Pain in the right side of the lower back. What causes back pain on the right side

Back pain that occurs on the right side in the lumbar region can be a sign of a large number of diseases: from diseases of the musculoskeletal system to inflammatory processes in the lungs. It is quite difficult to determine the origin of pain on your own, so if you experience recurring symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Timely consultation with a specialist and professional diagnostics will allow you to most accurately determine the cause of pain, begin appropriate treatment on time, and therefore avoid various types of complications.

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    Causes of pain in the lumbar region

    Similar symptoms are characteristic of a number of diseases:

    • lower respiratory tract;
    • musculoskeletal system (spine, back muscle tissue);
    • Gastrointestinal tract (pancreas, liver, gallbladder, intestines);
    • urinary and reproductive systems (right kidney, right ovary).

    To determine which organ requires additional attention, you need to analyze the nature of the pain and the characteristics of its manifestation:

    • determine as accurately as possible the location of the occurrence of this symptom;
    • describe the pain (stabbing, cutting, aching, pulling, burning, sharp, lumbago, weak, wavy, feeling of heaviness);
    • understand where it goes (to the leg, arm, shoulder, etc.);
    • identify whether additional symptoms are present (dizziness, nausea, vomiting, bowel movements, fever, cough, general weakness).

    This will help you prepare for your doctor's visit. After all, the accuracy of the patient’s answers at the initial appointment determines what tests will be prescribed and how quickly a diagnosis will be made.

    In addition, it is important to remember when pain first appeared and what events preceded it. Perhaps the pain that arises is situational and appeared after serious physical exertion or an uncomfortable body position, and inflammatory processes in the body have nothing to do with it. This can happen during heavy sports activities, a long bus ride, or a long plane flight.

    But if the pain does not go away or even intensifies, this indicates that the body has been struck by a serious disease.

    Kidney diseases

    If it hurts on the right under the ribs, from behind the back you feel constant dull, aching twitching, which intensifies when you lightly tap the lower rib with your fingertips on the side of the diseased kidney - this is a clear sign of acute pyelonephritis. In this case, the pain does not radiate anywhere, but is accompanied by a high temperature, often even chills, and a frequent urge to urinate. Against the background of a general loss of strength, nausea occurs, sometimes vomiting, and swelling appears.

    With chronic right-sided pyelonephritis, the pain in the right side from the back in the lumbar region is also aching, but rather weak. It increases significantly in case of hypothermia. Additional symptoms accompanying this disease are almost no different from those of its acute form: low-grade fever, frequent urination. But it happens that at the very beginning of the disease there are no accompanying signs, except pain symptoms.

    When, at the beginning of the disease, an intermittent dull pain is periodically felt in the right side at waist level from the back , which often appears after exercise or coughing, suggest nephroptosis (kidney displacement). The peculiarity of the disease is that pain symptoms appear when a person is in an upright position, and gradually disappear if he lies down. During the development of the disease, if left untreated , the pain in the side will only intensify, and colic may even occur.

    If the right side from the back hurts badly, the attacks are similar to contractions, during which the pain radiates to the lower abdomen right up to the pubis, then spreads to the lower back, this most often indicates renal colic. This disease may be accompanied by fever and vomiting, and less commonly, bloating. With such symptoms, it would be best to call an ambulance and immediately take an antispasmodic. If there are no additional signs of illness, it is good to use a warm heating pad as a remedy for pain. It is better to take it half-sitting so that the urinary tract is lower than the kidney.

    Aching pain in the back on the right side, independent of body position, sometimes reaching colic, indicates hydronephrosis (enlargement of the renal pelvis). With this disease, weakness and nausea may be felt, the urine darkens and acquires a reddish tint, which indicates the presence of blood in it. The presence of the disease can only be determined using ultrasound and x-rays.

    When a sharp, piercing pain in the back on the right occurs, accompanied by symptoms similar to signs of pyelonephritis and urolithiasis, as well as very high fever, chills, thirst and dry mouth, this is a kidney abscess (purulent inflammation). In this case, all that is required is to call an ambulance and prepare for the operation.

    A dull pain of varying intensity in the right side behind the lumbar region, which increases with running, fast walking and traveling in transport, as well as from drinking a large amount of liquid, indicates the presence of urolithiasis. Difficulty urinating usually accompanies the disease.. WithThe degree of pain depends on the size of the stone in the urinary tract.

    If the right side of the back hurts, and these sensations are long-lasting and aching in nature, intensify during physical activity, eating fatty and spicy foods, as well as after drinking alcoholic beverages, and weaken at rest, then liver disease is evident. Additional symptoms: nausea, possibly heartburn, bitter taste in the mouth, fatigue, yellow skin.

    Diseases of the musculoskeletal system

    Very severe pain in the right side under the ribs occurs due to a lumbar intervertebral hernia. Pain may descend lower: into the popliteal region, lower leg, or onto the back of the thigh. Often, with the disease, people complain of numbness in certain areas of the lower extremities, tingling and burning in the toes, and paresis. The pain intensifies when walking, and becomes more tolerable in a lying position. Intervertebral hernias of the lumbar region are treated by an orthopedic surgeon.

    The right side of the back in the hypochondrium area hurts with varying intensity for two days after the fall. This indicates a spinal column injury. In this case, you should definitely see a surgeon. In some cases, a person's internal organs may be damaged as a result of the incident. Depending on this, additional symptoms arise: pain, nausea, vomiting, headache. They must also be reported to your doctor.

