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Pulling pains in the back area: lower back, right side, left side
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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Many people are familiar with the condition when the back aches dully. It does not completely turn a person off from work, but significantly reduces the quality of his life. At first, there is a glimmer of hope that it will soon pass by itself, then usually rubbing with warming with a change of drugs, folk remedies are used. If the nagging pain in the back does not go away for a long time, the decision matures to contact specialists, find out the cause and finally get rid of it, although this is where it should have started.
Causes pulling pain in the back
All joints, spinal discs, ligaments, muscles have nerve endings that react to various pathologies with painful sensations. The causes of nagging back pain can be past injuries, various tumor and infectious processes. Most often, the symptoms signal osteochondrosis of the spine. This disease is typical for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle or, conversely, experience constant significant physical exertion. But not everything is so simple.
Risk factors
It turns out that back pain may be completely unrelated to the musculoskeletal system. Risk factors and mechanisms of their occurrence largely depend on gender and its physiology:
- nagging back pain in women - can occur during menstruation, pregnancy, diseases of the reproductive and urinary systems, menopause, from walking in high heels, carrying heavy bags, excess weight;
- aching pain in the lower back in men - their lifestyle often contributes to the development of pathologies that cause back pain. Those at risk include those engaged in heavy physical labor, athletes, those who do not do it at all and move little, obese people who abuse alcohol, drugs, nicotine. In addition to the prerequisites for more frequent injuries, muscle strains than in women, a risk factor for them is chronic prostatitis, kidney problems, tumor processes in the digestive system.
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Symptoms
The general definition of "back pain" when detailed reveals its various localizations, often not corresponding to the source of the disease. Therefore, it is important to undergo examination in a medical institution and establish the true cause of the occurrence of pain. The nature of the symptoms is a guide for suspecting a particular health problem.
Back pain and leg aches
Most often, such symptoms are characteristic of spinal root compression. This occurs due to the destruction of intervertebral discs and joints, vertebral bodies - everything that is called osteochondrosis. Echoes of pain in the leg indicate the localization of the pathological condition of the spine in its lumbosacral region. It is responsible for the functions of the legs.
Particular cases of manifestation of degenerative processes of the spine can be sciatica (the main pain is concentrated in the buttock), lumbago or lumbago, caused by hypothermia and heavy physical exertion.
Other causes of back pain radiating to the leg include gynecological problems in women, kidney pathologies, and some surgical diseases.
Aching pain in the lower back
Sometimes a nagging pain below the waist restricts movement, does not allow you to take a full step, and even radiates to your legs. Such sensations can be caused by several factors:
- osteochondrosis, which is often caused by a sedentary lifestyle;
- back muscle strain;
- displacement of vertebral discs;
- excess weight, which negatively affects posture and, as a result, the spine;
- kidney pathology (on the right side of the back - the right kidney, on the left - the left);
- pregnancy in women.
Nagging pain in the back and abdomen
It can be extremely dangerous when not only the back is pulled, but there is also a nagging pain in the abdomen. This indicates the following possible diseases, in addition to osteochondrosis:
- appendicitis - it is usually characterized by acute pain, but it can also be aching. It is necessary to see a doctor, since a rupture of the inflamed appendix can lead to sepsis of the abdominal cavity;
- cystitis, urethritis - inflammation of the urinary system causes a nagging pain in the back and lower abdomen, but it is also indicated by flakes and blood clots in the urine;
- intestinal infections - in addition to pain, mucous and blood inclusions are found in the stool. This is a reason to immediately consult a doctor to avoid blood poisoning. The transition from nagging pain to cramping pain is exactly what informs about this;
- intestinal inflammation - the pain is mainly localized in the lower abdomen, but can radiate to the groin and lower back;
- colitis - a chronic pathology that announces itself with dull pain, fever, and bloating;
- urolithiasis - if the stone does not move, then there is a dull pain in the back and stomach, its movement causes sharp pain;
- neoplasms in the digestive and genitourinary systems.
Aching pain in the back above the waist
This type of pain can be felt by people of different ages, from young to old, and it is not always caused by the spine. Aching, pulling pain in the back under the shoulder blades is often a reflection of diseases of the internal organs:
- under the left shoulder blade - heart pathologies (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, etc.);
- under the right shoulder blade - cholecystitis, peptic ulcer, appendicitis;
- between the shoulder blades - esophagus, pneumonia, pleurisy;
- in the area of the kidneys - urological, gynecological problems.
Often the localization of pain does not coincide with the anatomical location of the organs that cause it.
Evidence of the real relationship of manifestations to the musculoskeletal system - the spine and muscles, is a more acute and intense pain, depending on movements. Its sensation, as a rule, coincides with where the source is. This can be:
- thoracic osteochondrosis;
- back injuries;
- inflammation of muscle fibers, resulting in a nagging pain in the back muscles;
- muscle and bone lesions of various origins.
