Lower right back pain is quite a common occurrence. Medically referred to as lumbar pain, this is a complaint that you will get to hear quite often. Various symptoms are present in association with lower right back pain, some of which are we going to list here:
- The pain can either be dull or have a stabbing or shooting sensation
- Difficulty in moving and standing straight
- Weakness in legs
- Fever
- Pain on exertion
- Loss of bladder control
Causes
We are now going to shed some light on the conditions that can lead to lower right back pain.
1. Muscle strain
This is one of the most common causes of lumbar pain. A muscle strain occurs when there is excessive stretching of the muscle, which then leads to it tearing and getting damaged.
Some things that can lead to muscle strains include lifting heavy objects, movements that exert excessive stress on the lower back region, poor posture and sports injuries among other things.
2. Kidney pain
Problems related to the kidney can also lead to the development of pain in the lower right back region. Conditions such as kidney stone, renal obstruction, and dehydration are common sources of pain in the region.
3. Herniated disc
The center of a lumbar disc has a jelly-like consistency. It can sometimes manage to break through the outer layer and cause irritation of the nerve root located nearby.
This herniated portion is enriched with proteins that lead to inflammation upon reaching the nerve root. This along with nerve compression is responsible for lumbar pain. There is a rich supply of nerve fibers on the disc wall, so when a tear occurs through the wall, severe pain is experienced.
4. Degenerative disc disease
With age, the intervertebral discs tend to wear down due to the loss of hydration. As a result, the discs lose their ability to resist force and transfer the force to the disc wall. This can lead to the development of tears on the wall, thereby leading to pain. It can also cause herniation. A collapse of the disc can result in stenosis.
5. Facet joint dysfunction
Two facet joints are present behind each disc which has cartilage between the bones. Capsular ligament surrounds them which have a rich supply of nerves. These joints can become painful, thereby leading to lower right back pain.
6. Spinal stenosis
Pain occurs when the spinal canal narrows in the region where the nerve roots are present. The narrowing can occur at multiple levels and can be central, foraminal, or both.
7. Osteoarthritis
This occurs from the wearing and tearing of the disc along with the facet joints. The condition results in pain, inflammation, and stenosis at either single or multiple levels of the spine.
8. Trauma
This is also a rather common cause of lower right back pain. Acute fractures can lead to the development of pain. It is quite common to experience pain in the region following an accident or fall.
9. Compression fracture
In the case of a fracture of the cylindrical vertebra where the bone caves in on itself, there is an onset of sudden pain in the region. The fracture can occur owing to weak bones. It is more common in old people.
Popular and Simple Remedies
A permanent treatment of lower right back pain depends on its cause. We are going to provide you with some popular remedies that have proven to be rather effective in providing relief from the pain.
1. Reduce the duration of bed rest
According to studies, people who rest more experience pain in the lower back region more commonly as compared to people who adopt an active lifestyle. Therefore, it is advisable to limit the duration of bed rest that you acquire. Quick mobilization can ensure that lower right back pain is not something that you have to endure.
2. Exercise
To deal with lumbar pain in the best way possible, you need to make sure you remain as active as possible. It does not have to be anything strenuous or rigorous. A simple walk would suffice. However, make sure you do not overdo it. Excessive straining can lead to the aggravation of pain.
3. Maintain a good posture
Poor posture is quite a common cause of lower right back pain as it leads to excessive strain on the back. Therefore, maintaining a good posture can save you from quite a bit of trouble. It is the little things that influence the condition of your back.
Perhaps you have a poor posture while you are learning or maybe you are unable to stand straight. Maintaining the curvature of the back can make it certain that the pressure on the region is alleviated, which leads to a decrease in back pain.
4. Strengthen the core
You should focus on enhancing the strength of your back. It is important to keep in mind that a torso comprises of numerous groups of muscles that work together. When the abdominal muscles are weak, there is an impact on the other group as well.
Therefore, if the strain on the lower back is reduced, it will strengthen the abdominal muscles that would prove to be of great help.
5. Be flexible
Tension and tightness can lead to back pain which is why you need to make an effort to improve your flexibility. This ensures that equal load is spread throughout the body.
One way to do so is by sitting on the edge of the bed and extending one leg while the other one is on the floor. You should then stretch your hamstrings by leaning forward while making an effort to keep the back straight.
6. Apply ice and heat
If comfort from pain is to be acquired, using heating pads and cold packs can be effective. If you sustain an injury which is responsible for the pain, it is advisable to apply ice packs for the first 48 hours following the injury and then make a switch to heating pads.
There is no fixed rule as to which is more effective. You can make use of ice packs or heating pads depending on what provides you with the comfort you desire.
7. Sleeping
It is important to get an adequate amount of rest. The sleeping position you adopt is of importance as well. If you sleep in a bad position or make use of a mattress that fails to provide you with proper support, you will experience an aggravation of your pain.
It is advisable to sleep with pillows under your knees if you are a back sleeper. In case you sleep sideways, you should place pillows between the knees. This would serve to maintain the neutral position of the spine.
It is advisable to avoid sleeping on the stomach as this can lead to excessive stress on the back.
8. Quit smoking
Not many people are aware that smoking can also lead to back pain. This is because nicotine leads to the constriction of small blood vessels, thereby causing a reduction in the blood delivered to the soft tissue.
9. Relaxation techniques
One can also experience lower right back pain when they are under stress or suffering from anxiety. Talk therapy is an effective way of dealing with the stress, which can help alleviate the pain. You can also make use of various relaxation techniques including the likes of meditation, deep breathing, and yoga for this purpose.
When to see a doctor
Seeing a doctor is of utmost importance. This is because lower right back pain can be a sign of some potential life-threatening conditions. Hence, it is important to make sure you are not negligent. Timely medical intervention can make a world of difference.
You should seek medical attention if you experience any of these signs:
- The pain is chronic and refuses to go away despite all measures
- You are at the extremes of the aging spectrum
- There is tenderness in your spine
- Unexplained fever with chills is present
- Presence of weight loss
- Loss of control over urinary bladder and bowel movements
- History of autoimmune diseases in the family and the onset of pain is gradual and progressive with other symptoms such as morning stiffness, joint pain, rashes and poor digestion
- You experience numbness, weakness or tingling sensation in the legs which are aggravated when you lift heavy objects. This pain can be unilateral or bilateral
Seeking medical help at the right time can make a world of difference as there is a high chance that the condition is detected at an early stage. This ensures that treatment is commenced soon.
Therefore, if you have lower right back pain, you need to pay attention to other symptoms that you are experiencing as well.