    If a dull intermittent pain that occurs in the right side from the back, radiates to the shoulder, arm or leg, prevents movement (bending over, straightening the back) - this is osteochondrosis (dystrophic change in the cartilage of the joints). The disease is one of the most common: to a greater or lesser extent, it manifests itself in every fifth Russian. Its occurrence is provoked by a sedentary lifestyle. Pain in the back in the back occurs during physical exertion, sudden movement, and also with a long stay in one position. At the same time, in a state of rest, the painful sensations subside.

    One-sided dull aching pain in the lower back, which annoys, regardless of the mobility of the body and its position, and sharply turns into an acute lumbago when pressing the fingertips on the disturbing area of ​​​​the back, often indicates the occurrence of spondylosis (vertebral deformity due to bone growth). Sometimes this disease causes numbness in the legs. It is possible to establish the presence of spondylosis with the help of a comprehensive examination (MRI and X-ray). The disease is treated with anti-inflammatory and painkillers.

    If you constantly feel a pulling aching pain in the lower back, which intensifies during the day and with sudden movements (turns, tilts) gives a backache, most likely it is an intervertebral hernia. Acute pain subsides when lying down. To alleviate the condition, they take painkillers, visit the exercise therapy room, and take a course of therapeutic massage.

    Severe pain, radiating to all parts of the spine, characterized by loss of sensation, numbness and tingling of the lumbar muscles, speaks of sciatica. With this disease, the roots of the spinal cord are affected. Sometimes the process is accompanied by a burning sensation in the affected area. To alleviate the condition, take painkillers and massage sessions.

    Lung diseases

    Characteristic stabbing or cutting pain, aggravated by deep breathing, and also by sudden movements, suggests pleurisy. When the pleura is inflamed, the pain usually goes away if you lie on the affected side. Additional symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath. The disease can be diagnosed by ultrasound or x-ray.

    If the pain is felt under the shoulder blade or under the ribs, and worsens with deep breathing or coughing, then this may be the beginning of pneumonia. Subsequently, the temperature rises, a cough appears, sputum is produced, and a feeling of weakness occurs.

    If the pain is very strong, sharp, stabbing, radiates to the arm, shoulder, and intensifies with breathing and coughing, this is pneumothorax (accumulation of gases in the pleura of the lungs). A person wants to sit or take a reclining position, shortness of breath, cold sweat, and panic appear. Diagnosed by radiography and pulmonary puncture.

    Unbearable and constant severe pain occurs only in the last stages of cancer, if the tumor grows into the pleura.

    The pain is very strong, sharp, cutting on the right side under the shoulder blade, indicating a pulmonary infarction. Additional symptoms: shortness of breath, tachycardia, expectoration of blood.

    Digestive system diseases

    Usually accompanied by additional symptoms : abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.

    Flatulence is the accumulation of gases in the intestines. The pain is dull, nagging, accompanied by bloating. Appears after taking certain foods (legumes, soda, etc.), as a result of intestinal diseases or neurosis. Painful symptoms are removed by antispasmodics, sorbents and defoamers.

    Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. If the appendix is ​​located behind the cecum, then painful sensations do not occur in the abdomen, as happens in most cases, but in the lower right lower back. The pain is acute, constant, radiating to the leg, groin, and pelvic area. If you lie on your left side, it will intensify. Additional symptoms: nausea, weakness, sometimes temperature above 38 degrees. Urgent surgery required!

    Intestinal colic is a spasm of the intestinal muscles. The pain in the lower back is burning, cramping: it intensifies and then decreases. After some time it moves to the abdominal area. Additional symptoms: weakness, frequent urination, nausea, diarrhea. Possible causes: poisoning, stress, intestinal diseases, gastritis. For intestinal colic, take antispasmodics and apply a heating pad.

    Acute cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. Pain in the right side of the abdomen in the hypochondrium, radiating to the area below the right shoulder blade. It may go away on its own after some time (half an hour to an hour). Occurs more often at night or in the morning, after eating fatty foods or alcohol. Additional symptoms: bitter taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting bile, white coating on the tongue. Diagnosed by blood, urine, stool tests, and ultrasound of the gallbladder. It can be treated surgically or with medications; diet must be followed.

    Acute pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Pain in the side of the abdomen, radiating to the lower back on the right. In rare cases, there is no sensation from the abdomen and is felt only in the back in the central part on the right. The pain is dull, cramping: it intensifies, then weakens. Additional symptoms: nausea, vomiting without relief, the face acquires a grayish tint, bloating. If the pain gets worse, call an ambulance! While waiting for the doctor, you can take an antispasmodic. In chronic pancreatitis, a dull pain occurs in the right side of the back after overeating or drinking alcohol.

    Other reasons

    Acute or nagging pain with tingling under the right rib may appear as a result of psychosomatic diseases. It usually occurs intermittently and does not last long. In this case, a neurologist or psychiatrist will help the person get rid of pain.

    Discomfort in the lower right part of the back may be caused by diseases of the urinary system. With them, the unpleasant sensations do not go away and do not decrease, even if the person is motionless. Representatives of the fairer sex should take into account that pain concentrated under the right rib is a sign of a number of gynecological diseases. For their diagnosis, you must contact the antenatal clinic.

    Pain in the right side, felt in the back area, is a symptom that can appear with the following diseases. Pain in the right side of the abdomen can be caused by diseases of the pancreas. Yes, aching pain on the right closer to the ovaries can occur before menstruation.

    But nagging pain in the lower back does not always indicate health problems. If it occurs after a night and then disappears without a trace, then its cause is an uncomfortable bed. In this case, a person just needs to change the mattress

    To find out the cause of back pain on the right or left, you should not be guided by symptoms alone; it is very important to visit a doctor in a timely manner and conduct additional laboratory and instrumental examinations.