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Nagging back pain after sleep
People often feel pain after sleep. If this happens occasionally, the reason may be quite trivial: an unsuccessful sleeping position, a sharp turn, hypothermia. Its systematic manifestation should alert you and make you see a doctor, because many dangerous diseases may be hidden behind it:
- protrusion of intervertebral discs;
- spinal hernia;
- spinal cord tumors;
- curvature of the spine;
- rheumatism;
- arthritis and arthrosis;
- muscle stiffness;
- reflection of pain in internal organs, etc.
Nature of pain
A description of your condition, pulling and aching, or severe back pain is important for diagnosing the disease. The doctor will not rely on the patient's subjective sensations alone, but the nature of the pain suggests where to direct the examination.
Who to contact?
Diagnostics pulling pain in the back
Modern medicine has enough means to establish the causes of a painful condition. To determine the anamnesis, the doctor will ask many questions about the nature of the pain, its localization, whether it is associated with movements, chronic, recent illnesses, injuries, whether there are difficulties with urination, and will first refer women to a gynecologist. In a lying position, he will ask you to bend each leg, and then both at the knees, raise them. Even if the specialist's initial assumptions were erroneous, additional clarifying studies are carried out: tests, diagnostics using various equipment.
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Tests
Patients complaining of back pain will be prescribed a general blood test, urine test, and biochemical blood test. They will demonstrate whether changes are occurring in the body. An increase in leukocytes and ESR indicate an inflammatory process. Changes in the biochemical formula will indicate the condition of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and heart.
To determine pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, a stool test is prescribed. Cytological studies are also possible - vaginal smear, saliva.
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Instrumental diagnostics
Signs of nerve damage are determined using a neurological hammer (on and under the knee), muscle sensitivity - with a pin.
If there is a suspicion of spinal injury or osteoporosis, an X-ray will be sent; in other cases, it is considered insufficiently informative, especially in the first 30 days.
Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography have greater diagnostic value, are able to determine disc pathologies, ring ruptures, hernias, but are also more expensive. Often, they do not provide an answer to the cause of nagging pain.
Ultrasound examination and electrocardiography can provide sufficient information within the framework of instrumental diagnostics.
Treatment pulling pain in the back
The list of possible diagnoses is extensive, so there cannot be one treatment protocol. There are several directions of therapy:
- pain relief (injections in the form of pain source blockades are common);
- elimination of dystrophic and inflammatory processes;
- increasing immunity;
- getting rid of the cause of nagging pain using existing methods, including medication, surgery, physiotherapy, etc.
Medicines
Analgesics (analgin, paracetamol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. relieve inflammation, pain, and lower the temperature in case of painful nagging symptoms in the back.
Paracetamol - the drug tablets come in two types: containing 0.2 g or 0.5 g of the active substance of the same name. The recommended dose for adults and children over 12 years is 0.5 g-1 g every 4-6 hours, but not more than 4 g per day. Children 6-12 years old (not prescribed for children under 6 years) 0.2-0.5 g with the same frequency. The maximum is 2 g per day. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor individually.
Overdose and prolonged use can lead to liver damage. Side effects are rare, but may include allergic reactions, nausea, stomach pain, shortness of breath, and heart pain.
Ibuprofen - inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins - lipid physiologically active substances that increase sensitivity to pain mediators. Used for no more than 5 days. Prescribed for children from 6 years old with a body weight of at least 20 kg, the dose is calculated as follows: 20-30 mg per kilogram of weight per day. This is an average of one 200 mg tablet. After 11 years and adults, 2 pieces are recommended.
The drug should not be taken with aspirin or other NSAIDs; caution should be exercised when concomitantly treated with corticosteroids and drugs that lower blood pressure.
Long-term therapy with ibuprofen can cause stomach bleeding, anemia, headache, edema, shortness of breath, heart failure, nausea, flatulence.
Another way to get rid of back pain is muscle relaxants: tolperisone, tizanidine, baclofen.
Tolperisone is an injection solution. It inhibits impulse conduction, blocks spinal reflexes, which results in an anesthetic and spasmolytic effect.
The drug is not prescribed to children, but for adults it is administered intramuscularly 1 ml twice, intravenously slowly in the same dose once a day.
As a result of treatment with tolperisone, allergic reactions, insomnia, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, tinnitus, and diarrhea may occur.
Among the means aimed at eliminating back pain, there is a large arsenal of external means that are used both in complex therapy of diseases and independently. These are balms, gels, creams, ointments: fastum gel, voltaren, diclovit, finalgon, chondroxide.
Fastum gel is a drug with analgesic and anti-inflammatory action. Apply a thin layer to the skin in the area of pain 1-3 times a day. There is no data on the effect on the body of children and pregnant women, so this category of patients is better to avoid it.
Caution is required when using it for people with renal, hepatic, and cardiac insufficiency. The gel is not used for skin damage or hypersensitivity reactions. Side effects may include itching, burning of the skin, and urticaria.
Vitamins
For back pain, vitamins B1 (benfotiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin) are used. They are neuropathic - they reduce the ability of the nerve to transmit impulses, due to which the sensitivity of the affected area decreases.
