Pain in Right Side of Back

Muscle Strains and Sprains

One of the commonest causes of back pain right side is muscle strain or sprain as the back an easily abused area of human body. Muscle strains and sprains can be felt throughout the back, depending on the location of the injury. Pain may be experienced in the lower back if muscles or ligaments are strained, especially when attempting to lift heavy objects. The degree of back pain caused by muscle strain and the time it takes to heal depends on how severe the injury is.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve, a large vein that runs down the back of both legs, gets compressed or irritated. The pain associated with this condition is clear-cut, starting at the lower spine and later spreads down the buttocks to the back of the legs. 

This condition may also cause other sensations, such as extreme discomfort, mild aches, sneezing, muscle weakness, numbness and a tingling sensation in the foot or the leg.

Herniated Disc

Herniated disc is also referred to as the slipped disk. When the disc dislocates, it causes the fibrous ring, protecting the outer side, to rapture. The condition can lead to pain on either side of the back. However, it mostly leads to lower right back pain. 

While this condition can happen to any disc on the back, research findings have revealed that it mostly occurs close to the bottom of the spinal cord, specifically between the fourth and the fifth vertebrae. Additionally, a herniated disc may push nerve roots, which in turn sends an offshoot to the right side hence more pain. The condition is one of the leading causes of back pain and can impair walking in the patient.

Joint Dysfunction

Joint dysfunction, also referred to as right side sacroiliac, is a common cause of back pain in athletics. It is one of the leading sports injuries. It occurs in the SI joints, which are located in the iliac, the sacrum and the back side of the pelvic girdle. The condition occurs when there is too much range of motion in the SI joint as a result of a sprain within the surrounding ligaments. 

In other cases, the condition may be a result of too little movement in the joint because the joint is locked in one position. All these conditions cause an off balance in the pelvis, which in turn causes pain in the groin area, lower back and buttocks.

Sacroiliac Joint Issues

The Sacroiliac Joints are positioned between the spine and the hips. Just like the rest of the body, these joints require exercise to keep them healthy. Minimal movements can cause these joints to lock while excess movement in the joint can be sprained. 

Owing to their location, injured sacroiliac joints can cause unbearable pain in the lower back, especially the right side. To keep them healthy and in optimal performance, these joints need to be exercised regularly using exercises for Sciatica.

Lumbar Strain

Lumbar strain is another leading cause of back pain right side. The causes of this condition are similar to those of herniated disc, including compression or sudden movement. Such moments will cause lumbar strain, which may lead to immense mid back pain right side. In its mild condition the strain causes microscopic tears on the lumbar. Severe lumber strain causes debilitating levels of pain in right side of back, which require urgent medical attention.

Urinary Tract Infection / Kidney Stones

While the urinary tract is not part of the back, an infection on the tract can cause great pain on the lower right back, also referred to as lower flank pain. The urinary tract comprises of the bladder, kidneys and urethra and its function in the body is to get rid of toxins and urine from the body. Urinary tract infections are caused by germs getting into the system, which can be very painful. 

Some people are more susceptible to these infections than others, including the pregnant, those who take too much sugary foods and those with diabetes. Such infections are characterized by smelling urine and a burning sensation while urinating.

Appendicitis

Just like kidney infections, appendicitis can cause immense pain in right side of the back. If not attended to, this condition can easily lead to internal poisoning and possibly death. If you believe that this condition is responsible for your mid back pain right side, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Exercising: You should exercise the back from time to time to alleviate this problem and keep it healthy. You should use the exercises that strengthen muscles in the shoulders, back and the stomach. These will not only ease the pain and help in recovery, but will also improve your posture. 

Practicing proper posture: To cure this condition and prevent future occurrences, it is advisable to use the correct posture while walking or sitting to avoid stressing the back. For instance, you should avoid slouching or slumping.

OTC medications: To relieve the pain, you may need to use over the counter drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Aleve, Advil, Motrin and aspirin, or acetaminophen such as Tylenol. In addition to easing the pain, these drugs can reduce the swelling associated with this condition.

Resting: If you are in pain, take a break. However, do not allow too much time to go by before moving again. You should gradually and slowly resume your activities.

Ice pad or heating pad: When combined, these two can naturally get rid of pain in right side of the back. While heat reduces stiffness and pain, ice reduces the pain as well as swelling.

Managing your stress: Reducing stress in your body will also go a long way in reducing the pain and discomfort in the spine. For instance, you should practice relaxation exercises, deep breathing and meditation. 

The concern with back pain should be on the symptoms and where they occur. In rare scenarios, back pain may turn out to be an indicator of an underlying medical condition. The following are some of the situations when you should seek immediate medical attention:

• If you experience back pain that later spreads to the legs, particularly below the knees. This could be a sign of a herniated disk or sciatica.

• When you feel that your legs are numb, tingling or weak. This is a sign that the nerves are affected and this requires urgent medical attention.

• If you experience new bladder and bowel problems. This could be an indicator of a rather rare condition, cauda equina syndrome, which requires urgent medical attention.

• If you experience abdominal pain or fever. This could be an infection or a condition that requires surgery, such as appendicitis.

• If you fall and get a back injury.

• If you are losing weight rapidly and cannot account for the weight loss. This could be a sign of cancer.

• If you experience deep pain or a dull ache on one particular spot over a bone, especially if the pain goes on regardless of you resting. It could be a sign of a tumor within the bone.