Many are familiar with the pain that appears in the lower back. They may occur from time to time, or they may be constant, but in any case they cause inconvenience and discomfort, limiting the usual way of life. Some try not to notice them, especially if the pain is not severe and passes quickly, others try to get rid of them using home methods, but they should not be ignored completely.

Causes of lower back pain on the right

Such pain appears for various reasons - from poor lifestyle to pathologies developing in the body. Usually related with disorders of the musculoskeletal system, but no less rarely signal any internal disease.

The pain can be localized in different areas of the lower back - covering the entire lower back or affecting only part of it on one side. By the nature and location of the pain, you can determine what it is associated with and what disease it is a symptom of. It is especially important to pay attention to the location of pain if it occurs in a woman’s lower back.

Causes of pain on the right side are numerous. This:

Diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system

Most often, pain on the right side in the lower back is associated with problems of the musculoskeletal system - both congenital and acquired. First of all, this is:

  • rachiocampsis;
  • back injuries.

Poor posture

If your posture is poor, which can cause problems with the spine and, as a result, with the lower back. Posture deteriorates due to an incorrect or uncomfortable position in which a person remains for a long time, for example, at a monitor. When it comes to women, the cause of spinal deformation is often shoes, especially high heels, as well as regular lifting of heavy objects from an incorrect position.

Due to the fact that the spinal column is curved, the body also changes occur in internal organs. They lead to pain in the right side of the lower back. Usually, posture problems are indicated by pain felt on the right below the lower back.

Inflammatory processes

If the pain in the lower back is aching, then you can suspect some diseases of the bone tissue, for example, osteomyelitis. Lower back pain on the right is also characteristic of spondylitis, spondyloarthrosis, spondylolisthesis and tumor processes that occur in this area. Aching pain in the morning usually indicates osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Severe acute pain in the lower back on the right, radiating from below - to the gluteal muscle, thigh, outer surface of the leg and worsening when walking and changing body position, indicates lumbosacral radiculitis.

If the pain syndrome is left unattended and untreated, it can spread to a large area, and the pain will intensify. Appear complaints of weakness, tingling and numbness of the legs, possible pinching of the sciatic nerve and other intervertebral pathologies, for example, intervertebral hernia. The hernia develops gradually, the symptoms begin with prolonged nagging pain that becomes acute over time.

Injuries and hypothermia

Another cause of lower back pain on the right is injury. After heavy physical exertion and hypothermia, the so-called lumbago (lumbago) may appear in the lower back - a sharp sharp pain on the right side that occurs suddenly. Also, pain may appear after a blow or a fall. Sometimes such pain occurs after a one-time unsuccessful lifting of something heavy. If the back injury was minor, you can do without the help of a doctor; the pain will go away on its own over time, but nevertheless, injuries and inflammation of the lumbar and sciatic muscles, as well as intervertebral ligament sprain that cause lower back pain often require urgent treatment.

You should also consult a doctor if pain in the lower right back is caused by neurological diseases, in particular right-sided neuritis, neuralgia, plexitis and similar ones associated with damage to the nerve plexuses.

Internal diseases causing lower back pain on the right

In addition to direct back problems, the cause of lower back pain on the right can be various diseases that develop in the peritoneum:

In some cases, such pain requires a thorough examination carried out as soon as possible, including radiography and other diagnostic methods, and immediate treatment, since pain in the lower back and right side is often caused by diseases such as cholecystitis, pyelonephritis, as well as right-sided pneumonia.

These causes of back pain can occur regardless of gender, but in women there are other factors that influence the occurrence of pain on the right side of the lower back. First of all, they are associated with inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs - problems with the right ovary (including tumors); cysts; growths.

Unfortunately, women most often do not always pay attention to pain in the lower back, especially if there are no other pronounced symptoms. Pain due to pathologies of the small pelvis can also intensify in the first days of the cycle, then weaken and even disappear completely or be constantly weak, which is why the woman gets used to it and does not pay attention. However, suffering from regular or constant nagging pain on the right side in the lumbar region, a woman should be wary and consult a gynecologist so as not to trigger the disease.

Another reason why women suffer from pain on the right side in the lumbar region is excess weight, which puts excessive stress on the musculoskeletal system, gradually deforming the joints.

And, unfortunately, such a wonderful period in a woman’s life as pregnancy can also provoke the appearance of unpleasant painful sensations in the lower back. At this time, the uterus grows at a very fast pace, which causes compression of the internal organs and even their deformation. Most often, the liver, which is located just on the right, and the kidneys suffer. In addition, pregnant women often complain of tired back syndrome, which, without therapy with nephro- and hepatoprotectors, manifests itself including pain in the right side of the lower back.

Therapeutic measures

Lower back pain should never be ignored, because it may indicate a developing disease that can significantly worsen your life in the future. In most cases, the pain syndrome successfully disappears as soon as its cause is found and eliminated. Therefore, any discomfort in the lower back associated with limited mobility, pain, or stiffness is a reason to visit a neurologist, who will determine which specialists should be consulted next.

If the pain is associated with a bruise or injury, you should contact a specialist immediately (for example, to the nearest emergency room or to a traumatologist at the clinic). In other cases need to see a therapist, which will determine whether pain in the right side of the lower back is a symptom of any disease.

Pain associated with excess weight or pregnancy can be relieved quite simply. It is enough to normalize excess weight to forget about pain, and during pregnancy you need to do special physical exercises, swim, walk in the fresh air, sleep on an orthopedic mattress and wear a support bandage that will distribute the increased load evenly.

