Differential Diagnosis for Low Back Pain Radiating into Left Lower Quadrant
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Lumbar strain or musculoskeletal back pain: This is the most common cause of low back pain and can radiate to the lower quadrants due to referred pain from the lumbar muscles and joints.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lumbar disc herniation: Herniation of the lumbar discs, especially L4-L5 or L5-S1, can cause radiating pain into the lower quadrants, typically following a dermatomal pattern.
- Degenerative disc disease: Wear and tear on the spinal discs can lead to pain and stiffness in the lower back, which may radiate to the lower quadrants.
- Spondylosis or spondylolisthesis: These conditions involve defects in the pars interarticularis and can cause low back pain that radiates due to instability or nerve compression.
- Osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine: Similar to degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis can cause pain and stiffness in the lower back that may radiate.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): Although less common, an expanding AAA can cause low back pain that radiates, and missing this diagnosis can be fatal.
- Kidney stones or pyelonephritis: Severe pain from kidney stones or infection can radiate to the lower back and quadrants.
- Ovarian torsion or ectopic pregnancy (in females): These are gynecological emergencies that can present with severe lower abdominal and back pain.
- Spinal infection (e.g., osteomyelitis, discitis): Infections of the spine can cause severe back pain and are critical to diagnose early to prevent serious complications.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Spinal tumors: Both primary and metastatic tumors can cause back pain that radiates, depending on their location and the nerves they affect.
- Cauda equina syndrome: A serious condition where the nerves in the spinal canal are compressed, leading to severe pain, numbness, and potentially permanent nerve damage if not promptly treated.
- Inflammatory spondyloarthropathies (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis): Chronic inflammatory diseases that can cause back pain and stiffness, potentially radiating to the lower quadrants.