Causes of Lower Back Pain – Right Side
When dealing with lower back pain, it is important to be able to narrow it down and understand where the pain is residing. When experiencing pain on the lower right side of your back, muscles, bones, nerves or organs can be contributing to the pain.
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Muscle Related Pain
Sprains and strains are common conditions, especially in the lower back. A sprain is an overstretched or torn ligament. A strain is a torn tendon or muscle. These can cause muscle-related lower back pain including:
- Overstretching
- Not warming up properly prior to physical activity
- Lifting heavy objects with an improper lifting technique
- Falling
- Awkward movements of the body
Symptoms of muscle-related lower back pain on the right side include:
- Aching, stiffness or tenderness in the lower back
- Restricted range of motion due to lower back pain
- Difficulty standing or sitting upright
- Lower back pain that radiates into the buttocks
- Muscle spasms in the lower back
Treatments depend on the severity of the pain and must be evaluated by a doctor. They can include physical therapy and other conservative treatments, or more involved procedures such as electrical stimulation and surgery.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of one or more areas of the spine. This narrowing occurs most often in the lower back or neck. It can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves that branch out from the compressed areas.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis include:
- Pain in the legs, calves or lower back when standing or walking
- Pain while sitting down or leaning over
- Leg or arm weakness
- Numbness in the legs or buttocks
- Balance problems
Treatment options for spinal stenosis include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and steroid injections. For more severe cases, minimally invasive surgery might be recommended.
Appendicitis
The appendix is a small organ that connects to the first section of the large intestine.
Appendicitis is when inflammation occurs within the appendix due to a blockage or infection.
Symptoms of appendicitis include:
- Bloating or excess gas
- Intense pain in the right side of the abdomen
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting
- constipation or diarrhea
Treatment typically involves an appendectomy- the surgical removal of the appendix.
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
The common conditions called intervertebral disc degeneration is when the discs that support the bones, or vertebrae, in the spine degenerate.
This degeneration can increase the friction between the vertebrae. This friction can lead to pain in the back, neck, arms, and legs. Age can be a cause of this condition.
Some treatments can include physical therapy, steroid injections, facet rhizotomy- injecting joints to decrease nerve pain, pain medications prescribed by your doctor, and in more severe cases- surgery.
Lower back pain on the right side is very common and can derive from many different situations. If you are experiencing lower back pain, please contact us today.
Kidney Conditions
Kidney Infection
Bacterial or viral infections that affect the urinary tract can move upstream into one or both kidneys.
Symptoms of kidney infections include:
- Pain on one or both sides of the back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine
- Foul-smelling urine
- Frequent urination
- Burning or painful sensation while urinating
- Chills and fever
Treatment for a kidney infection is recommended as soon as possible.
Treatment for kidney infections usually involves a course of antibiotics. A doctor may also prescribe pain relievers to help ease a person’s symptoms.
Kidney Stones
Certain minerals can build up in the kidneys and form hard deposits, or stones. Kidney stones vary in shape, size, and mineral content.
Symptoms of kidney stones can include:
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Urine that smells foul
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Painful burning sensation while urinating
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
People with symptoms of kidney stones should see a doctor right away.
For treatment of kidney stones, one should most likely see a doctor, drink plenty of fluids, and possibly undergo a kidney stone remover procedure.
Quick Answers
Q. Why does my lower back hurt on the right side?
A. When experiencing pain on the lower right side of your back, muscles, bones, nerves or organs can be contributing to the pain.
Q. What organ is located on the lower right side of your back?
A. The right kidney. The right kidney hangs a little lower than that left, making it more prone to causing pain.
Q. How do you treat lower right back pain?
A.
- Apply cold and heat
- Massage affected area
- Support your lumbar curve
- Be active- walk around as much as possible
- For severe pain, see a specialist
Q. What can cause lower back pain in a woman?
A. While there are many possible causes of lower back pain on the right side, conditions that affect the intestines or reproductive organs can be specific to the female body.
Q. How do I know if my back pain is serious?
A. If you are experiencing increased weakness in your legs, loss of bladder and/or bowel control, and/or severe stomach pain, it is recommended you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Doctors performing Sacroiliac procedures
You do not have to live with pain
Whether it is sciatica, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or any other spine condition that is causing you pain, we have the answers to your problems. Our physicians are trained to diagnose, manage, and treat a wide range of spinal conditions.
Our focus has been and will continue to be providing individualized care designed to address your personal needs. It is never acceptable to live with pain. Pain robs your life of joy and robs your life of meaning. Nothing is more important at Physician Partners of America than helping you get back to a pain-free life.