In other cases, before visiting a doctor, you can try to cope with the pain on your own, especially if it has become intolerable, for example, with painkillers. The only condition is that you must not exceed the dosage, even if the drug did not help or did not help enough.

You should also limit physical activity, it is desirable to observe bed rest.

The doctor will prescribe:

  • medications;
  • daily therapeutic exercises;
  • physiotherapeutic procedures.

Often this complex supplemented with massage, manual therapy, baths, etc. All these procedures should be used only as indicated and only as prescribed by a doctor. By following the treatment regimen, you can get rid of pain in the right side of the lower back very quickly.

Almost every person has ever experienced back pain on the right or left. In most cases, such signs do not indicate the presence of serious pathologies and occur after performing complex physical activities. But sometimes pain can indicate dangerous diseases that require urgent medical attention.

Causes

Ectopic pregnancy

A pathological condition in which the embryo develops outside the uterine cavity. This situation can arise due to inflammatory diseases of the endometrium, the presence of an intrauterine device, hormonal types of contraception, neoplasms in the uterine cavity, a previous ectopic pregnancy, abnormalities of the genital organs, delayed sexual development.

Signs of pathology include sharp severe pain on the right or left side of the lower abdomen, radiating to the back or slightly above the lower back, discharge mixed with blood from scarlet to brown, irregular menstruation, nausea and vomiting, soreness and engorgement of the mammary glands.

Osteochondrosis

A pathology in which there is destruction of the bone tissue of the spine, joint cartilage, intervertebral discs and ligaments. The causes of the disease are: heredity and susceptibility to illness, metabolic disorders in the body due to endocrine disorders, orthopedic diseases, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, bad habits: smoking and alcohol abuse, injuries, bruises of the spinal column and others.

Osteochondrosis is of 3 types: cervical, thoracic, lumbar. Depending on which part of the spine is damaged, the pain will be localized in different places, for example, with thoracic osteochondrosis, pain is noted at the back right or left, in the chest area with irradiation to the arm, between the shoulder blades, with lumbar osteochondrosis and radiates to the perineum , leg. Patients also experience headaches and dizziness, nausea, tinnitus, and sudden loss of consciousness.

Hydronephrosis

A disease in which there is a pathological expansion of the pyelocaliceal region due to compression of the tissues by a large amount of fluid (urine).

The cause of the disease is a disruption or complete cessation of the outflow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder, which occurs due to a number of factors: narrowing of the lumen of the urinary tract, the presence of stones in the urinary system, various neoplasms, cancerous tumors, Ormond's disease.

The characteristic symptoms of hydronephrosis are pain in the lumbar region, independent of the time of day and body position, increased blood pressure, frequent and painful urination, and blood in the urine. If the right kidney is affected, then the right side of the back hurts and vice versa.

Lung cancer

A dangerous progressive disease associated with the growth of atypical cells in the lung. Mutated cells cease to perform their function, and as a result, there is a lack of oxygen to all organs and tissues. Unfortunately, cancer at an early stage is very difficult to recognize. It has no symptoms and patients learn about their disease by accident. At stages 3 and 4, there is pain between the ribs when inhaling, shortness of breath, an increase in body temperature to 37 degrees, bouts of severe dry cough with thick sputum and blood, a feeling of lack of oxygen.

Cholecystitis

A disease caused by damage to the walls of the gallbladder. Inflammatory processes in it can appear for various reasons: the formation of calculi, the use of fatty, high-calorie and fried foods, prolonged alcohol consumption, genetic predisposition, hormonal disruptions in the body, allergies, immune disorders, some medications, a sharp refusal to eat (diet) etc.

Pain on the right side of the back and abdomen appears at an early stage in the development of acute cholecystitis. It is joined by dyspeptic phenomena (nausea, vomiting, impaired stool, bloating, flatulence). Also weakness, fatigue, rise in body temperature, sweating.

Dry pleurisy

Inflammation of the serous membrane of the lungs (pleura). Depending on other diseases of the respiratory system, pleurisy has a favorable outcome. Most often, the disease develops against the background of tuberculosis, pneumonia, lung abscess or infarction of the lung tissue, or a cancerous tumor. If a person gets sick with pleurisy, he experiences acute pain when inhaling air, a slight cough, chills, night sweats, and swollen skin of the lower thoracic regions.

Almost 85% of patients indicate that they have difficulty breathing, and the pain is localized in the lower and middle part of the chest.

Diagnostic methods

When a person has pain in the right side of the back, it is necessary to consult a specialist for advice as soon as possible. A large number of specialists can deal with this issue, depending on the cause of the pain: therapist, neurologist, gynecologist, urologist, oncologist, etc.

First, the patient is examined based on the individual characteristics of each of them:

  • age. All diseases have a certain age range. For example, young people often experience spinal overload, in which the back hurts on the right or left as a result of injuries;
  • the localization of painful sensations can sometimes specifically indicate a particular pathology;
  • clinical picture of pathological conditions that occurs along with back pain (nausea and vomiting, flatulence, colic, nagging pain in the lower abdomen in women and others);
  • nature of the pain: aching, sharp, stabbing, shooting. Intensity – low, medium and high;
  • manifestations of pain during the day: does the pain alternate with a state of rest or does the back hurt without going away;
  • instrumental and laboratory examinations are carried out (blood and urine tests, x-rays of the chest, back and pelvis, CT or MRI, electromyography).

Here are the main reasons why the back hurts on the right side. You should not try to diagnose yourself, much less prescribe treatment for yourself.

MRI is one of the methods used to diagnose spinal pathologies

Prevention

Everyone knows that preventing a disease is much easier than treating it later. That is why it is worth adhering to simple rules that will protect a person from the development of various pathologies: lead a healthy lifestyle, follow a diet and eat right, do not overload the spine with intense physical exercise, but engage in light sports, such as swimming.

