Conditions that affect the muscles, bones, nerves, or organs can contribute to pain on the lower right side of the back. Show
This article explores the possible causes of back pain on the lower right side. It also covers some causes specific to females and males and explains when to contact a doctor. Ovarian tumors can be cancerous or noncancerous. According to the American Cancer Society, cancerous ovarian tumors can cause back pain. Cancerous and noncancerous tumors can have similar symptoms, including:
When these symptoms occur as a result of cancerous ovarian tumors, they are usually persistent. If a person typically experiences any of these symptoms, the symptoms may become more severe or frequent when a cancerous tumor occurs. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
A sprain occurs when a person overstretches or tears a ligament, whereas a strain is a torn tendon or muscle. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, strains and sprains are the one of the leading causes of acute back pain. A person may experience a sprain or strain as a result of:
Back pain that results from a strain or sprain can range from mild to severe and may radiate into the buttocks. It can cause symptoms such as:
The type of treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the symptoms. TreatmentA person can treat mild sprains and strains at home with rest, ice packs or heat packs, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. For people with more severe sprains and strains, a doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants and stronger pain relievers to help manage symptoms. Other treatment options may include:
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing or compression of the spinal canal, which is the area inside the spine that contains the spinal cord. Although it can develop anywhere along the spine, it most commonly affects the lower back. This narrowing places pressure on the spinal cord, which can cause numbness and pain that radiates to the lower back, buttocks, and legs. TreatmentTreatment options for spinal stenosis include:
Doctors may recommend surgery for severe cases of spinal stenosis. Certain minerals can build up in the kidneys and form hard deposits, or stones. Kidney stones vary in shape, size, and mineral content. Small kidney stones can leave the body via the urine without causing symptoms. However, larger stones may cause blockages that can lead to sharp pain, typically on only one side. This pain may radiate to the groin and lower abdomen. Kidney stones can also cause symptoms such as:
People who are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones should contact a doctor right away. TreatmentTreatment options for people with kidney stones include:
Doctors may also strain the urine to catch the kidney stone for analysis. UC is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the large intestine, or colon. According to a 2020 study, UC and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease appear to have an association with sacroiliitis — inflammation in the pelvis that can cause low back pain. Some other symptoms of UC are:
Learn more about UC and sacroiliitis. TreatmentThere is currently no cure for UC. The aim of treatment is to achieve remission, which is a sustained period in which a person has few or no symptoms. Treatment options depend on the severity of a person’s symptoms but can include medications such as:
If treatment does not improve the symptoms, a doctor may recommend surgical removal of the person’s colon. The appendix is a small organ that connects to the first section of the large intestine. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that may occur as a result of a blockage or an infection. Appendicitis typically causes pain that begins near the belly button and then moves lower and to the right. This pain can also radiate to the right side of the back. Other symptoms of appendicitis include:
TreatmentAppendicitis requires immediate medical care. People who think that they may have appendicitis should go to an emergency room immediately. Treatment typically involves a procedure called an appendectomy, which is the surgical removal of the appendix. Bacterial or viral infections that affect the urinary tract can move upstream into one or both kidneys. If a person does not receive treatment, a kidney infection can lead to serious complications such as chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, or sepsis. Kidney infections can cause symptoms such as:
People with symptoms of a kidney infection should contact a doctor as soon as possible. TreatmentTreatment for kidney infections usually involves a course of antibiotics. A doctor may also prescribe pain relievers to help ease a person’s symptoms. Drinking plenty of water is important to prevent dehydration and fever. Causes of pain in the lower right side of the back that are specific to females can include: Period pain, or dysmenorrhea“Dysmenorrhea” is the name for the pain a person can experience during their period. Although everyone experiences the symptoms of dysmenorrhea differently, the most common symptoms are:
A person may also experience:
To treat the pain, a person can:
Learn more about lower back pain during a period. Uterine fibroidsUterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that can develop in the wall of the uterus. Having them does not increase a person’s risk of developing uterine cancer. Uterine fibroids can vary in size, and some people may not realize that they have any until a doctor detects them during a pelvic exam or an ultrasound. Not everyone with uterine fibroids will have symptoms. Those who do may experience:
People without symptoms may not require treatment. Treatment options can include:
EndometriosisEndometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the endometrium — the lining of the uterus — grows in other parts of the body, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and cervix. Endometriosis can cause chronic pain in the lower back or pelvis. A person who has endometriosis may also experience:
There is currently no cure for endometriosis, so treatments focus on reducing symptoms and preventing further complications. Treatment options for endometriosis include:
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)PID is an infection that typically occurs when a sexually transmitted disease, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, spreads to the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. Symptoms of PID can vary in severity and may include:
People with symptoms of PID should contact a doctor as soon as possible. Prompt treatment can help prevent or minimize scarring that can increase the risk of fertility problems and ectopic pregnancies. Antibiotics can usually cure the bacterial infection that causes PID. Pelvic pain during pregnancySome people experience pelvic pain during pregnancy. Pelvic pain can affect one or both sides of the lower back. This pain may also affect the perineum or radiate to the thighs. It may become worse while a person is walking, standing up, or rolling onto their side. A person may be able to reduce pelvic pain during pregnancy by:
People can also try applying ice or heat packs to help ease the pain. OTC acetaminophen is generally safe to take during pregnancy. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking any medications while pregnant. Testicular torsion can cause back pain on the lower right side in males. It occurs when the testicle rotates inside the scrotum, causing the spermatic cord to twist. A twisted spermatic cord can reduce or completely block blood flow to the testicle. This can cause irreversible damage. Testicular torsion can cause the following symptoms:
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency, and anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Treatment involves a surgical procedure to either untwist the spermatic cord or remove the testicle. People with severe, persistent, or worsening lower back pain should consult a doctor right away. A person should also seek medical attention if they have lower back pain along with any of the following symptoms:
Lower back pain is very common. Possible causes of lower back pain on the right side include sprains and strains, kidney stones, infections, and conditions that affect the intestines or reproductive organs. People should consult a doctor if they experience lower back pain that does not improve with rest or affects their daily life. Why does my hip and back hurt on one side?Sharp pain in the lower back and hip on one side
A shooting and sharp pain felt on one side on your lower back and hip may be caused by muscle spasm, joint dysfunction, and/or nerve compression in the region.
How do I relieve lower back pain on one side and hip?Gentle stretching can speed up recovery. Applying a cloth-covered ice pack to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time can also help. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce the pain and swelling that these muscle injuries cause.
Why do I have lower back pain on my right side and hip?Possible causes of lower back pain on the right side include sprains and strains, kidney stones, infections, and conditions that affect the intestines or reproductive organs. People should consult a doctor if they experience lower back pain that does not improve with rest or affects their daily life.
What causes hip pain that radiates to lower back?A Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve in the hip or back can cause radiating lower back and hip pain. If you wonder what does nerve pain feel like – it often involves severe pain and numbness that may be referred from other areas of the body.
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