Nov 11 2007
Possible Culprits in Right Side Back Pain
Any type of back pain can be a challenging problem to deal with. Discomfort in this area of the body can lead to difficulty getting around and enjoying the activities that you are used to. The large majority of back pain is caused by muscle strain, and will take care of itself over a period of time with the help of over the counter medications and other home remedies. However, right side back pain may have other causes, which may warrant a visit to the doctor for a definitive diagnosis and effective treatment plan. It is important to understand what some of the culprits in right side back pain might be.
Infection
If you are experiencing right side back pain that begins as a dull ache and gradually increases in intensity, and is accompanied by other symptoms like fever and nausea, you may have a urinary tract infection. Other symptoms of an infection may include a burning sensation while urinating or a constant pressure in the bladder. If you suspect that the reason for your right side back pain might be a urinary tract infection, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor. He can do a urine test to determine whether you do indeed have an infection, and prescribe medication if this does turn out to be the problem.
Hernia
A hernia could be another reason for right side back pain, especially if the pain is localized to the lower back area. Although a hernia is not a life-threatening condition, it does require treatment by a doctor to avoid possible complications and further pain. In many cases, the best course of action for a hernia is surgery. The good news is that by repairing the hernia, you will be able to get rid of your right side back pain once and for all.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is another condition that can cause right side back pain. This type of pain is generally more widespread, and may include other symptoms like bloating, gas, nausea and fatigue. Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated through a high fiber diet and an increased intake of liquids. Your doctor may also prescribe medications or other types of treatment to care for your irritable bowel syndrome. If you get this potentially painful condition under control through these methods, you should notice a significant reduction in your right side back pain as well.
There are any number of reasons that you could be experiencing right side back pain, and not all of them are related to muscle strains and pulls. This is why it is a good idea to see your doctor about right side back pain so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
Related posts:
I have been diagnosed with PMR. I am on 10 mgs of Prednisone. I have been experiencing hurting in my spine (middle back) also the right side of my back hurts. Sometimes when i sit down a slight pain goes across my waist. I went to the Dr. and she sent me for X-Rays of my back (14 of them) they can’t find anything except arthritus. I didn’t have these symptions since i got on the medicine. Could this be the problem or do you think it is something else? Please Help if you can.
Sorry I have had the symption since I am on the Medicine
I have been dealing with right side back pain for the past three months and none of my doctors seem to be able to figure out why. I have had more test and exams done than I can count. I accually had one doctor try to tell me I was imagining it all. He was dismissed immediatly. My family doctor is however, confused and concerned. He is trying very hard to figure out what is wrong. Ihave been to an urologist, a pain specialist, an OBGYN, gastroentologist and then my regular doctor and no one has any clue. My symptoms are constant and stabbing/ burning pain in my lower right side, sensative even to the slightest touch, constantly tire and worn out. I get nausea and I can’t stand or walk for a long period of time(about ten minutes tops). I have had any number of x-rays, ultrasounds, MRI’s, CAT scans, hida scans, laporoscopy, steriod injections into my nerve stems, too many scopes put in places they shouldn’t go, blood work done over and over and ever thing has come back normal or not so mentionable. If anyone has a clue or an opinion I would be more than open to any feedback. The matter is of great import.
thank you,
Sarah
Sara, I would go see a naturapath (ND). They can diagnose what normal Dr’s can’t. I have been seeing one that really helped.
