Right side lower back pain can stem from various conditions, including spinal disorders, kidney stones, ulcerative colitis (UC), and appendicitis. To treat it effectively, a doctor must first determine the root cause and provide appropriate treatment based on the diagnosis.
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Common Causes of Right Side Lower Back Pain
Here are some possible causes of right side lower back pain that you should be aware of:
1. Sprains and Muscle Injuries
Sprains occur when ligaments are overstretched or torn, while muscle injuries involve tears in tendons or muscles. These are among the most common causes of acute back pain.
You may suffer from a sprain or muscle injury due to:
- Lifting heavy objects or using improper lifting techniques
- Sudden twisting or unnatural movements
- Overstretching or skipping proper warm-ups before exercise
- Falls or trauma
Pain from these injuries can range from mild to severe and may radiate to the buttocks. Other symptoms include:
- Pain, stiffness, or tenderness in the lower back
- Difficulty standing or sitting upright
- Muscle spasms in the lower back
2. Spinal Conditions
Certain spinal issues can cause compression, inflammation, or injury to nerves in the spine, leading to lower right back pain.
This pain may feel like tingling, burning, numbness, or a sharp sensation radiating to the legs or buttocks.
Common spinal conditions that may cause right side lower back pain include:
- Herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Sciatica
- Sacroiliitis
- Discitis
- Osteomyelitis
3. Kidney Stones
Mineral buildup in the kidneys can form hard deposits known as kidney stones, which vary in shape, size, and mineral content.
Smaller stones may pass through urine without symptoms, while larger ones can cause blockages, leading to intense pain—often on one side. This pain may radiate to the groin and lower abdomen.
Other symptoms include:
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Foul-smelling urine
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Burning sensation during urination
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
If you suspect kidney stones, consult a doctor promptly for treatment.
4. Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the colon lining.
A 2020 study found that UC and other inflammatory bowel diseases are associated with sacroiliitis—an inflammation in the pelvic area that may cause lower back pain.
Other symptoms of UC include:
- Loss of appetite due to nausea
- Frequent bowel movements
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Anemia
5. Appendicitis
Appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix, can also lead to right side lower back pain. It usually begins with pain near the belly button and shifts to the lower right abdomen, which may radiate to the right lower back.
Other signs of appendicitis include:
- Bloating or excess gas
- Abdominal swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Fever
6. Kidney Infection
A bacterial or viral infection in the urinary tract can spread to one or both kidneys. Without treatment, this can lead to chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, or sepsis.
Symptoms of a kidney infection include:
- Pain in the back, side, or groin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine
- Foul-smelling urine
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation during urination
- Fever and chills
Immediate medical attention is necessary for anyone showing signs of a kidney infection.
7. Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)
In women, right side lower back pain may be due to menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea.
Common symptoms of dysmenorrhea include:
- Lower back pain
- Cramping in the lower abdomen
- Pain radiating to the legs
Other possible symptoms:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Fainting
8. Testicular Torsion
In men, testicular torsion could be the cause of right side lower back pain.
This occurs when a testicle twists inside the scrotum, twisting the spermatic cord and cutting off blood flow—potentially causing permanent damage.
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden and severe testicular or groin pain
- Pain radiating to one side of the back
- Swelling in the scrotum
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in semen
- Lower abdominal pain
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency. Seek immediate care if you experience these symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor if your right side lower back pain:
- Becomes more severe
- Persists for more than three weeks
- Interferes with daily activities
Most cases are not medical emergencies. However, seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden and intense pain
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Chest pain
- Weakness, numbness, or loss of sensation in the lower body
- Difficulty urinating
Spine Specialist at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
For right side lower back pain, you can consult dr. Mohammad Fachry Lubis, Sp.OT (K) at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. He is an experienced orthopedic spine specialist who treats conditions such as herniated discs and other causes of lower back pain.
Dr. Fachry completed his medical degree at the University of North Sumatra and his orthopedic and spine surgery training at the University of Indonesia.
He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as:
- Neck pain
- Lower back pain
- Radiating arm or leg pain and numbness
- Pain from neck to head
- Buttock pain
- Limited walking distance without resting
- Bowel and bladder issues
- Hand or leg weakness or paralysis
- Balance disorders
- Fine motor movement problems
- Spinal fractures
- Spinal dislocation
- Sports-related spinal injuries
- Spinal tumors
- Spine misalignment
Advanced procedures include:
- BESS: Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery
- PLDD: Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression
Get an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment by booking a consultation.
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