What causes side pain? Side pain can be caused by a wide variety of mild to serious diseases, disorders and conditions. Relatively mild conditions that can cause side pain include indigestion and exercising too much. Serious and life-threatening conditions that can cause side pain include heart attack and trauma.

When should I worry about side pain?

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have side, back or abdominal pain after trauma or injury, shortness of breath, blood in your vomit or stools, dizziness or fainting, sudden abdominal swelling, or chest pain, which may radiate to your shoulder blades, jaw, or left arm.

What can cause side pain in a woman?