Lower Right Back Pain

Many different problems can cause pain in the right lower region of the back. Treating pain in lower right back has one of its primary goals, a diagnosis of the cause of the pain. Sometimes the cause of the pain is a simple strain or an injury due to overuse, while other causes are more serious and can be life-threatening. It is recommended to seek medical care for severe back pain so a physician can perform a thorough examination and rule out potentially serious conditions.

Lower Back Strain

A group of ligaments and muscles are located on the back that supports and provide movement to the spinal column. These run the length of the spine. If you stretch too far or exercise too much, you can strain these tissues. Even small injuries can cause significant pain in lower right back. Falls, excessive twisting or bending, or lifting can also cause back strain. Lack of muscle strength in the core of the body and obesity contribute to strains of the low back.

A low back strain is typically described as soreness and stiffness that intensifies with movement, laughing, coughing and sneezing. It can occur on both sides of the back or only on one side.

Treating a low back strain starts with applying an ice pack to the affected area several times a day for about 20 minutes each time. Over-the-counter analgesics like naproxen, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help lessen the pain in lower right back. Sometimes, a physician will recommend physical therapy if a back strain is not getting better on its own.

Pregnancy

One-sided low back pain is a common problem during pregnancy. This happens for several reasons. As the baby grows, the uterus can press on nerves, such as the sciatic nerve. Compression of the sciatic nerve typically causes pain in lower right back and buttocks that radiates down the leg. Changes in hormonal levels also soften ligaments, creating more stress on the pelvis and lower back. The extra weight of the mother and the baby complicate the problem even more.
 
To help minimize pain in lower right back during pregnancy, try these tips:

• Maintain good posture: This will keep your center of gravity where it belongs and strengthen your core muscles
• Change your position often
• Wear only flat-soled shoes
• When lying down, rest on your side with a pillow between your knees
• Maintain your physical activity

Herniated Disc and Sciatica

Discs provide the cushioning between the vertebrae of your spine. As we age, they shrink, bulge, wear out, and they can even rupture. If they rupture, the material inside the disc is forced out and can result in a pinched nerve. Nerves are extremely sensitive to pressure.

Severe pain in lower right back is often due to a herniated or ruptured disc. When a herniated disc in the lower portion of the back compresses the sciatic nerve, symptoms result that is known as sciatica. The pain of sciatica is usually located on one side and radiates into the buttock, hip,  and travels down into the lower leg or foot. Numbness and pain can be very severe.

Treating pain in the lower right back caused by a herniated disc begins with a conservative approach with interventions such as over-the-counter pain medications, physical therapy, and limiting daily activities to reduce pain. If numbness or a loss of strength is present, a more rapid course of treatment is usually recommended and may include injections of corticosteroids and advanced imaging studies, such as MRI.

Kidney Infection

Infections of the kidney can cause severe and serious pain in the lower right back that is located on one or both sides of the lower back. Kidney infection typically starts in the bladder before traveling up into the kidneys where it creates inflammation, swelling, and severe pain. Nausea and fever can also accompany kidney infection

Sometimes the pain in the lower right back is dull, or it can be extremely intense. It is usually located in the flank area, which is close to the spine and above the hip. Movement intensifies the pain and palpation of the area also make it worse. Kidney infections require you to see your doctor for treatment with antibiotics.

Kidney stones can cause severe pain that appears suddenly on the right or the left side of the mid to lower back. Some people refer to the pain of kidney stones as similar to the pain of childbirth because it is so severe. Both men and women are at risk for the condition.

The pain may start in the lower back and then travel around the flank into the lower abdomen and into the area of the groin. Sometimes people who have kidney stones will have the feeling they need to urinate urgently. Blood may be visible in the urine due to a kidney stone moving in the passageways of the urinary tract.

The first priority in treating kidney stones is to control the pain in lower right back that they cause. Usually, a combination of narcotic analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications is required. Hydration is vital. Avoiding dehydration by drinking plenty of water can help to pass a kidney stone and can also help prevent new stones from developing.

• Exercise: Exercise helps to build your strength and it also helps keep your weight under control. Low-impact aerobic activities are recommended by most experts because these are least likely to jerk or strain the tissues of the back. Core-strengthening exercises are excellent for your back also. These exercises will train your back and abdominal which protects your back. Flexibility exercises that are targeted specifically at improving the flexibility in your upper legs and hips will help your lower back too. Before you start any exercise routine, talk to your healthcare practitioner.
• Smoking: Smoking significantly increases your risk of suffering from pain in the lower right back. If you smoke, try to stop. If you don’t smoke yourself, avoid second-hand smoke.
• Body weight: The more above your ideal weight you are, the greater your chance of having pain in your back. There is a significant difference in pain in lower right back has to risk among normal-weight individuals and those who are obese.
• Sitting Posture: Your chair needs to provide support for your back, rests for your arms and, if you’re working, your chair should swivel. Keep your feet flat, or use a small footstool. You should be able to sit straight up. If you’re typing or using a keyboard, your forearms should be in a straight horizontal line and your elbows at right angles.