Back pain on the right above the lower back: reasons why it hurts on the right side in the area near the spine - severe aching in the back and side just above the lower back

Back pain on the right side above the lower back is familiar to many people, regardless of age. The symptom manifests itself in many cases, and can mean anything from hypothermia in a draft to the progression of diseases of the spine or internal organs.

Therefore, it is necessary to understand what exactly can provoke pain on the right and above the lower back and what the nature of these pains may be. Then it will be possible to react accordingly - for some problems, you can go to the clinic without haste to undergo a thorough diagnosis, and sometimes you should immediately call a doctor.

Why does my right side from my back hurt?

There are a lot of diseases that can cause pain in the right side of the back. It is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis on your own. When the right side of the back hurts, you need to get tested and undergo an examination using special equipment. It should be understood that pain in the right side is often caused by dangerous pathologies. Therefore, any delay reduces the likelihood of successful treatment. In addition, the back on the right side may hurt due to muscle damage due to injury.

To find out which specialist can help when you have pain in your side from the back, you need to pay attention to the following:

In the upper back on the right, closer to the shoulder blade, pain occurs due to diseases of the respiratory system and spine.
In the middle part of the back, pain can be caused by pneumonia or problems with the gallbladder, pancreas and liver.
In the lower back, pain occurs, as a rule, due to pathology of the urinary system, as well as the right kidney.
In the lower back on the right, pain may occur due to problems with the intestines.
In women, such localization of pain may indicate the development of gynecological diseases.

Symptoms and nature of pain

Pain in the right side can be primary or secondary if internal organs are affected

Primary pain indicates changes in the spinal column and muscle tissue, sometimes the process affects the roots of the spinal nerves. The secondary form speaks of diseases of the internal organs.

There are attacks:

sharp, sharp;
stupid;
aching;
pulling;
shooting;
variable, periodic;
chronic, lasting more than four months.

Attacks can be unbearable, in other cases the suffering is easily tolerated. The reaction to pain manifests itself individually and depends on the age and mental state of the patient. The elderly are characterized by severe suffering from radiculitis, although the perception of other types of pain impulses is weakened. In patients with psychosomatics, sensitivity decreases, which also applies to radiculitis.

According to the type of pain localization there are:

local – occurring in the lower back;
irradiating - when transmitting impulses along nerve endings;
reflected - in the case of colic formation opposite the site of origin.

The last two types are combined, because the diseased organ creates a pain symptom and pushes a surge into the lumbar region.

Possible diseases of the organs on the right

Pneumonia and pleurisy can cause pain in the side from the back. If the inflammatory process is localized in the lower part of the lung, then the pain syndrome intensifies when turning the body and when inhaling. Malignant tumors can also cause pain in the right side of the back.

Pain in the side of the back can occur with diseases of the urinary system

. Renal colic, which is a sharp, unbearable pain, is usually associated with injury to the ureter by the movement of a stone. In addition, pain occurs when the right kidney is inflamed. In the chronic form of pyelonephritis, pain in the right side from the back intensifies with physical activity or with uncomfortable body position.

A common cause of pain in the right side is osteochondrosis.

. With this disease, the nerve roots that exit the spinal cord canal are pinched. As a rule, the cause of this is the aging of cartilage and bone tissue. Acute pain in osteochondrosis can be provoked by hypothermia, poor nutrition and excessive stress. In most cases, discomfort increases when turning the body and performing physical work.

Pain very often radiates to the right side of the back with chronic inflammation of the liver and gallbladder

. The chronic form of the pathology is characterized by constant dull pain, which intensifies with exacerbation. Very sharp pain occurs when the bile ducts are blocked. It also causes pain in the back due to inflammation of the pancreas.

Why is there pain under the ribs in the back?

Pain in the back is caused by damage not only to organs in the lumbar region. The reason why the right side hurts in the back may come from a dysfunction of the lungs, bronchi, pleura, or also be due to gynecological problems.

What is located in the lumbar region of a person?