Sleep should be on a medium-hard mattress, and a small pillow under your head. It is important to distribute the weight between two arms at the same time, to fully treat all existing diseases - precursors of back pain. Strengthening the immune system and hardening is also considered important.

Pain is a signal that not everything is in order in the body. But on the basis of a complaint alone, even with specification of the localization, a diagnosis cannot be made. For example, back pain on the right can occur with pathologies of the back and internal organs located in the right half of the body. And only a properly prescribed examination can reveal the cause of this pain.

A Brief Journey into Anatomy

Let's imagine the back. The spinal column divides it into two halves: right and left.

We are interested in the right side. First, let's imagine that it consists of a musculoskeletal layer covered with skin with subcutaneous fatty tissue, and internal organs.

Now let's look at the structure of the right half of the body from top to bottom. Under the collarbone behind the scapula and posterior ribs is the right lung, covered with pleura, below is the diaphragm (respiratory muscle) and the liver with the gall bladder.

Then, the right kidney with the ureter, the right half of the large intestine with the hepatic flexure from above and the appendix (vermiform appendix) from below, and loops of the small intestine are located approximately at the same level.

And all these anatomical formations can “hurt”.

All diseases in which the back hurts on the right can be divided into four groups: diseases and injuries of the bone and nerve structures of the back, diseases of the respiratory system, pathology of the gastrointestinal tract and diseases of the urinary system.

Diseases and injuries of the bone and nerve structures of the back

  1. In case of pathology of the spine and spinal cord, pinched nerve roots on the right side with osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia, spondylosis and other degenerative processes, a sharp pain in the back on the right is manifested.

Such pain is often projective, that is, it spreads only along the nerve root and its branches, and is observed with intercostal neuralgia and sciatica.

Pathology of the spine can be distinguished from other diseases by a combination of other symptoms. There is stiffness in the back and increased pain with any movement, the pain can radiate to the limbs, chest and groin. There may be a violation of sensitivity on the affected side ("crawling", numbness). Muscle tone is reduced.

  1. A fracture of the ribs or scapula on the right will also be accompanied by severe pain, aggravated by deep breathing, coughing and movements.

Respiratory system diseases

Pain on the right side of the back may be a symptom of a pathology of the respiratory system.

  1. With right-sided pneumonia (pneumonia), pain of varying intensity is sometimes observed on the right side of the chest and shoulder blade. It increases with coughing and deep breathing.

The disease is diagnosed based on the patient’s complaints, the characteristic clinical picture (fever, cough, wheezing in the lungs, heard during auscultation, percussion - dullness of pulmonary sound over the area of ​​inflammation) and X-ray data.

  1. Pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura) is accompanied by a sharp pain in the right side of the back during respiratory movements. Pleurisy can be dry and exudative (purulent). Pain is observed in both forms of the disease.

The pleura (the lining of the lungs) contains many nerve endings. With dry pleurisy during breathing, the inflamed pleural sheets rub against each other, causing pain of a cutting nature, aggravated by coughing or movement. With purulent pleurisy, there are constant severe pains on the right side, breathing from the affected side is not in full.

The disease is diagnosed on the basis of x-ray data. Significant relief brings puncture of the pleural cavity with the removal of inflammatory exudate and the introduction of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

  1. With spontaneous pneumothorax (rupture of the lung with air entering the pleural cavity), there is a sudden sharp pain in the chest on the right, radiating to the scapula. On the affected side there is a lack of respiratory movements, straightening of the intercostal spaces, and auscultation - silence.

Spontaneous pneumothorax can quickly turn into a tense one if air fills the pleural cavity and the edges of the wound in the lung stick together. In this case, first aid: pleural puncture, during which the air is removed and a drainage tube is left for monitoring. Spontaneous pneumothorax is observed in bullous pulmonary disease, cavernous tuberculosis and pulmonary abscess.

  1. With bronchopulmonary cancers localized in the distal parts of the right lung with germination into the pleura along the posterior surface of the lung, nagging pain in the back on the right is noted.

For example, during an oncological process in the apex of the right lung, the so-called Pencoast syndrome or bronchial plexopathy develops. The pain extends to the right shoulder, scapula and medial arm. The pain increases with breathing, coughing, movement and as the tumor grows. When the intercostal nerve is affected, it can be encircling in nature.

Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract

  1. For some reason, some people experience pain on the right side of their back when they overuse boiled eggs. Let us remember that eggs have a choleretic effect, and in case of chronic diseases of the liver and gallbladder, they can provoke an exacerbation of the pathological process due to increased bile formation.

Pain in acute cholecystitis is usually localized in the right intercostal space with irradiation to the right shoulder, shoulder blade and shoulder girdle, there may be a burning sensation in the lower back. A painful attack lasts from several hours to several days. Nausea and increased body temperature are noted. In the presence of calculi (stones) in the gallbladder - yellowness of the skin.

  1. The right side of the back hurts with acute appendicitis. This atypical picture is observed when the appendicular (vermiform) appendix is ​​located behind the cecum, swollen, and enlarged in size. May reach the kidney or gallbladder.

Severe pain in the lower back on the right can be observed with the retroperitoneal location of the appendix. To diagnose appendicitis in this case, surgeons use special techniques (palpation at certain points, impact on neighboring organs). As well as auxiliary research methods: ultrasound, laparoscopy.

  1. Pain in the right side can be observed with intestinal colic and flatulence. They go away on their own or after taking one No-shpa tablet.
  1. A tumor of the hepatic flexure of the colon, reaching a certain size, can also cause discomfort in the right side.

