Lower back pain is most commonly associated with problems of the spine, but did you know that inflammation and other problems with your internal organs can also cause back pain? This type of pain usually affects one side of the back, near where the organ is located. Irritation, inflammation, or
infection of any of the organs in the central, abdominal, or pelvic region can produce lower back pain. Let’s talk about some of the main organs that can cause this pain, and where you can go for an evaluation and treatment: Kidneys help remove liquid waste from the body. When urine contains a lot of chemical substances – more than what the urine can dilute – kidney stones can form, and they can cause a sharp pain in the side and the lower back region. Kidney stones
can also cause other symptoms, such as difficulty urinating and blood in the urine. If the issue is a kidney infection, this can result in lower back pain and fever. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which is an organ that plays an important role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. The pain from pancreatitis may start in your upper abdomen and radiate to your lower back. The pain can be severe and disabling, so be sure to see a doctor right away. The appendix is located in the lower-right abdomen, and its function has recently been determined to be a storehouse of good bacteria. However, it can suddenly become inflamed, causing severe pain that starts in the lower abdomen and travels to the lower back. An inflamed appendix needs to be surgically removed because if it bursts, the leak can cause toxic effects in the body. Inflammation of the large intestine (colon), or ulcerative colitis, can also cause
lower back pain. Other symptoms include abdominal cramps and rectal pain. Lower back pain needs to be evaluated by a doctor in order to find out whether an internal organ is causing it, or exactly what the source of the pain is. Imaging studies and other tests will reveal the cause of your symptoms. Lower back pain can be relieved without
medication or surgery by employing physical therapy. Here at Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness, our experienced medical team provides superior and individualized physical therapy programs for our patients. Our licensed and skilled physical therapists will work with you to relieve your lower back pain and to make your body stronger
and more flexible. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with us, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (512) 284-7192 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We proudly serve Austin, Round Rock, Manor, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Bee Caves, and Hutto – and we
look forward to helping you enjoy less back pain and more living! OverviewWhat is lower right back pain? What does it feel like?Lower right back pain can feel mild like a dull ache, moderate like a heavy weight or severe with a piercing stab. The pain can come and go or last a long time. Pain can radiate, which means it can spread from one place in your body to another. For example, the nerves that are part of your kidneys are connected to the nerves attached to the ligaments and tissues in your back. So, if your kidneys hurt, you might also feel pain in your back, including the lower right section of your back. How common is lower right back pain?Around 80% of people in the U.S. experience back pain at some point in their life. It’s unclear how many experience pain in the lower right section, specifically. Is lower right back pain normal in early pregnancy?Yes. Lower back pain — on the left or the right side — is very common in those who are pregnant. Symptoms and CausesWhat causes lower right back pain? What is lower right back pain a symptom of?Causes of lower right back pain can be divided into two categories: mechanical problems and underlying conditions. Mechanical problems have to do with the bones and tissues in your back — your ligaments, spine, tendons and muscles. Underlying conditions are disorders of your organs. Pain from conditions that affect your organs can radiate to your back. Mechanical problems: Soft tissues:
Spine:
Underlying conditions:
People assigned female at birth:
People assigned male at birth:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is lower right back pain diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will interview you. They’ll want to know about your symptoms, how severe they are, how long you’ve had them and more. Be sure to not just tell them about your back pain, but also about any other symptoms you have. For example, if you also have pain while urinating, fatigue, blood in your stool, etc., let your provider know. Which healthcare providers evaluate and diagnose lower right back pain?Your primary healthcare provider can help first. They’ll send you to a specialist if needed. Management and TreatmentHow long will I have lower right back pain?How long you’ll have lower right back pain depends on the cause. Pain from strains can last a few days. Pain from kidney stones will last until the stones are passed or removed. Pain from degeneration may last a lifetime, depending. How is lower right back pain treated?How your lower right back pain is treated depends on the cause. A few examples of treatments include: Stretching and/or massage, for:
Surgery, for:
Antibiotics, for:
Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®), for.
Physical therapy and strengthening exercises:
What kind of healthcare provider treats lower right back pain?Your primary healthcare provider may be able to help you with most causes of lower right back pain. But, if needed, they can refer you to a specialist, physical therapist or surgeon. How soon after treatment will I feel better?If your pain is caused by a urinary tract infection, your pain may be gone after the seven to 10-day course of antibiotics. If it’s caused by endometriosis, the pain might be with you longer as that’s a lifelong issue. When you talk to your healthcare provider about the cause of your pain, find out what the timeline is. PreventionCan lower right back pain be prevented?Some causes of back pain, including injuries like sprains and strains, may be prevented. You can do so by stretching before sports and crouching instead of leaning over to lift something. Outlook / PrognosisCan lower right back pain go away on its own?Yes, some causes of back pain can go away on their own. Treatment can get rid of the pain faster. When can I return to my normal activities?Talk to your healthcare provider about a timeline regarding when you can get back to your normal activities. Can lower right back pain return after it’s been treated?Yes. Living WithCan I live a normal life with lower right back pain?Yes but, without treatment, the pain could get worse. When should I contact my healthcare provider?See your healthcare provider soon if your lower right back pain is severe, constant or getting worse. You should see a provider quicker if you have lower right back pain plus:
When should I go to the emergency department?Lower right back pain is sometimes a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the emergency department if:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Keep a careful eye on your symptoms. You may want to keep a record of when you experience lower right back pain, how severe it is and if there are other symptoms along with it. This can help your healthcare provider diagnose and treat you. Remember: The pain in the lower right part of your back can sometimes be as minor as a sprain that can be fixed with time and ice packs, but it can be as major as a spinal tumor. Report your symptoms to your healthcare provider so that they can give you the right diagnosis, and then the right treatment. If you don’t get treatment for pain caused by, for example, a kidney or liver problem, there could be permanent damage done to those organs. What causes lower back pain and lower abdominal pain on the right side?Possible causes of lower back pain on the right side include sprains and strains, kidney stones, infections, and conditions that affect the intestines or reproductive organs. People should consult a doctor if they experience lower back pain that does not improve with rest or affects their daily life.
Can lower back pain cause front abdominal pain?Lower back pain that radiates to the front abdomen may occur together in a rare, serious medical condition called abdominal aortic aneurysm. Classic symptoms include: A continuous, stabbing pain of severe intensity felt deep in the abdomen between the sternum in the center of the chest and the belly button.
Why is my stomach and back hurting on the right side?Pain on the right side of the abdomen can be caused by conditions such as appendicitis, hernia, kidney issues, reproductive system issues, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, or even gas. There are many possible reasons for discomfort in your right abdominal region.
What causes lower back pain that radiates to the front?Summary. Lower back pain may radiate toward the front of the pelvis for a number of reasons. Some of the most common sources of this type of pain include spinal injuries, bulging discs, nerve root irritation, and changes that occur during pregnancy.
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