Left Side Pain Near Kidney While Sleeping: Causes & Concerns

Question
Hi Charles,

I get a pain in my left side around the kidney area when I sleep. It subsides some when I lay on that side. There is absolutely no pain at all when I'm up all day. This has been going on for about 1 month. I'm in excellent shape, an avid jogger and work out at a health club. Is there an explanation for a pain like mine or is it something I should worry about? I have had 2 back surgeries for a herniated lumbar disk. Maybe this could be an indirect cause? Or maybe my mattress? Your subjective opinion is appreciated-thanks.

Answer
Hi Dan
This could represent a muscle strain which would worsen when sleeping. Also a hernia in the oblique muscle group. Possibly also kidney involvement. I doubt it has anything to do with your previous surgeries.
Not having the luxury of examining you makes these guesses just that.
If it is persistent, it should of course be checked out.