Flank Stress After Exercise

Flank stress, which occurs on one side of the body between the top of your abdomen and your back, can vary from mild to severe. Flank stress can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms and conditions, some that require a doctor's intervention. Accidents, improper exercise technique and failing to listen to your body's cues can trigger stress in the flank area.

Definition

You can stress any of the muscles, ligaments or tendons in the flank area during exercise. This stress can cause symptoms such as pain, tenderness, a burning sensation, bruising, warmth, swelling, discoloration of skin, inflammation, difficulty standing up straight or problems with flank mobility. Symptoms can occur every time you exercise and linger long after your workout routine, even after you have stretched out your sides.

Triggers

You can stress the flank area if you overuse your sides by exercising excessively, working out with extreme intensity or by not taking breaks as your body requires them. Flank stress can also develop if you pull or tear one of the muscles or ligaments in the flank area by exerting yourself forcefully, suddenly switching directions during exercise or failing to maintain controlled movements during your workout. A direct blow to the flank area or falling or colliding with another person or object can also stress the flank area following exercise.

Treatment Options

Reduce the intensity level of your exercise routine if you feel any pain or discomfort in the flank area. Stretch out the muscles in your abdomen, back and sides by reaching your arms up overhead and inhaling as deeply as possible. Treat symptoms by taking an anti-inflammatory drug as needed and applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel against your flank area and holding it in place for about 10 minutes.

When to Call a Doctor

Contact a doctor if the stressed flank area of your body is painful and accompanied by a fever, vomiting, chills, blood in your urine or nausea. These symptoms could signal a serious complication such as a kidney stone, disk disease, shingles, a spinal fracture or kidney infection. You may require hospitalization, surgery or medication such as antibiotics to treat these types of conditions.