Why is my right side lower back hurting

There are numerous possible sources of lower right back pain in the organs of the mid-back, abdominal, or pelvic regions. Pain may start following inflammation or irritation of an internal organ, or may be a sign of infection. These conditions will usually produce other symptoms with lower right back pain that more specifically narrow down the source.

Several common internal causes of lower right back pain include:

Kidney problems

Symptoms of kidney stones and a kidney infection can be very similar. Both conditions can cause low back pain on one side, as well as pain with urination and nausea and/or vomiting. Difficulty urinating is typically felt as a kidney stone moves in the kidney, through the ureters, and into the bladder and urinary tract, and a patient may notice blood in the urine. An infection in the right kidney can cause fever, local inflammation, and tenderness in the lower right back around the kidney.

Ulcerative Colitis

This inflammatory bowel disease is characterized by persistent inflammation in the large intestine, also called the colon. Frequent abdominal cramping from ulcerative colitis can cause lower right back pain. Other symptoms includes chronic digestive problems such as diarrhea, rectal pain, weight loss, and fatigue.

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Appendicitis

The appendix is located in the lower right hand side of the abdomen. If the appendix becomes inflamed, starts leaking or ruptures, it may cause symptoms that include lower right back pain. Symptoms vary, and there is debate about gradual onset or chronic appendicitis, but anecdotal evidence suggests that it is possible for an appendix to present chronic symptoms of lower right quadrant pain. A typical presentation is sudden-onset abdominal pain with a focal point in the lower right abdomen, with possible additional symptoms of fever, nausea and vomiting, and/or lower right back pain.

Gynecological disorders

In women, various reproductive organs located in the pelvis may lead to lower right back pain. For example, endometriosis is a common condition that may create sporadic, sharp pain in the pelvic area that may radiate to the lower right back. Fibroids, or tissue masses that grow in and around the uterus, may cause lower right back pain as well as other symptoms such as abnormal menstruation, frequent urination, and/or pain with intercourse.

Pregnancy

Lower right back pain, and low back pain in general, is common during pregnancy as the baby develops. Many women find different pain management methods helpful, which may include rest, exercise and stretching, and complementary therapies.

See Back Pain in Pregnancy

A variety of other internal conditions may also cause low back pain concentrated on the right side, so it is important to be aware of one’s symptoms when consulting with a doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and effectively plan treatments.

View Slideshow: 7 Ways Internal Organs Can Cause Lower Back Pain

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Less Common Causes of Lower Right Back Pain

The following conditions may be common in the population, but are less likely to cause lower right back pain than pain in other areas, such as in the abdomen.

Lower right back pain may be an early symptom of the following:

• Gallbladder inflammation. Gallbladder inflammation or dysfunction is typically marked by severe indigestion, particularly following meals. Gallbladder dysfunction typically causes upper right abdominal pain and right-sided back pain.
• Liver problems. Pain related to the liver may be caused by inflammation (hepatitis), an abscess, liver scarring (cirrhosis), or an enlarged or failing liver. Symptoms of liver problems include pain in the upper right abdomen and/or back, fatigue, nausea or lack of appetite, and jaundice. Liver problems are relatively rare in persons not already at risk.

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If the above conditions are the suspected cause of troubling symptoms, seeking prompt medical attention is advised.

In some cases, low back pain is felt entirely or primarily on the right side rather than spread evenly across the back. Understanding the possible causes of lower right back pain, as well as its typical characteristics, can help lead to an accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment.

Lower back pain caused by damage to the soft tissues is extremely common, and most cases will not require urgent care. See Lower Back Strain Video

General Causes of Lower Right Back Pain

Lower right back pain most commonly results from the following general sources:

1. Injury to the muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons surrounding and supporting the spine (collectively called soft tissues)
2. Problems with the spinal structures, such as the facet joints or intervertebral discs
3. Issues or diseases affecting the internal organs in the mid-back, abdominal, or pelvic regions

Watch: Causes of Lower Back Pain Video

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Seeing a doctor is recommended if lower right back pain continues or worsens after a few days, or if there is sudden onset of severe pain, or if it occurs with other concerning symptoms.

See When Back Pain May Be a Medical Emergency

Most cases of low back pain stem from minor injuries to the muscles and/or ligaments in the lower back, and the body is usually well-equipped to heal itself after these types of injuries. While the initial pain of a muscle strain may be significant, the pain tends to subside on its own over a few days or weeks.

See Pulled Back Muscle and Lower Back Strain

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Lower Right Back Pain and Emergency Symptoms

In some cases, lower right back pain can be one sign of a serious condition needing attention from a health professional. For example, the following potentially serious conditions may include lower right back pain as one of the symptoms:

• Appendicitis. This condition occurs when the appendix, located in the lower right hand side of the abdomen, becomes inflammation and/or ruptures. It may cause sharp, intense lower right back pain and/or pain on the lower right side of the abdomen. Symptoms vary and may include nausea, vomiting, or fever. Symptoms may occur suddenly or develop gradually.
• Cauda equina syndrome. This condition occurs when the nerve roots exiting the bottom of the spinal canal in the lower back region become compressed and inflamed. Symptoms vary with cauda equina syndrome, but typically will include some degree of bowel and/or bladder dysfunction, as well as sharp pain and significant weakness, numbness, or tingling in the lower body.

  See Cauda Equina Syndrome Symptoms

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• Abdominal aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm in the abdominal area refers to the ballooning or rupture of the abdominal aorta. The range of symptoms will typically include severe, sudden-onset abdominal and/or low back pain, and symptoms of low blood pressure such as fainting and/or nausea.

  See Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms

• Osteomyelitis. This is an infection in the spine. It will typically present with significant back pain, along with a fever. Additional symptoms may include unexplained weight loss and possible swelling, redness, or tenderness around the spine.

Patients need to use their judgment in seeking medical attention; as a general rule, it is advisable to see a doctor if the back pain is severe to the point of interrupting daily functions, such as walking, standing, or sleeping, and/or if intense back pain comes on suddenly and does not seem to subside with rest or pain medications.

See Medications for Back Pain and Neck Pain

The above list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible causes of lower right back pain. For example, chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia or ankylosing spondylitis, which affect large portions of the musculoskeletal system.

See Ankylosing Spondylitis Video

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