In the lumbar region, on the right side of the spinous processes of the vertebrae from the back, under the ribs, under the skin and subcutaneous fat, the muscle layer is located:

inferior vena cava (just in front of the vertebral bodies);
part of the solar (celiac) plexus;
lymphatic ducts and nodes;
part of the pancreas (its head);
part of the mesentery with vessels and nerves;
right kidney (usually located 2 cm below the left kidney);
right ureter;
liver (in front of the apex of the right kidney);
part of the small intestine (including the duodenum);
the part of the colon that is located outside the right kidney;
appendix (occasionally found under the liver);
gallbladder.

Causes

Back pain is of somatic origin. These are changes in the skin, vertebrae and discs, muscles and ligaments of the lower back, which are located on the right side under the ribs in the back. Pain appears exactly at the location of the pathological focus.

Visceral pain on the right side – with damage to internal organs (right kidney, liver, right ureter, etc.). Much more intense than somatic ones.

Causes of visceral pain occurring in the right back:

blood flow disorders (blockage of a mesenteric or renal artery by a blood clot or cholesterol plaque);
spasm of smooth muscles in internal organs (for example, cholecystitis);
stretching of hollow organs (gall bladder, right renal pelvis, right ureter are clogged with stones);
inflammatory changes in organs and tissues (with possible spread of the process to the peritoneum - peritonitis).

Diagnosis by symptoms

If pain in the side on the right side of the back intensifies with a deep breath, then it is necessary to urgently contact a therapist, who will most likely give a referral to a pulmonologist to make an accurate diagnosis.

Some features of symptoms:

With pleurisy,
pain in the right side from the back has a stabbing and cutting character. It intensifies with sudden movements and deep breathing. You can ease the pain by lying on your sore side. Additional symptoms include cough, shortness of breath and fever. For diagnosis, radiography, ultrasound, and laboratory blood and urine tests are used. Right-sided pneumonia has similar symptoms.
A dangerous pathology is pneumothorax
, when a large amount of gas accumulates in the pleural area. This threatens to rupture the lung tissue. In this case, there is a very sharp pain in the back on the right, which can radiate to the right arm. Difficulty breathing leads to a worsening of the condition and the emergence of a panicky fear of death. In this case, urgent doctor's help is needed.
A malignant tumor of the lungs
manifests itself as pain only in the last stages of cancer. That is why this disease is very difficult to diagnose.
A rare disease that causes back pain is pulmonary infarction
. This occurs when an artery is blocked by a blood clot. Against the background of this pathology, pulmonary edema is observed, which causes acute cutting pain along with hemoptysis, tachycardia and shortness of breath. Without immediate assistance, there is a high risk of death.
When pain in the right side of the back is accompanied by dyspeptic symptoms
, a consultation with a gastroenterologist will be required.

In particular, you should know the following:

Acute cholecystitis
is characterized by pain in the side from the back, which radiates to the area of the right shoulder blade. This pathology can be provoked by a nutritional disorder, namely, consumption of large amounts of fatty foods and alcoholic beverages. As a rule, there is a bitter taste in the mouth, nausea and vomiting of blood.
Inflammation of the pancreas
, or pancreatitis, is characterized by cramping pain, which can also radiate to the lower back on the right. Nausea and vomiting occur, which does not bring relief. The condition can deteriorate sharply, and severe flatulence is almost always observed.
If intermittent dull pain occurs in the right side from the back, kidney displacement
. Moreover, when a person is in a supine position, he does not feel pain. The pain syndrome intensifies in an upright position, as well as against the background of a strong cough or increased physical activity.
Renal colic
is usually associated with stone blockage of the upper urinary duct. It can be cramp-like in nature, usually localized on the right side of the waist and extends to the pubic area. If the condition worsens, it can spread to the entire lower back.
Girdle pain that covers the side and lower back and does not depend on body position may indicate the development of pyelonephritis
. Additional symptoms of the pathology are frequent urge to urinate, as well as the occurrence of edema. Against the background of pyelonephritis or urolithiasis, a kidney abscess may occur. It is characterized by sharp and unbearable pain and requires urgent surgical treatment.
Very often, pain on the right side of the back is associated with limited mobility. The patient has difficulty bending over, doing minor physical activity, and holding static positions for a long time. In this case, most likely, the pain syndrome is caused by osteochondrosis
.
Another serious disease that causes dull unilateral pain on the right side of the back is spondylosis
. In this case, deformities of the vertebrae occur due to the proliferation of bone tissue. When pressing on the affected area, pain occurs in the form of a “lumbago”.

