focuses on pain in the right side of the abdomen , arising from organs located in the right quadrants.

Liver and gallbladder

The liver has many different functions in the body and is one of the most versatile organs. It processes nutrients, toxins and wastes in the body. Waste products, toxins, metabolic byproducts, and excess substances that the body does not need are processed the liver , and some are excreted in the bile produced by this organ.

This bile is filtered from the liver and ends up in the gallbladder . Over time, it is secreted into the small intestine and eventually excreted in the stool. The liver is a large organ lying under the diaphragm. Most of it is in the right upper quadrant, which begins under the right nipple, and part of it extends to the left side of the upper abdomen . The gallbladder lies in a small depression, but closer to the center of the abdomen .

Diseases of the liver, gall bladder and bile duct that can cause pain in the right side of the abdomen:

hepatitis (inflammation of the liver ) - usually occurs due to a viral infection;
liver cancer ;
gallstones and bile duct stones;
cholangitis (infection of the bile duct);
gallbladder cancer .

Enlarged liver , fatty liver , and cirrhosis are also accompanied by abdominal , but these conditions are often asymptomatic for long periods of time. Associated symptoms: jaundice, nausea , vomiting, pale stools, diarrhea and loss of appetite. The pain is usually in the right upper quadrant.

Pancreas

The pancreas extends from the right side of the abdomen to the left. This gland performs several functions in the body. It produces and secretes important hormones into the bloodstream, such as insulin and glucagon, needed to control blood . This organ also produces and secretes strong digestive enzymes through ducts into the small intestine along with bile from the gallbladder .

What could be causing the pain:

pancreatitis;
pancreatic cancer ( malignant tumor of the head of the pancreas );
pancreatic pseudocyst.

Associated symptoms include diarrhea , nausea , vomiting, bloating , loss of appetite, and greasy bowel movements. The pain usually occurs around the upper middle abdomen and may radiate slightly to the left or right.

Stomach

Most of the stomach lies in the left upper quadrant. However, the terminal part of the stomach is on the right side. Therefore, conditions associated with this last region of the stomach can cause pain in the right side of the abdomen , especially in the right upper quadrant.

What causes pain:

gastritis (inflamed stomach );
peptic ulcer (spreads to the duodenum);
gastric perforation (rupture of the stomach );
obstruction of the stomach at its exit.

Associated symptoms include nausea , vomiting, stomach , changes in appetite, and bloating . The pain usually occurs on the left side of the abdomen , but can spread to the right side, closer to the midline.

Kidneys and ureter

The kidneys filter waste, excess water, metabolic byproducts, and unnecessary substances from the bloodstream to be excreted as urine . This urine passes through the ureter and accumulates in the bladder until it is excreted into the environment. The right kidney lies behind the liver , slightly under the diaphragm. Problems with the kidneys and ureters usually occur with pain in the side and back .

What causes pain:

pyelonephritis ( kidney );
urethritis (inflammation of the ureter );
renal cyst;
hemorrhage in the adrenal glands;
cancer of the adrenal gland or right kidney ;
renal abscess or perirenal abscess;
renal artery stenosis (narrowing) or occlusion (blockage).

Associated symptoms: changes in urination (volume and/or frequency), changes in urine , nausea , vomiting, and changes in blood pressure. The pain is directed to the sides and is often reported as mid-back pain on the right side.

Intestines and appendix

The large intestine begins in the cecum, which communicates with the last part of the small intestine, the ileum. The appendix is a protrusion from the cecum. Both the cecum and appendix are located in the lower right quadrant.

What diseases does pain indicate?

appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix);
colitis (inflammation of the colon);
diverticulitis;
inflammatory bowel (IBD) - Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis;
volvulus of the colon.

Associated symptoms: changes in bowel , especially diarrhea , blood or mucus in the stool, nausea , flatulence, loss of appetite, and bloating . The pain may involve both the upper and lower quadrants of the right side of the abdomen .

Published in Gastroentorology Premium Clinic

Treatment of pain in the left side

Based on the causes and nature of pain in the left side near the rib, various treatment methods can be used. To eliminate pain, our clinic specialists use:

manual therapy : designed to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve tissue regeneration;
reflexology : the use of various therapeutic techniques (acupuncture, stimulation with applicators, superficial acupuncture, heat therapy, etc.) eliminates pain and the cause of its occurrence;
physiotherapy : used as an addition to the main treatment, blocks pain, increases blood flow, has anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects, helps eliminate movement disorders;
therapeutic massage : recommended for relieving muscle spasms and improving blood circulation in the problem area.