The most common cause of side pain is from gas or constipation and from certain foods you've eaten.
Gas and constipation can cause side pain but the pain should go away within a day or less.
Other causes of side pain are obstructions in your urinary system, such as kidney stones or ureteral stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), including a kidney infection, back problems, including arthritis, muscle spasms, fractured spine, herniated disk and a pinched nerve.
Despite similar pain pathways, somatic pain and visceral pain feel very different.
Somatic pain is often intense and localized.
Visceral pain can be vague, harder to pinpoint, and feel more like an aching or squeezing sensation.
Other possible causes of side pain or flank pain include.
Muscle problems. The muscles of the stomach, the back, and even the chest may cause flank pain.
Kidney problems. The kidneys act as the body's filter.
Shingles. Shingles is an infection that causes a painful, blistering rash.
Pancreas or liver problems.
Spinal health issues.
Let your doctor know and seek medical attention for the side pain if you're experiencing pain in your side or abdomen that's not related to exercising, or if you have a side stitch that lasts for several hours.
It may be the result of a more serious condition.
Also let your doctor know or seek medical attention for the side pain if you have Abdominal discomfort that lasts 1 week or longer.
Abdominal pain that does not improve in 24 to 48 hours, or becomes more severe and frequent and occurs with nausea and vomiting.
Bloating that persists for more than 2 days.
Some things you can do at home to help the side pain include.
Alternate between ice packs to reduce inflammation and heat to improve blood flow.
Soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts or take a warm shower.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers (aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen).
Try complementary therapies, such as massage, meditation or acupuncture.