Right side back pain can cause too much of discomfort and irritation. This is a very common ailment, especially in adults. Here we shall look into some of the possible causes of back pain on the right side.

Back pain is generally difficult to diagnose and treat, since there can be plenty of reasons behind this discomfort. Moreover, any type of back pain, be it on the left or right side, prohibits an individual from smooth body movements and one has to continue with his daily chores while bearing the severe or dull back pain. As mentioned earlier, back pain on the right side is quite common and most adults face this problem at least once in their lifetime. The most common cause of back pain is straining of the back muscles due to a wrong posture or due to lifting excessive weight. However, there are certain causes of right side back pain that may require emergency treatment. Thus, it is necessary to be well aware of all the possible causes that can lead to back pain on the right side.

Causes

Pain in the right side of the back, can be acute or chronic. Acute pain is a sharp pain marked by a sudden onset, and it lasts for a short time; chronic pain, on the other hand, is one that persists for a long time. Given below is a list of the causes of back pain on right side.

Slipped Disc: Vertebrae is a chain of small bones that protect the spinal cord. Between each consecutive vertebra, there is a disc made up of cartilage tissues. The discs act as shock absorbers and provide flexibility to the spine. A prolapsed disc, or slipped disc as it is commonly known as, is a condition where the soft inner tissue of the disc protrudes through a weak spot on the outer cartilaginous tissue. This condition is also referred to as a herniated disc, and causes pressure on the spinal nerves, which further leads to inflammation and pain in the lower right or left side of the back.

Improper Posture: Improper posture is a very common cause. Use of stiff chairs at work for long hours can cause back pain in the right side. Even a wrong posture while sleeping or walking can cause pain on the right side of the back. This is an acute type of back pain that can be relieved with some simple stretching exercises and the use of certain topical creams.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome is an intestinal disorder that causes problems in the colon (large intestine). The actual cause of IBS is not clear as yet, but there are certain factors that can trigger this condition. These factors include, dietary allergies, stress and hormonal disorders. Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, headache and backache are some of the symptoms of IBS.

In addition to the causes discussed above, there are a few other possible causes of back pain on the right side.

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Kidney Stone/Infection
• Obesity
• Sciatica

Diagnosis and Treatment

Owing to the many causes of right side back pain, correct diagnosis can prove to be difficult. Back pain on the right side usually disappears on its own if the cause is not severe. However, if the pain sustains for a longer period of time, it is better to consult a doctor at the earliest. The doctor will study your medical history and conduct some tests to find the exact cause of the pain. There are certain imaging tests like CT scan, X-rays and MRI that can help diagnose the cause. The treatment completely depends on the cause. Certain causes like IBS may require dietary changes, while pain due to slipped disc can be alleviated with physical therapy exercises. It is also important that you take precautionary measures so that you will not experience the pain again. Adopt a correct posture while walking, sleeping and sitting, to avoid right side back pain.

This was a summary on the causes and treatment for right side back pain. If you experience such a pain, take an immediate appointment with your doctor for prompt diagnosis and treatment.