Unlike a sore lower back, the right side of back pain may indicate a serious condition. The common reasons for this pain are muscle strain and degenerative disc disease. Kidney infections and other inflammatory diseases in the abdomen may also be behind it. Thus, it is essential to get a diagnosis to address the issue appropriately. The standard treatments include pain medications, heat and cold therapy, and exercise. Alternative treatments like TENS therapy can also help.
Back pain affects many people at various stages of life. However, it is more likely to develop as a person gets older. Therefore, many seek pain relief to manage their condition. Pain management is also essential to prevent underlying causes from worsening and hindering daily activities. However, the treatments for back pain may vary as much as the causes. In this article, we will present the leading causes of back pain and the treatment methods available.
Right Side of Back Pain: Leading Causes
Muscle strains or injury and neurological disorders are the likely causes of back pain on the right side. A person may incur muscle or soft tissue injury due to sports or overuse. It is typical for people with poor posture or whose work involves repetitive motions or heavy lifting. In most cases, minor tears resolve on their own with rest after a few days or weeks.
Structural or spinal cord problems are another cause of back pain. Disorders affecting the back include spinal stenosis, disc herniation, bone spurs, and lumbar radiculopathy. They involve the degeneration of the bones and discs, resulting in spine pain. In particular, lumbar radiculopathy, also known as sciatica, is the inflammation of the nerve root in the lower back.
Moreover, kidney infections, kidney stones, and infections in the internal organs are also the underlying causes of right-sided back pain. These conditions often manifest severe pain and require medical attention. Ignoring them may worsen the condition or cause complications. Thus, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the exact cause of the pain.
Risk Factors And Symptoms
Risk Factors
- Age – a person is more prone to develop back pain due to wear and tear of the joints.
- Weight – having extra weight may stress the spine and increase the risk of back pain.
- Genetics – some people are more prone to developing back pain due to a family history of such conditions.
- Bad posture and body mechanics.
- Weak muscles – muscle imbalances or weak core muscles increase the risk of strain.
Symptoms
- Dull or sharp pain on the right side of the back.
- Limited range of motion or stiffness.
- Numbness or tingling sensation.
- Muscle spasms or cramping in the back.
Right Side of Back Pain: Standard Treatment Options
Many people relieve the right side of back pain by taking counter pain relievers and home remedies like heat and ice. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen help reduce swelling and pain. This is suitable for short-term relief of mild back pain. A medical professional may also prescribe stronger painkillers or antibiotics for infection-related causes.
Ice and heat therapy is an effective natural method to help reduce inflammation and boost blood circulation. Alternating cold and hot compress may first numb the area and alleviate pain. For back injuries, apply ice packs first for 20 minutes to help constrict the blood vessels. Then, heat will loosen tensed muscles and reduce stiffness.
If the cause of back pain is muscle strain, physical therapy plays a vital role in restoring mobility and strengthening the back muscles. Stretches and aerobic activities are some of the therapeutic and preventive measures for back pain. Physical therapists also teach proper posture and body mechanics to prevent further injuries.
When To See A Doctor
It is vital to seek urgent medical care if the back pain is severe and does not improve with standard treatments. Also, consult a doctor if the pain lasts over two weeks and interferes with daily life. Additional symptoms to be aware of are if the intense pain comes with fever, chills, and bladder and bowel problems.
Serious issues, such as kidney infections or appendicitis, require medical intervention and should not be ignored. Additionally, if the person experiences numbness or tingling in the legs or unexplained weight loss. Nevertheless, it is important to seek advice even if the pain is not severe.
Right Side of Back Pain: TENS As An Alternative Pain Relief
An alternative method for the treatment of back pain on the right side is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). It is a non-invasive, drug-free therapy that uses low-voltage electrical pulses. It delivers the pulses from the electrodes through the skin to reach the underlying nerves. This technique helps disrupt the pain signals sent to the brain and release endorphins.
A TENS machine is a portable, programmable device to suit different types and levels of pain. It is widely used for chronic and acute back pain, such as sciatica, fibromyalgia, and herniated discs. The gentle impulses also help boost circulation to reduce inflammation and ease muscle soreness and tension. This is beneficial for those with sports injuries and post-surgical pain.
The device consists of adhesive electrode pads placed on the skin. To use TENS, position the pads around the pain area and adjust the settings. Start with low intensity and gradually increase. The sensation should feel strong but comfortable. However, like any medical device, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for usage and safety guidelines.
Advantages of TENS
TENS therapy offers several advantages for pain relief. Firstly, it is a non-invasive and drug-free method. It provides targeted pain relief through pad placement without risking the vital organs. Moreover, since it does not use drugs, it does not have its associated side effects and has no potential for developing a dependency or overdose.
The device is discreet and portable and can be used on the go. It allows movement during the session. It can also be administered independently with no professional supervision. Lastly, it is versatile for many pain conditions.
Conclusion
The right side of back pain can cause extreme discomfort, affecting daily routines. The common causes of back pain are muscle strains or tissue injuries. Underlying spinal injury also lead to chronic back pain. However, pain on the right side of the back may indicate a more serious condition that needs urgent medical intervention. The possible causes are kidney infection, kidney stones, and appendicitis. Individuals should see a doctor if the pain is severe and persistent.
Depending on the cause of the pain, individuals may employ standard treatments like medicines, home remedies, and physical therapy. OTC medicines like NSAIDs can help reduce inflammation. Likewise, exercises and applying heat and cold packs provide natural pain relief. Furthermore, TENS therapy is a cost-efficient alternative for relieving pain through mild electrical impulses. Overall, effective pain management depends on what works for you. You may combine several methods to find the most optimal results.
