Side pain is discomfort felt anywhere along the torso, from beneath the ribs to the hips. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp, intense feeling, varying based on the underlying cause.
Everyday Reasons for Side Pain
Many instances of side pain stem from common, often harmless causes. Gas and bloating frequently cause abdominal discomfort, felt as pain on either side, due to gas accumulation.
Muscle strains from physical activity or sudden movements cause localized side pain. Overstretching or tearing muscle fibers in the abdominal wall or between the ribs produces a sharp or aching sensation. Constipation, with infrequent or difficult bowel movements, also causes diffuse abdominal pain felt in the side. Waste accumulation in the colon exerts pressure, leading to discomfort.
Exercise-induced transient abdominal pain (ETAP), or a “side stitch,” is another frequent, benign cause. This sharp, cramping sensation often occurs during strenuous physical activity, particularly running, typically below the rib cage. It is thought to involve irritation of the parietal peritoneum. These common causes are generally not serious and improve with rest, hydration, or over-the-counter remedies.
Understanding Right Side Pain
Pain on the right side indicates various conditions, some requiring prompt medical attention due to vital organs in this region. Appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix, is a recognized cause of right-sided abdominal pain. It typically begins with pain around the navel that shifts to the lower right abdomen, often with fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Gallstones (cholelithiasis) cause sudden, intense upper right abdominal pain, often after fatty meals. This biliary colic occurs when gallstones block bile ducts, inflaming the gallbladder. Liver issues like hepatitis or fatty liver disease also cause discomfort or a dull ache in the upper right quadrant. Liver enlargement or inflammation stretches its protective capsule, causing radiating pain.
Right kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) or infections (pyelonephritis) cause severe pain in the right flank, radiating towards the groin. Kidney stone pain is often colicky, coming in waves as the stone attempts to pass. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease, which affects the ileocecal region, cause chronic or intermittent right lower quadrant pain. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also causes pain here, with abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits.
In women, gynecological conditions like a ruptured ovarian cyst or an ectopic pregnancy cause right-sided pain. A ruptured ovarian cyst causes sudden, sharp lower right abdominal pain. An ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, leads to severe, localized pain with other symptoms like vaginal bleeding.
Understanding Left Side Pain
Pain on the left side arises from various conditions, including digestive, urinary, or reproductive issues. Diverticulitis is a common cause of left lower quadrant pain, occurring when small colon pouches (diverticula) become inflamed or infected. It often presents with abdominal tenderness, fever, and changes in bowel habits.
The left kidney is affected by stones or infections, causing pain in the left flank that may radiate to the groin. Kidney stone passage causes intense, spasmodic pain as they move through the ureter. Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, often causes severe pain in the upper left or middle abdomen that radiates to the back. This pain is typically sharp and may worsen after eating.
Stomach ulcers (peptic ulcers) cause burning upper abdominal pain, sometimes felt more prominently on the left. Spleen issues, like splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) or a splenic rupture, also cause left upper quadrant pain.
Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, primarily affect the large intestine and cause left-sided abdominal pain, particularly in the lower quadrant. Irritable bowel syndrome also causes discomfort and cramping on the left side, with altered bowel patterns. For women, gynecological issues like a ruptured ovarian cyst or an ectopic pregnancy on the left side produce acute, localized pain in the lower left abdomen.
When to Consult a Doctor About Side Pain
While many causes of side pain are benign, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare professional if the pain is unexplained, persistent, severe, or rapidly worsening. Prompt medical attention is also needed if pain is accompanied by a high fever, persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Other red flag symptoms include blood in the stool, urine, or vomit, indicating gastrointestinal bleeding or urinary tract issues. Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement with abdominal pain could suggest a bowel obstruction. Dizziness, fainting, or signs of shock alongside side pain are medical emergencies. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice; discuss any concerning symptoms with a doctor.