Diseases of the urinary system

  1. All kidney diseases, in our case the right kidney, such as pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, kidney abscess, hydronephrosis and others are manifested by pain in the right side of the back and in the lower back.

The pain can be sharp, aching, pulling, dull and bursting; there is a characteristic irradiation along the ureter. When tapping the lumbar region (Pasternatsky's symptom) on the right, increased pain is noted.

An important diagnostic criterion for all these diseases will be changes in the color, smell and consistency of urine. The analyzes also reveal characteristic deviations.

  1. Acute pain in the lumbar region of the back on the right is observed with renal colic (urolithiasis) and with thrombosis of the renal artery.

Renal colic is a severe pain syndrome that occurs during urolithiasis, when the stone begins to move along the ureter. Hepatic artery thrombosis is a serious disease in which acute circulatory disorders in the kidney develop. If diagnosis is delayed, kidney infarction may occur.

With all this variety of diseases manifested by back pain, an experienced doctor is always able to identify those signs that will allow him to accurately make a diagnosis. Only a doctor can prescribe a correct examination with consultation of specialists in the pathology profile and carry out adequate treatment. Self-medication in this case can result in severe complications and even disability.

There is hardly an adult who has never experienced back pain. She can be of varying degrees of intensity, have different localization.

But at the same time it always causes a lot of inconvenience and unpleasant sensations.

Periodically arising or severe pain on the right in the back is a reason to think about whether everything is in order with the body.

Diseases

Back pain on the right side can signal problems with the spine or diseases of the internal organs.

Ask your question to a neurologist for free

Irina Martynova. Graduated from Voronezh State Medical University named after. N.N. Burdenko. Clinical resident and neurologist of the BUZ VO \"Moscow Polyclinic\".

Let's bring most common reasons pain in the back on the right side.

Posture disorders

They are congenital, due to failures of intrauterine development and acquired as a result of injuries or diseases: rickets, sciatica, systemic diseases.

Symptoms:

  • curvature of the spine to the right or left;
  • bent shoulders, protruding stomach;
  • aching pain in the back on the right, on the left, which can radiate to any part of the spinal column, to the chest;
  • headache;
  • pain in the legs and feet when walking.

Diagnostics. Necessary consult an orthopedist or vertebrologist who will inspect, test and prescribe an instrumental examination:

  • radiography;
  • magnetic resonance imaging or CT.

Treatment. In the case of curvature of the spine, it is more correct to talk not about treatment, but about correction. It includes:

  • wearing orthopedic corsets: supporting and correcting;
  • maintaining correct posture;
  • physical therapy;
  • physiotherapy;
  • massage.

Intervertebral disc displacement

Spondylolisthesis, or disk displacement between the vertebrae is one of the possible causes of back pain on the right.

Symptoms:

  • with displacement in the lumbar region: severe back pain in the middle, right or left; weakness in the legs, later - lameness;
  • with displacement in the chest area: chest pain radiating to the arms and legs; general weakness;
  • with cervical spondylolisthesis: neck pain, headache, sleep and memory disorders, constant fatigue.

Diagnostics. The diagnosis is made by a neurologist or orthopedist based on the data obtained:

  • radiography, including in motion, with functional tests;
  • CT or MRI;
  • anterior spondylogram.

Treatment. A disease that has not progressed to an advanced stage easy to treat which is:

  • pain relief, prescription of muscle relaxants, chondroprotectors;
  • blockades of displacement sites;
  • massage;
  • manual and acupuncture therapy;
  • the use of electrophoresis, radon baths;
  • wearing corsets;
  • performing therapeutic exercises aimed at strengthening muscles.

Traditional medicine can be used along with medical prescriptions.

  • rubbing in eucalyptus pharmaceutical tincture;
  • compress of fresh horseradish leaves, black radish juice;
  • take mumiyo internally or prepare ointments and rubs based on it;
  • take baths with mint leaves or mustard.

Spinal cord pathologies

Myelopathies - spinal cord injury- a large group of diseases, among the causes of which are:

  • tumors;
  • multiple sclerosis;
  • inflammation;
  • injuries;
  • infections;
  • vascular disorders;
  • degenerative diseases of the spine;
  • metabolic disorders;
  • hereditary predisposition.

Symptoms depend on the location of the pathology.

When the spinal cord is compressed in the lumbar region, the following occurs:

  • burning, sharp pain in the back below, on the left or right side;
  • radiates to the legs, the sensitivity in which sharply decreases;
  • paralysis of one or both lower extremities;
  • fecal and urinary incontinence.

Diagnostics:

  • X-ray;
  • myelography.

Treatment. At the initial stage of the disease, the neurologist prescribes:

  • glucocorticoid hormones;
  • diuretics;
  • neuroprotectors.

In many cases with spinal cord lesions surgical operations are indicated.

Unconventional remedies can also help relieve pain and stop inflammation: compresses made from boiled potatoes or aloe, propolis, vodka and mustard. In the future, appoint:

  • passive and active physical therapy;
  • massage;
  • physiotherapy;
  • acupuncture;
  • vitamin therapy, absorbable and biostimulating;
  • Spa treatment.

Rib fractures and other injuries

With rib fractures, chest bruises and other injuries, not only the directly injured area can hurt, but also the back.

For example, a rib fracture on the right side causes pain in the right side of the back.

Symptoms:

  • dull pain in a broken rib at rest; when moving, coughing, etc. - spicy;
  • inability to breathe deeply;
  • swelling, hematoma;
  • sharp pain in the chest, also noticeable from the back when the chest is contused.