Causes

There are several main causes of pain in the right side of the back and above the lower back.

Osteochondrosis

This is weakness of the muscle corset, excessive strain of the spinal muscles or damage to the intervertebral discs; it may also be that these problems appear at the same time.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is one of the most common pathologies. The fact is that it is this part of the spine that takes the main load.

There can be many reasons for the occurrence of osteochondrosis:

bad habits (drinking alcohol, smoking);
disruption of the endocrine organs;
metabolic disorders;
sedentary lifestyle (especially constant sedentary work);
excess weight (leads to additional stress on the spine);
chronic infectious foci;
constant poor posture;
increased load as a result of professional characteristics (carrying heavy objects, weightlifting, etc.);
regular temperature fluctuations and drafts;
hereditary predisposition.

The nature of pain in osteochondrosis can be different and depends, among other things, on the causes of its occurrence; it can be both sharp and aching. Unpleasant sensations intensify when staying in a long immobile position or with increased physical activity.

The main problem of treating osteochondrosis is that it is almost impossible to completely cure it, especially in the chronic stage. Therefore, medical care in this case consists of relieving exacerbations and ensuring long-term remission.

You can relieve attacks of pain yourself by taking an anti-inflammatory or pain reliever. It is also worth taking the most comfortable position to reduce the load on your lower back.

With a particularly severe attack of osteochondrosis, the patient may be completely incapacitated. It will be difficult for him to even lie down comfortably, not to mention the fact that he will need to get to the phone to call a doctor and to medicines to ease the pain.

Attention ! If this has happened at least once, you should at least keep painkillers on hand for the future.

Intervertebral disc protrusion

This is a disease in which protrusion of the intervertebral disc occurs. This is essentially a misalignment of the vertebra as it extends beyond the spinal column. The protrusion size is usually from 1 to 5 mm. Due to the shift, nerves are irritated and pain occurs.

It is not permanent, since with different positions of the body the nerves will be pinched either stronger or weaker.

Protrusion of the lumbar spine occurs more often than in other places, since this area bears the heaviest loads. Also, degenerative processes associated with the aging of the body most clearly occur here.

The main symptoms include:

chronic lower back pain;
muscle weakness in the pelvis and hips;
pain or numbness in the toes;
feeling of general stiffness in the lower back.

The causes of protrusion are, in principle, the same as those of osteochondrosis: incorrect posture, increased loads due to heavy lifting and sudden turns or bends, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Treatment of protrusion begins with pain relief , usually with the help of medications, and in the future it is necessary to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.

For this purpose, physical procedures, manual therapy and massage are used.

Scoliosis

This is a disease of the curvature of the spine relative to the normal axis. As pathologies progress, body asymmetry appears and intensifies; The shoulders, ribs, shoulder blades and pelvis become displaced, which can lead to even more serious health problems.

Scoliosis of the lumbar region is more common than others and is usually C-shaped, i.e. the spine has one arc of curvature. Less common, but also S-shaped scoliosis, with a double arc of curvature. Also, this disease can be classified by the deviation of the spine from the vertical axis.

There are four degrees of development of scoliosis, the division is based on the angle of curvature of the spinal column.

First degree, with an angle of up to 10 degrees . There is no asymmetry yet or it is invisible, but there is already a stoop.
Second degree, with an angle from 11 to 25 degrees . Asymmetry of the shoulders or pelvis becomes noticeable.
Third degree, with an angle from 26 to 50 degrees . Deformation of the chest begins, a rib hump is formed.
Fourth degree, with an angle greater than 50 degrees . Deformations reach such a level that diseases of internal organs occur.