Sarah, Has anyone checked to see for possible walking pnemonia. I had your same symptoms. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. I didn’t have any coughing or anything but I was under a lot of stress and worked in a smokey bar. My roomates had strep throat but I didn’t get it. My doctor said it was probably due to my immune system being lowered, sick people being around me and we all know stress plays a big factor in our over all health. I say possible walking pnemonia because he didn’t xray my lungs but he did think he heard a rattle perhaps fluid in the back part of my lungs. I know you were xrayed but did they xray your lungs? And were they looking for fluid? Hope this helps. I will pray that you will find an answer. God Bless
Also for anyone who has lower back pain any extra weight on us will contribute to it. Also if you are left handed or right handed you will favor the opposite side for heavier lifting. Simple tasks such as carrying groceries in or vacuming will put strain on your lower back because you will tend to use one side or the other versus balancing the weight ratio. Another key factor is and I can’t stress this enough is if your stomach muscles are weak you will almost always have some kind of lower back strain. Your core muscles meaning your abs are what keep your back in alignment. It supports your whole frame for that matter. Find an exercise such as swimming and or laying on your back with your feet planted flat on the floor with your knees bent then lift your buttocks up and then down can strengthen those ab muscles with little strain on your back and neck. Hope this helps. God Bless
Hi Sarah
You described me to a tee. I have seen many doctors . I have had all the test, And so far they have found nothing.
I have it I can’t take the pain anymore it is constant. I’m seeing a new doctor on the 30th. I hope he can help.
And I hope you find out what it is too. Good Luck
my aunt had those symptoms and it was from endometriosis. she had to have a complete hysterectomy
3 thoughts…
1. I’m wondering if you have a food intolerance. If you have any type of stomach symptoms, such as loose or even too tight or frequent/infrequent movements? You might try an elimination diet. Drop dairy, wheat and sugar for 2 weeks ( not as terrible as it sounds, I live this way all the time ).. if it helps, add back only one at a time until you see what is causing the problem.
2. Since you’ve had all the tests with regular docs, how about a chiropractor? I’ve heard from friends they can do wonders.
3. Ask your doc if you can go for Physical Therapy. They can help you find what lessens the pain and perhaps even help treat it. I have chronic pain and couldn’t get by without a therapy called iontophoresis. They use a tens unit and over time treat the nerves in the affected area with steroids that cover more of the nerves than a shot is able to. It’s wonderful.
Hope you feel better. Take lots and lots of warm baths, and get some herbal microwaveable packs to keep with you at home and in the car.
peace
Nina
Dear Sarah,
I had the same experience as you. I had more tests than you can count and some of them twice. I had an appendiceal CT twice, and they could not find visualize my appendix, so they deemed it normal. All the other tests also came back normal. As it turned out, I had appendicitis. I would not give up even though my doctors said they could not find anything wrong. I spoke to a surgeon who agreed to go in and see what was happening. As it turned out, my appendix was shriveled instead of getting enlarged like a typical inflamed appendix. I had appendicitis pain 24/7 for 6 months. The surgeon said that I must have been having pain and symptoms for a long time by the looks of my appendix. Once the little offending organ was removed, I was good as gold.
I just want to let you know that you are not alone. The same thing happened with my parathyroid tumor and my gall bladder. It took a long time for the doctors to figure out what was wrong. So don’t give up.
Sharon
Dear Sarah,
I ahve all the symptoms that you have, they thought it was kidney infection, the appendicitis, then they did a ct and found a 5.7 cm cyst. Then I went for a ultrasound, and for some reason the cyst wasn’t there. Well I still have the pain, not sure what is next, I can’t even roll in my bed, it hurts, and to even do simple tasks kills me,,,what to do now???
Any one plese tell me I have middle right back pain in the middle of the night . After i took 2 motrins it takes about half an hr to feel a little better and I have nausia after the pain. It repets about every 2 months for about 3 years now . Do you think my body telling me some thing?
I have experienced similiar right sided pain. I have just been checked for coeliac disease and reading up on it know this is my problem. It is a gluten intolerance, but because it presents in varying ways is often overlooked. good luck.
I have had the same symptoms. I was tired of getting no results from my doctor or specialist. They kept giving me pill after pill and I was still in pain. I tried physical therapy, stretching, excersize and dieting, but still no relief. I was diagnosed with fybromyalgia and perscribed Cymbalta. It relieved the pain for 3 months and then after becoming immune to the Cymbalta the pain returned. Now I’m feeling the same lower right back pain with no relief. I will keep looking for answers but it may be fybromyalgia.