Diagnostics

A traumatologist makes a diagnosis and treats injuries based on an examination:

  • inspection, palpation;
  • Ultrasound of the chest;
  • X-ray;
  • CT scan.

Treatment:

  • anesthesia;
  • applying a bandage;
  • bed rest in the acute period, then breathing exercises, exclusion of physical activity

For complications:

  • drug blockade;
  • plaster application;
  • immobilization (fixation) of fragments;
  • surgical intervention.
  • consumption of mumiyo;
  • rubbing fir oil into the problem area;
  • increased consumption of vitamins: fruits, vegetables, rosehip decoction.

Pneumonia


Pneumonia - severe infectious disease, which is often a complication of flu and colds.

Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia:

  • chest pain when inhaling, coughing;
  • pain radiates to the back on the right or left - a characteristic difference between pneumonia and bronchitis;
  • increase in body temperature up to 390C;
  • cough;
  • weakness;
  • dyspnea;
  • rapid pulse;
  • low blood pressure.

Diagnostics:

  • X-rays of light;
  • tests: blood, urine, sputum;
  • ultrasound examination of the pleural cavity;
  • echocardiography.

Treatment stationary, in the therapeutic or pulmonology department.

Appointed:

  • antibiotics;
  • detoxification;
  • immunostimulation;
  • decrease in temperature;
  • elimination of cough, allergic manifestations.

During the remission period:

  • electrophoresis;
  • inhalation;
  • physiotherapy;
  • massage.

Traditional medicine offers its own methods of combating pneumonia, which can be used in parallel with drug treatment:

  • decoction of birch buds with honey;
  • gargling and ingesting tar water;
  • compress of plantain leaves;
  • honey compress

Pleurisy


Inflammation serous membrane, which surrounds the lungs, can cause a lot of discomfort and pain.

Symptoms:

  • stabbing chest pain;
  • intense, cutting pain on the right side of the back or on the left;
  • relief from lying on the sore side;
  • subfebrile body temperature;
  • chills;
  • weakness;
  • night sweats;
  • dry cough.

Diagnostics. If symptoms of pleurisy are detected, you should urgently contact a therapist who will conduct an examination and prescribe an examination:

  • radiographic;
  • ultrasonic;
  • bacteriological;
  • laboratory;
  • biopsy and puncture of the pleura.

Treatment:

  • antibacterial drugs;
  • anti-inflammatory, corticosteroids for back pain on the right or left;
  • analgesics;
  • cardiovascular drugs;
  • diuretics;
  • physiotherapy.

Among the non-traditional remedies for the treatment of pleurisy are:

  • lemon juice together with chopped horseradish leaves;
  • badger fat;
  • ginseng root.

Pneumothorax spontaneous

Non-traumatic pneumothorax is a spontaneous violation of the integrity of the pleura, as a result of which air from the lungs begins to enter the pleural cavity.

Symptoms:

  • sharp, stabbing pain in one side of the chest;
  • sudden shortness of breath;
  • acute back pain on the back right or left, depending on the location of the pathology;
  • relief of pain during the day.

Diagnostics:

  • inspection, listening;
  • fluoroscopy of the lungs;
  • CT or MRI;
  • thoracoscopy;
  • morphological studies.

Treatment is carried out by a pulmonologist or therapist, prescribing:

  • drainage of the pleura to open the lung;
  • bronchoscopy;
  • inhalation;
  • oxygen therapy;
  • breathing exercises.

If there is no effect from conservative treatment, surgery is performed.

Oncology and back pain

With cancer, pain often occurs in the lower back and spine. The reasons may be:

  • tumors in internal organs: kidneys, intestines, stomach, genitourinary system;
  • metastases to the pelvic bones and vertebrae;
  • malignant neoplasms in the spinal column itself.

Symptoms:

  • dull, aching pain in the lumbar region;
  • nagging pain in the back on the right or left;
  • sharp pain if the nerve endings are compressed by an overgrown tumor;
  • pain and weakness in the legs;
  • paresis.

Diagnostics consists of examining internal organs, the spine:

  • X-ray;
  • Magnetic resonance imaging;
  • tissue biopsy.

An oncologist treats malignant tumors that radiate pain to the back.

Most often prescribed:

  • radiation and chemotherapy;
  • corticosteroids;
  • radiotherapy;
  • surgery.

There is evidence that a combination of drug therapy and alternative means can more effectively fight cancer of any organ.

Experts in traditional medicine for malignant tumors recommend using:

  • celandine juice;
  • infusion of aconite;
  • chaga infusion;
  • oat decoctions;
  • hemlock tincture;
  • complex herbal mixtures.

Gastrointestinal pathologies

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are one of the most common causes of back pain.

Symptoms:

  • with pancreatitis - the stomach hurts at the top, radiating to the back under the shoulder blade; aching pain after eating;
  • with cholelithiasis - the back hurts on the right, under the shoulder blade, in the lower back; bitterness in the mouth, metallic taste;
  • a stomach ulcer radiates pain to the back, often at night, accompanied by a feeling of hunger and nausea;
  • intestinal diseases give off dull pain in the back, in the lumbar region.
  • colonoscopy;
  • laparoscopy;
  • biopsy;
  • X-ray;
  • lab tests.

Treatment will depend on the diagnosis and may include:

  • drug therapy;
  • diet;
  • physical therapy;
  • surgical intervention.

A huge number of alternative medicines are used to treat gastrointestinal diseases:

  • anise seeds;
  • St. John's wort oil;
  • rowan tincture;
  • infusion of oregano;
  • juice of fresh and sauerkraut;
  • dill water and much more.

