Pain on the left side of the back, similar to a pulled muscle, with limited mobility.

Generally, pain on the left side of the back similar to a pulled muscle accompanied by limited mobility may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as periarthritis of the shoulder (frozen shoulder) or cervical spondylosis. Appropriate treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. The details are as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

Long-term engagement in heavy physical labor can easily lead to strain and overuse injuries of the muscles in the lower back, resulting in referred pain, swelling, and other symptoms. Massage therapy may help relax the muscles and improve local blood circulation, providing some relief from these symptoms.

II. Pathological Factors:

1. Periarthritis of the Shoulder (Frozen Shoulder)
This condition is primarily caused by prolonged excessive joint activity or maintaining poor posture over time, leading to sterile inflammation around the shoulder joint. It commonly causes shoulder pain and restricted movement, and may also result in radiating pain to the left side of the back. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as acetaminophen tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release tablets, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets may be used for treatment.

2. Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis may result from degenerative changes in the cervical spine, chronic injury, or acute trauma, causing degenerative disc disease in the cervical vertebrae. Patients often experience symptoms such as shoulder and back pain and neck stiffness. With medical advice, drugs like mecobalamin capsules, eperisone hydrochloride tablets, or meloxicam tablets may be prescribed for management.

Besides the above-mentioned causes, similar symptoms could also stem from other conditions such as back myofascial inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, or gouty arthritis. If symptoms are severe, it is recommended to promptly visit a qualified hospital for relevant examinations to determine the exact cause and receive targeted treatment.