Pain in the left side
- Related Injuries: Back
January 12, 2014
Anita asked The Guru for the following Physiotherapy Advice:
Hi
I have been suffering with sporadic pain on my left side over the last few weeks, sometimes in my ankle and wrist joint, pain in my lower back and down my backside and leg, sometimes a tingly feeling in my left hand. But I am fully flexible and no weakened strength.
I was not sure if I had a trapped nerve or something else. Would you have any idea what this could be?
It varies from day to day but this morning had a twinge of pain in my ankle and lower back pain. Walking around and stretching relieves the pain a bit. Does this sound like something you recognise?
Annie
January 12, 2014
Hi Annie
Tricky without you in front of me!
It certainly sounds nervey – but it could be seen as a little odd as it’s both upper and lower limb. Does anything make anything better or worse?
Without the arm stuff, this is very much a sciatic nerve related back issue. With the upper limb stuff it can’t be your sciatic nerve, but it can be another.
Having both together doesn’t present as an issue as long there is a mechanical bias. You do this and it pulls there, you do something else and it relieves it.
Having something that is between your arm and back that doesn’t move very well (i.e. your thoracic spine) can put differing amounts of tension though different nerve structures. Try going for a swim so you affect either ends of the neural/spinal system. Go for a walk but make sure you swing you arms to do the same.
It may be a great idea to see someone who can have a good look and make simple head or tails of your symptoms