Diseases of the kidneys and urinary system

Another cause of back pain is diseases of the urinary system, which are most often infectious.

Usually this is pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, urolithiasis, urethritis, cystitis.

Symptoms:

  • back pain of varying intensity above the lower back on the side where the diseased kidney is located. If the right kidney is affected, then the right side of the back hurts; if the left side, then the pain appears on the left;
  • with cystitis, urethritis - acute pain in the lower abdomen, which can radiate to the back, below the lower back;
  • urinary disorders;
  • headache;
  • swelling;
  • elevated body temperature.

Diagnostics. If back pain is combined with frequent urination, swelling, pain in the lower abdomen, you should contact a urologist or therapist to clarify the diagnosis by:

  • taking tests;
  • ultrasound examination of the urinary organs;
  • kidney x-ray;
  • cystoscopy;
  • kidney biopsy.

Treatment. Since many diseases of the urinary system are the result of exposure to microbes, antibiotics are often used to treat them. In addition, the following may be prescribed:

  • antipyretics;
  • uroseptics;
  • diuretics;
  • immunomodulators.

Herbal medicines can be of great help in the treatment of kidney and bladder diseases:

  • bearberry;
  • pharmaceutical camomile;
  • horsetail;
  • parsley;
  • birch leaf;
  • multi-component herbal mixtures that have a diuretic and antiseptic effect.

Gynecological diseases in women, pregnancy


Women's diseases, in addition to pain in the lower abdomen, can also manifest as pain in the back, usually below the lower back.

Symptoms:

  • the lower back hurts on the right side with nagging pain during endometritis, prolapse or prolapse of the uterus, during pregnancy and after childbirth, during menstruation;
  • severe pain due to infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genital tract.

If these signs are accompanied by brown discharge, profuse leucorrhoea, immediately consult a gynecologist.

Diagnostics:

  • examination, palpation, questioning;
  • lab tests;
  • ultrasonography.

Treatment of the disease depends on the diagnosis.

Can be used:

  • antibacterial agents;
  • analgesics;
  • tranquilizers;
  • hormones;
  • antihistamines;
  • vitamins;
  • physiotherapy;
  • mud therapy.

Folk remedies:

  • infusions of herbs: St. John's wort, coltsfoot, blueberry leaves, oak bark and many others;
  • douching with medicinal herbs;
  • tampons with anti-inflammatory agents, for example, with aloe juice;
  • alcohol tinctures: marina root, hemlock, dead bee.

Overweight

One of the main reasons why your back hurts is from the back: in the middle, right or left.

Symptoms: constant aching, nagging pain, intensifying in the evening.

Treatment. Coping with lower back pain resulting from extra pounds is quite simple at the initial stage: lose excess weight by playing sports, following a diet and changing your lifestyle from sedentary to active.

If you do not take timely measures to control your own weight, this will lead to serious diseases of the spine and joints, which are forced to constantly cope with enormous loads.

Other reasons

In addition to diseases of the spine, joints, internal organs, and excess weight, back pain can be caused by:

  • stress;
  • sedentary lifestyle;
  • incorrect posture while sitting at the computer;
  • increased physical activity;
  • hypothermia of the lower back.

It is necessary to take preventive measures against the occurrence of back pain: monitor your posture, avoid unnecessary muscle strain, and take a break during work to knead your spine and muscles.

First aid for back pain

If you experience back pain, you can try to relieve it yourself:

  • reduce or eliminate the load on the spine. In many cases, a short rest, a change in activity, or warm-up helps;
  • apply painkillers and anti-inflammatory ointments, gels;
  • take an analgesic or NSAID orally;
  • apply ice for a short time if the pain is caused by a bruise;
  • for radiculitis, osteochondrosis, use a heating pad or a warming patch.

In what case should you see a doctor immediately?

You should urgently consult a doctor - traumatologist, orthopedist, neurologist - for back pain if:

  • any trauma has recently been suffered;
  • pain occurred against the background of increased body temperature;
  • accompanied by any infectious disease;
  • increased pain at rest;
  • there was a long-term use of steroid drugs;
  • a history of osteoporosis;
  • localization of pain is unilateral - right or left back.

Conclusion

Whatever the cause of pain, its occurrence is a signal that a pathological process is developing in the body. Where exactly, what is the cause and what treatment methods to apply are questions that are within the competence of doctors.
Watch a video with a set of useful exercises that can help in many cases

You should not try to cure chronic or acute back pain on your own by prescribing treatment yourself - this can negatively affect your health and add new problems.

Symptom Map

  • Posture disorders: the spine is curved, the shoulders are distorted, the back hurts.
  • Intervertebral disc displacement: severe pain in the back, chest or neck, weakness, fatigue.
  • Spinal cord pathologies: burning acute pain, tingling sensation, limited mobility up to paralysis.
  • Rib fractures, other injuries: dull severe pain at rest, sharp severe pain when moving, swelling, bruising.
  • Pneumonia: pain when inhaling, radiates to the back, high temperature, cough, shortness of breath, weakness, low blood pressure.
  • Pleurisy: severe stabbing or cutting pain, temperature 37-38 degrees, chills, weakness, dry cough.
  • Spontaneous pneumothorax: sharp stabbing pain, passing shortness of breath.
  • Oncology: dull or aching pain, feeling of compression of internal organs.
  • Gastrointestinal pathologies: All pain is accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms - nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Diseases of the kidneys and urinary system: pain above the lower back, behind or in front, on one side, swelling.
  • Gynecological diseases, pregnancy: nagging pain in the area of ​​the uterus or under it, sometimes – fever.
  • Overweight: constant pulling pain.