Numerous conditions can cause side and back pain. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, certain conditions that cause back pain may also cause pain on the side of the torso or flank. Side and back pain can be caused by the same condition, or they can occur simultaneously from unrelated conditions. A qualified health care professional can assess a person's side and back symptoms and suggest appropriate treatment options.
Shingles
According to FamilyDoctor.org, shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an infection caused by the reactivation of the virus responsible for chicken pox--the varicella-zoster virus. The defining characteristic of singles is a painful rash of red, fluid-filled blisters that appear in a band-like distribution, usually on the back. The blisters begin near the spine and wrap around the torso, terminating near the breastbone or sternum. Common signs and symptoms associated with shingles include stinging or burning pain that precedes the rash by several days, fever, chills, nausea, diarrhea and problems with urination. The Family Doctor website states that if shingles lasts for a long time, a condition called postherpetic neuralgia develops. Postherpetic neuralgia is characterized by damaged nerve fibers that send exaggerated pain signals from the skin to the brain. Approximately 10 percent of people with shingles develop postherpetic neuralgia.
Kidney Stones
MayoClinic.com states that kidney stones, also known as renal lithiasis, are tiny deposits comprised of mineral and acid salts that develop inside the kidneys. One of the most common causes of kidney stones is dehydration, which causes minerals in the urine to crystallize and bond together. Common signs and symptoms associated with kidney stones include excruciating pain in the side and back, pain that shifts to the lower abdomen and groin over time, painful urination, blood in the urine, nausea and vomiting and a persistent urge to urinate. According to MayoClinic.com, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones, including a personal or family history of kidney stones, advanced age, being male, dehydration, high-sugar diets, obesity and certain digestive diseases and other medical conditions.
Fractured Rib
According to the Sports Injury Clinic website, fractured or broken ribs are a common sports-related injury, especially among athletes participating in contact sports. Rib fractures are usually caused by blunt-force trauma to the ribcage by an elbow or other body part or object. Depending on the location of the fracture, the fracture may cause simultaneous side and back pain. Common signs and symptoms associated with a fractured rib include pain and swelling at the site of the injury, pain that occurs when a person takes a deep breath or when he coughs or sneezes, and tenderness at the fracture site when the rib cage is pressed or squeezed. In most cases, rest is an effective treatment for healing a fractured rib. Other effective treatments for reducing swelling, inflammation and pain may include cold laser therapy and kinesio taping techniques.
