Lower abdomen side aches cause discomfort in the lower lateral portions of your midsection. Most people experience pain in the lower portions of their abdomen occasionally, and in most cases it isn't a cause for concern. This pain can be caused by minor ailments such as gas buildup or muscle pulls. In some instances, however, the pain is cause for concern. If the pain is due to intestinal disorders or problems with a woman's reproductive organs, then medical intervention is required.
Causes
Lower abdominal side aches are caused by problems in the intestinal tract, reproductive tract and the layers of abdominal muscles. Inflammation of intestinal structures and intestinal blockage are the most common intestinal ailments. Appendicitis, tumors and intestinal blockages are the most common examples of intestinal conditions that cause lower side aches. Ectopic pregnancy and ovarian cysts are two of the most common reproductive system ailments that cause lower abdominal side aches in women. Muscle tears and strains are the most common muscle ailments that cause lower abdominal side aches.
Symptoms
Pain in the lower portions of the abdomen is only one of many symptoms caused by these conditions. Intestinal ailments such as appendicitis and intestinal blockage usually cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Abdominal swelling is another possible symptom. Pain caused by intestinal issues is similar to cramps. Ailments of a woman's reproductive tract are accompanied by irregularities in her menstrual cycle in addition to pain. These irregularities include excess menstrual bleeding, missing periods and increased spotting between periods. In most instances the pain is limited to one side.
Muscle damage is usually accompanied by swelling and sharp pain while moving the affected muscle.
Diagnosis
Doctors use many diagnostic methods when searching for the cause of abdominal side aches. This is because this symptom is associated with a wide variety of conditions. Your doctor may do an ultrasound examination, x-ray, blood test, urine test, physical examination magnetic resonance imaging or a computerized tomography exam.
Treatment
If the cause of your lower abdomen side ache is minor, rest may be sufficient to resolve it. However, serious ailments of the intestinal tract and female reproductive system that cause lower abdominal pain often require surgery. Appendicitis and ectopic pregnancies are almost always treated surgically. The majority of intestinal blockages also require surgical intervention, but in some cases physicians resolve the issue with other treatment. Ovarian cysts are treated with oral contraceptives or surgery. In some cases your doctor may use a combination approach to treat ovarian cysts. In the event of minor muscle strains or tears, rest is a sufficient remedy. When extensive tears occur, surgical reattachment of the muscle is required.
References
- National Institutes of Health; Ectopic Pregnancy; February 2010
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (16th edition)"; Lawrence Madoff, et al.; 2005
- Mayo Clinic; Ovarian Cysts; July 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Abdominal Pain; December 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Intestinal Obstruction; September 2008
- Mayo Clinic; Sprains and Strains; October 2009
