[26F] Experiencing chronic left flank pain

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, the following conditions could be considered:

• Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Pain can be severe and usually comes in waves. It can affect any part of your urinary tract — from your kidneys to your bladder. The pain has been described as a sharp, cramping pain that starts in the back and side in the area of the kidney or in the lower abdomen.

  • Treatment can range from pain management and drinking lots of water to flush out the stone, to medical procedures to remove or break up larger stones.

• Musculoskeletal Pain: This could be due to a muscle strain or other injury. The fact that the pain is constant and does not change with position makes this less likely, but it is still a possibility.

  • Treatment would typically involve rest, physical therapy, and possibly pain management with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

• Kidney Infection: This is usually caused by bacteria that have spread from your urinary tract to one or both of your kidneys. This is less likely given the long duration of your symptoms and lack of other symptoms such as fever, but it's still a possibility.

  • Treatment would typically involve antibiotics.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain.
2. Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids can help flush out any potential kidney stones.
3. Rest: If the pain is due to a muscle strain, rest and gentle stretching may help.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your pain becomes severe or unbearable
• If you notice blood in your urine or have a fever
• If you start to feel nauseous or start vomiting
• If you have difficulty urinating or notice a change in the frequency of your urination

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I am an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.