Musculoskeletal Issues
A pulled muscle can be due to vigorous exercise, lifting heavy weights frequently, or spending several hours in front of the computer with minimal movement. According to experts, activities such as twisting, bending, lifting, and sitting for extended periods can irritate or pull the muscle in the flank area.
A fall or other trauma can also cause you to have flank pain. When the pain involves the muscle, you will typically feel a dull ache that worsens with physical activities, repetitive actions, or pressure. A medical checkup may reveal that you have pinched nerve or spinal arthritis.
Sometimes the flank pain is due to muscle spasm, a painful contraction or tightening of one or more muscles without any reason. However, it could be due to underuse or overuse of a muscle, low level of magnesium or potassium, imbalance of electrolytes, or dehydration. You’ll feel flank pain when muscle spasms occur in your mid to lower back muscles.
You may feel the pain in one or both sides of your torso. The pain may come suddenly and may be severe and sharp. Flank pain due to muscle spasms is painful but will go away within a few days or weeks.
