Contents
When pain in the right side of the lower back occurs, many people initially think it’s simply due to poor posture at work or during daily activities, assuming the symptoms are temporary and not serious. However, if the pain persists, it may actually be a warning sign of underlying health issues, particularly related to the musculoskeletal system, which is quite common. So, specifically, what does pain in the right side of the lower back indicate? Is it dangerous and how can it be treated? Let’s find out in the following article!
1. Understanding pain in the right side of the back
Pain in the right side of the back refers to discomfort that occurs on the right side of the back, which may be located in the lower back near the waist, under the right shoulder blade, or near the buttocks, causing soreness, difficulty bending, or limited movement.
It is not always a simple issue caused by muscle strain or soft tissue injury due to poor posture or heavy labor, but it can also be a sign of various health conditions that may threaten overall health.
2. What conditions cause pain in the right upper and lower back?
Pain in the right lower back can stem from many causes, such as:
2.1. Musculoskeletal disorders
Herniated Disc: The nucleus pulposus (gel-like center) of the spinal disc protrudes out of the spinal column, compressing nerves and causing some patients to experience pain in the right side of the back. The pain may radiate along the sciatic nerve pathway, starting from the lower back, spreading to the thighs, and extending down to the feet and toes.
Spinal Degeneration (Spondylosis): Over time, the cartilage, spine, subchondral bones, and discs wear down, weaken, and become damaged. Lumbar spondylosis leads to a dull, persistent pain in the right lower back, which may worsen with movement, often accompanied by morning stiffness in the spine.
Spinal Stenosis: Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal caused by nerve compression or bone spurs, resulting in pain in the right side of the back, numbness, and difficulty moving.
Spinal Tumors: Abnormal tumors inside or around the spine may compress nerves and nearby joints. This serious condition causes right-sided back pain, muscle weakness, paralysis, and loss of sensation in the limbs.
Osteoarthritis: Over time, the cartilage deteriorates, weakens, and loses its cushioning function, making the joints prone to inflammation, which leads to pain in the right upper back.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS): This syndrome causes pain in the connective tissues covering muscles or in the spinal discs, which can gradually lead to pain in the right upper back and radiate to other areas of the body.
Spinal Fractures: Following trauma, the spinal bones may fracture. Small bone fragments can compress or puncture the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain in the right side of the back under the shoulder blade.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures and may cause sudden right upper back pain or intense pain during movement.
2.2. Inflammatory and infectious conditions
Spinal Infections: Though not very common, spinal infections occur when bacteria or viruses attack the discs, bones, or spinal cord. In addition to causing pain in the right upper back, they may also lead to fever, tingling, or numbness.
Muscle Strains or Injuries: Muscle strains or injuries can damage tendons and ligaments, leading to right upper back pain along with restricted movement of the back and arms.
Endometriosis: This condition occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, affecting surrounding tissues or organs, leading to right lower back pain that may radiate to the buttocks.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a disorder of the large intestine that causes spasms, right lower back pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
Appendicitis: Inflammation and swelling of the appendix may cause abdominal bloating, right lower back pain, and increased pain when pressing on the back or with excessive movement.
Kidney Disorders: Conditions such as kidney stones, kidney infections, or right kidney pain can cause discomfort in the right lower back near the waist, along with abdominal pain, pain during urination, fever, or nausea.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs cause inflammation that may result in kidney pain and right lower back pain, often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, nausea, and vomiting.
3. When should you see a doctor for right back pain?
For mild right back pain, symptoms often resolve within a few days. However, if the pain does not improve and has persisted for more than a week, it is best to see a doctor for consultation, diagnosis, and proper treatment to prevent dangerous complications.
4. Right back pain: How to effectively treat it?
To treat right lower back pain, you can consider the following methods:
4.1. Apply natural pain relief methods
For mild right back pain, you can use home care remedies such as resting, applying hot or cold compresses, massaging the back area, and avoiding strenuous activities to allow the body to relax, reduce pain, and minimize inflammation. It’s especially important to perform these actions gently and carefully to avoid damaging the skin.
4.2. Use pain relievers
For quicker pain relief, doctors may prescribe certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol, aspirin, or muscle relaxants like Myonal to help ease right back pain. However, you should not abuse painkillers or take them without a doctor’s prescription. Doing so may lead to dangerous side effects and increase the risk of drug dependence.
4.3. Perform stretching exercises
Doing stretching exercises helps reduce right back pain, strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and prevent other discomforts.
You can refer to some stretching exercises guided by specialists at ACC Clinic.
4.4. Physical therapy
Physical therapy exercises and modern therapeutic equipment can help improve blood circulation, enhance flexibility and elasticity of the back. This method also supports boosting the immune system and stimulates the body’s self-healing ability to reduce right back pain, restore health, and improve mobility for patients.
4.5. Surgery
In severe cases of right lower back pain, if other treatments are ineffective, surgery may be considered. Depending on the underlying cause of the back pain, doctors will determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
However, surgery carries several risks such as infections, recurring pain, or worsening of the pain.
4.6. Chiropractic treatment
Currently, to completely treat right back pain, many experts recommend Chiropractic Therapy. With gentle spinal adjustments performed by licensed chiropractors, spinal-related back pain can be thoroughly resolved, preventing long-term recurrence without the need for medication or surgery.
In Vietnam, ACC Clinic is a reputable pioneer in applying Chiropractic Therapy. Notably, 100% of the doctors at ACC are foreigners who have undergone more than 8 years of formal training and practice at reputable chiropractic centers in developed countries.
ACC doctors will examine, assess the severity of the condition, and combine Physical Therapy – Rehabilitation for each right back pain patient to enhance recovery, shorten treatment time, and quickly relieve pain.
5. Preventing right back pain
Starting now, you can follow some of these tips to prevent right back pain:
- Maintain a balanced diet, providing sufficient nutrients (especially Calcium, Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium, etc.) to strengthen bones and joints.
- Exercise regularly with activities appropriate to your health condition.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects and maintain proper posture.
- Move carefully to avoid unexpected falls.
- Allow reasonable rest and avoid overexertion.
- Have regular health check-ups every 6–12 months to detect any early signs of illness.
In general, right back pain can be managed if you’re careful and follow the appropriate treatment. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your body, visit a doctor for a check-up immediately!