Reference . Scoliosis is very treatable in the initial stages. It is necessary to normalize muscle tone, correctly form a muscle corset and correct posture.

If scoliosis did not arise as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle, but because of injuries or diseases such as polio and rickets, recovery will take longer, since the root cause of scoliosis will need to be eliminated first.

Stomach ulcer

This is a chronic disease characterized by damage to the gastric mucosa. Stomach ulcers are caused by infection with bacteria that can neutralize hydrochloric acid.

As a result, cell death begins and an ulcer develops . Frequent stress can also cause the disease. They lead to tension in the nervous system, spasms of the muscles and blood vessels of the gastrointestinal tract, which in turn threatens circulatory disorders and the destructive effect of gastric juice on the mucous membrane.

Depending on where the ulcer occurs, the symptoms of the disease will vary. But in any case, pain will occur, localized either in the upper abdomen or in the back.

Unpleasant sensations usually appear during active physical activity , after taking spicy food or alcohol.

For treatment it is necessary to apply complex measures:

undergo at least two courses of antibiotic therapy;
increase mucosal protection;
You may need to use antisecretory drugs.

Cholecystitis

This is an inflammation of the gallbladder that can occur for a number of reasons.

bacterial infections;
sedentary lifestyle;
regular consumption of alcohol or fatty and spicy foods;
excess weight;
food poisoning;
the occurrence of stones in the bladder cavity.

The last factor is the most significant. Stones damage the inner surface of the gallbladder and can clog the bile ducts, which leads to the development of the inflammatory process.

Important ! Aching pain that lasts several weeks and radiates to the right side of the back, above the lower back, is a clear sign of the acute stage of cholecystitis, in which you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Exacerbation can be activated by alcohol or spicy food.

Treatment depends on the stage at which the disease was detected . In the early stages, treatment with herbal medicine is possible: various infusions and decoctions of medicinal injuries are taken, which have choleretic and antispasmodic effects. If the disease is advanced, then you can’t do without medications. In the most severe cases, it is necessary to resort to cholecystectomy, removal of the gallbladder.

Liver diseases

Lower back pain may indicate various liver diseases. The liver regulates metabolic processes in cartilage tissue, which means that disruption of its functioning will lead to the destruction of cartilage, including intervertebral cartilage.

This is a direct path to problems with the spine; Osteochondrosis may begin to progress, which, in turn, will only increase back pain.

Almost any liver disease, from cirrhosis and liver failure to cancer, will most likely lead to pain in the right side of the back, above the lower back. This is the so-called irradiation of pain.

Treatment will depend on the specific disease, so let’s try to describe at least the symptoms that show that something is wrong with the liver:

bitterness in the mouth;
nausea, belching;
headache;
rapid onset fatigue;
general lethargy;
yellowness of the skin and eye whites (with particularly severe liver dysfunction).

If several of these symptoms are present, this is a compelling reason to get diagnosed at a clinic or hospital as quickly as possible and begin treatment.

Bladder diseases

One of the most common problems is cystitis, an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder. The main symptoms of cystitis are impaired urination and the occurrence of pain, cutting or burning during the process.

At first, painful sensations will be concentrated only in the abdomen . But if you delay treatment, cystitis will lead to diseases of other organs of the urinary system, for example, the kidneys, and an additional source of pain will arise.

If the symptoms of cystitis are accompanied by back pain above the lower back, this may mean that a progressive infection has caused pyelonephritis. It is recommended to consult a doctor immediately, as pyelonephritis can quickly lead to chronic renal failure.

Almost any bladder disease, including cystitis , can be eliminated in the early stages by increased fluid intake. This helps to thoroughly wash out pathogenic microorganisms, they multiply much more slowly, and the inflammatory process stops.

Note ! It is impossible to be completely cured in this way, therefore, after the elimination of painful symptoms, you should undergo tests and undergo a course of treatment with medications.

