Wondering what causes middle back pain on right side? This article will explain why we sometimes experience pain on the right side of our middle back, and what we can do about it. Read on to know some tips on curing this back problem as well.
There are times when our back aches, and we conclude that we probably slept in a wrong posture or worked out a bit too much in the gym. But then there are times when we can feel the pain around our middle back, on the right side increasing in its intensity and getting us more worried. Why does the back pain only one side? Is this serious? Well, the back pains only on one side because only that particular area is affected. Sometimes it is severe, sometimes it isn't, depending upon the causes listed below. In most cases, this pain, if experienced during pregnancy, is considered normal; the pressure increases with the increasing size of the uterus. However, urinary tract infections are also a cause.
Know What Causes Pain Around Your Middle Back
Gas
This is another reason for the pain you maybe experiencing. Though not very common, this can lead to back pain. If a lot of gas is accumulated in your body, the excess might put pressure on your back. However, if the pain is caused by gas, it will not be consistent nor will it last long in terms of days. The pain will be felt in intervals for a very short duration.
Muscle Spasms
One of the most common causes for such pain is muscle strain or muscle spasms. When you are standing or sitting, your muscles in the middle back don't only support your spinal cord but also your ribs. Continuous sitting in one place can lead to muscle spasms. An incorrect posture will add to these muscle spasms. Similarly, muscle strains also cause middle back pain at times. Again, muscle strains might be a result of a bad posture or some trauma that might have been caused to the back, in that particular portion.
Pinched Nerves
Pinched nerves can also lead to middle back pain. If you are wondering what pinched nerves are, the meaning is simple. Your nerves get a pinch. There are two reasons for this. First, a slipped disc or second, short and inflexible muscles. This can cause middle back pain and the pain can stay for a longer duration. If the problems are with inflexible muscles, working out, stretching, and some exercises can prove to be helpful. Don't try any of these without asking the doctor.
Gallstones
Gallstones or an inflamed bladder are the second most common middle back pain causes, specially on the right side. An unhealthy diet or too much of drinking can sometimes lead to the formation of gallstones, which are in a way hardened cholesterol stones. If these increase in their size, they inflame the bladder. At times, these are also said to affect the kidney. This pain, at times, can also reach the level of your right shoulder. This condition can be detected by an ultrasound or CT scan.
Slipped Disc
To clear some confusion, a slipped disc is also called a protruding disc, herniated disc or a bulging disc. Most of us know what a slipped disc is. For those who don't, a slip disc is a condition wherein the soft material (nucleus pulposus) inside the spinal discs protrudes and in the process applies pressure on the nerves. This pressure applied on the nerves is what causes pain. This pain can spread to other areas as well. If the pain is consistent for sometime, it is time you go visit the doctor.
Now that you know what causes middle back pain on right side, you can try to diagnose what must be causing this pain. However, don't treat yourself. If the pain is consistent for 2 days or more, go visit a doctor immediately. Conditions like a slipped disc can be very harmful at times. Middle back pain relief can be obtained by sleeping and sitting in a right posture, and then, depending on the middle back pain symptoms that you specifically experience, your doctor will advise specific treatment.