Physiotherapy treatment
There are many methods in the field of physiotherapy treatment of the back:
Electrophoresis based on medicinal substances - their introduction using an electrical impulse;
- phonophoresis - ultrasound is used for the same purpose;
- laser therapy - beams of infrared, ultraviolet and red spectrum relieve pain and inflammation;
- magnetic therapy - a low-frequency magnetic field relieves pain and reduces swelling;
- reflexology - acupuncture, electrical impulse therapy;
- therapeutic exercise;
- massage.
Folk remedies
It is good to resort to folk treatment already knowing your diagnosis, in this case there is less chance of harming yourself. If the study has established a violation of the functions of the spine, muscles, then the following recipes can be used:
- dilute blue clay with warm water until creamy, add a teaspoon of honey and aloe juice. Mix well, apply to the sore area, cover with cling film, wrap in a woolen thing. Keep for an hour, remove, dry well with a towel, insulate;
- use Vietnamese balm for rubbing, tie a woolen scarf tightly over it;
- for the compress, grate potatoes and horseradish in equal parts, strain the liquid, add a spoonful of honey, and do the rest as usual. The mixture will burn, but it is advisable to leave it for about an hour;
- Lubricate your back with honey, put a cloth napkin on it, and on it mustard plasters soaked in warm water, keep warm.
Herbal treatment
For the treatment of neuralgia and radiculitis the following herbs are used:
- steam horseradish leaves in hot water and apply to the back, wrapping them in film and warmth;
- If you have problems with back pain, prepare the following remedy in the summer: tightly pack dandelion flowers into a jar, pour in vodka and leave in a dark place for 10 days. If necessary, rub the painful areas with the tincture;
- rub your back with birch bud oil.
Homeopathy
In homeopathy, there are also preparations used to relieve nagging back pain. Here are some:
Arthro-gran — prescribed for joint pain, arthrosis, arthritis, lumbar radiculitis, muscle strain. Granules relieve pain, reduce swelling, improve tissue blood supply, and normalize mineral metabolism.
Regardless of the intensity of pain, 5 granules are placed under the tongue and dissolved until completely dissolved a quarter of an hour before or an hour after meals. And so from one to three times a day. Reducing pain allows you to reduce the dose to 3 pieces. The drug can be taken from the age of three, up to 12 years in the amount of 3 granules at a time.
No side effects have been identified, there are no restrictions even during pregnancy.
Artrofon is a homeopathic tablet with anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. One tablet is absorbed at a time, 4-8 times a day. As the condition improves, the dose is reduced to 3 times.
The product should not be combined with alcohol. Its effect during pregnancy has not been studied.
Discus compositum - treats osteochondrosis, neurological and rheumatological diseases of the spine. The injection solution is administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly 2.2 ml (1 ampoule) 1-3 times a week, starting from the age of 6 years. The course of treatment can last up to 6 weeks. Side effects include allergic reactions. In the early stages of treatment, an exacerbation is possible, which quickly passes and does not require cancellation.
Incena - drops for the treatment of various degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system and soft tissues, accompanied by pain.
It is used three times a day, starting from the age of one year, in the following doses:
- 1-4 years - 1-3 drops diluted in a spoon of water;
- 5-12 years – 5-7 drops in the same volume of water;
- after 12 years - 10 drops, can be taken in pure form.
The drug is taken between meals, and should be kept in the mouth for some time before swallowing.
There are no contraindications. Its effect on pregnant women has not been studied, so the doctor must weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing.
Reuma-gel — it contains 3 active components aimed at eliminating pain in lumbago, muscle strain, rheumatism. The gel is applied three times a day to painful areas by light rubbing, starting from the age of one year in children. The duration of treatment is 2 weeks. In some cases, skin reactions in the form of redness and rashes were observed.
Surgical treatment
The most common reason for surgery for back pain is a herniated disc when it compresses a spinal root or spinal cord. This method is used when complex conservative treatment has failed.
In case of secondary pain, surgery is possible in case of tumors, appendicitis, gynecological and other life-threatening pathologies of internal organs.
Complications and consequences
Based on all the above reasons for the appearance of nagging pain in the back, there may be a variety of consequences and their complications, especially if they are secondary. Untimely treatment for a heart attack, appendicitis, ulcer perforation, pleurisy poses a real threat to life and can end fatally. It is also better not to delay the treatment of problems with the spine, bones, muscles in order to prevent irreversible consequences.
Prevention
The main preventive measure against back pain is an active lifestyle, including sports, long walks, moderate physical work. It is important to choose a comfortable chair for sedentary work, and an orthopedic mattress for sleeping.
Every 40 minutes it is recommended to get up from the table and do simple exercises: bending to the sides, squats. This improves blood circulation in the back muscles. Women should give up high-heeled shoes in everyday life and leave them only for special occasions.
When lifting heavy objects, it is necessary to use special belts to support the lower back.
It is also important to organize proper nutrition by reducing salt in your diet, increasing the amount of fruits, vegetables, and drinking plenty of fluids.
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Forecast
Timely diagnosis and treatment reduce the likelihood of the disease becoming chronic and improve the social prognosis of patients.