Intestinal pathologies

When the colon or small intestine is dysfunctional, as with the bladder, pain will most likely first appear in the abdomen. But there is a high probability that it will irradiate and cause pain in the back. There are several main diseases:

Appendicitis in the acute stage;
Perforation of the small intestine;
Intestinal obstruction.

Appendicitis

In the acute stage, the temperature may rise sharply, the pain occurs sharply and quickly intensifies. With purulent appendicitis, the pain is less pronounced because the nerve endings of the affected organ lose sensitivity.

Unpleasant sensations in the lower back mean that the swollen appendix has begun to compress the spinal nerves.

Perforation of the small intestine

Perforation is the formation of a hole in the wall of the small intestine . This can result from injury to the walls or an ulcerative process. The pain is very severe and can only be calmed by strong painkillers and assuming the fetal position (lying with your knees bent at your stomach).

Intestinal obstruction

This disease can be of two subtypes, dynamic and mechanical. Dynamic obstruction appears due to strong intestinal spasms, mechanical obstruction - due to various interferences such as hard food lumps.

With intestinal obstruction, sharp and severe pain appears , since the accumulation of processed food in the “congestion” stretches a certain part of the intestine; the situation can be aggravated by the fact that there is also no outlet for gases.

With these symptoms, you should not take laxatives, they will only intensify the process and can lead to volvulus.

All of the above intestinal diseases are quite dangerous, so immediate consultation with a doctor is necessary. Self-medication in this case also does not help, since it is almost impossible to stop pathological processes with home remedies.

How to relieve acute pain coming from the back

It should be understood that back pain on the right can occur due to various pathologies. It is very difficult to make a diagnosis on your own. One can only suspect the development of a particular disease. In case of acute unbearable pain, it is recommended to call an ambulance.

If the diagnosis has already been established and an exacerbation of a certain disease has occurred, it is necessary to use the doctor’s recommendations to relieve pain. The most commonly used painkillers are NSAIDs and analgesics.

Important!

No medications should be used if the cause of the pain is unclear.

It is possible to relieve renal colic at home if the diagnosis of urolithiasis was established earlier. To do this, you need to apply a warm heating pad to the lower back and perineum area. But after the intensity of the pain syndrome can be reduced, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

An acute attack due to radiculitis should be treated with injections of painkillers. In addition, bed rest for several days is indicated.

Symptoms

Since pain in the right hypochondrium, radiating to the back, is very often considered a manifestation of one or another disease, it is quite natural that against its background other symptoms will appear, which will differ depending on what was the source of the appearance of such a symptom.

If the cause is a pathology such as pyelonephritis, then additional symptoms may include:

increased body temperature;
attacks of severe headache;
increased sweating;
nausea without vomiting;
general weakness;
chills;
decreased or complete lack of appetite;
decrease in the volume of urine excreted.

Symptoms of pyelonephritis

In cases where urolithiasis became a factor, the manifestations of the clinical picture include:

discomfort and tingling in the right side;
nausea that ends with vomiting;
increase in abdominal size;
stool disorders;
intense headaches.

The formation of a subhepatic abscess will be accompanied by:

fever and chills;
decrease in blood pressure values;
rapid heartbeat;
signs of intoxication of the body;
dyspeptic disorders.

In situations where pneumonia is a factor in the appearance of back pain in the right hypochondrium, the clinical picture will manifest itself:

fever;
shortness of breath;
severe cough;
weakness;
discomfort under the ribs.

Pancreatitis, in addition to pain, will be characterized by the following symptoms:

attacks of nausea ending in vomiting, but not bringing relief to the patient’s condition;
fever and weakness;
stool disorders - constipation gives way to diarrhea.

These are just the main symptoms that can complement the manifestation of pain in the right hypochondrium from the back. Each person will have an individual manifestation of this or that disease. For this reason, at the first occurrence of the main symptom, you should immediately seek help from a medical facility.

How to treat the right side

To cure pain in the right side, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of its occurrence. This means that a specific disease needs to be treated.

If the established diagnosis indicates the presence of pathologies of the intestines, gallbladder, pancreas, then strict diet therapy is indicated. In case of exacerbation of diseases, it is allowed to take antispasmodics prescribed by the doctor. For various inflammatory diseases of bacterial origin, for example, pneumonia, antibiotics are prescribed.

If pain in the right side of the back is associated with appendicitis, tumor processes or cholelithiasis, surgical treatment is indicated. Osteochondrosis and spinal diseases are treated with special gymnastics and physiotherapeutic procedures. As a result of proper treatment, pain is reduced.

To exclude the development of various pathologies, it is necessary to undergo a medical examination if the slightest discomfort occurs on the right side of the back. Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to detect pathological changes in the early stages and carry out successful treatment of the disease.

Muscles of the back or spine

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders (NINDS), 80% of adults experience low back pain on a regular basis. Most of this pain is caused by mechanical problems such as:

Excessive stretching or tearing of a ligament due to improper lifting.

Degeneration of the shock-absorbing spinal disc due to aging or normal wear and tear.

Muscle tension due to poor posture.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition. Your doctor may initially recommend more conservative options, such as physical therapy or medications to reduce inflammation. If conservative treatments don't help or if your condition is severe, your doctor may recommend surgery. (1)

Problems of the spinal cord, spine

Intervertebral hernia, osteochondrosis, spondylosis, pinched nerve roots - all these problems can cause sharp pain localized on the right side of the back. In order not to confuse spinal pathology with other diseases, it is worth studying other signs. A feeling of stiffness appears in the back, a pain attack increases with movement, radiating to the chest, limbs, and groin area. Numbness and “pins and needles” may also occur.

Severe pain is possible with a fracture of the scapula or ribs on the right. It is activated by coughing, deep breathing, and movements.

Treatment of side pain

Depending on the diagnostic results and the specific diagnosis, treatment methods vary. This includes taking medications, massage, exercise therapy, etc.

Traditional treatment

Traditional treatment options include:

Medications. To relieve pain in the right side of the back, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that have an analgesic effect are often prescribed. Among the popular ones:
Indomethacin;
Butadion;
Diclofenac;
Ketoprofen.

Remember that such strong drugs have an impressive range of contraindications and side effects.

SWT treatment. In modern medicine, pain in the back is treated with a shock wave therapy device. This method is suitable for simple forms of disease. Usually 4-5 sessions are enough.
Surgical intervention. Used in cases where a person needs emergency assistance.
Manual therapy. One of the types of non-drug treatment, the essence of which is the use of special massage practices and techniques. The doctor uses his hands to influence the joints and spine, helping to relieve pain and spasms that pinch the nerve endings.
Physiotherapy. This is a set of special physical exercises aimed at treating or rehabilitating a patient.
Relaxation and massage. A type of relaxing massage that has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and relieves muscle tension.

Folk remedies

Among the popular folk remedies that relieve back pain are:

Homemade ointments. They need to be rubbed on the back or the area that is bothering you. The main purpose of these ointments is a warming effect. To prepare the ointment, take in equal proportions:
- millennium grass;
horsetail;
marshmallow and dandelion roots (chopped).

You will need 3 tablespoons of herbal mixture. Add 100 ml of boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes. Then the broth must be cooled and mixed with a fat base, which will require 75 g of pork fat and the same amount of vegetable oil. The ointment should be rubbed in when pain occurs.

Cedar tincture. Used to warm up the back and relieve pain. To prepare cedar tincture with alcohol, you will need:
- half a cup of pine nut shells;

Mix the ingredients and let them brew for 12 days. After this, the tincture can be used to rub the back and other sore areas.

Rowan berry tincture. Eliminates pain in the lower back. To prepare it, take:
- 1 tablespoon of fresh rowan berries;

Pour boiling water over the berries and leave for at least 4 hours. The infusion is taken 3-4 times a day until the pain goes away.