Lower back pain is a common phenomenon experienced by many people. If the pain is localized to the right side of your body and sits just above your buttocks, don’t ignore it! This pain could be a symptom of an underlying medical problem.
If possible, try and visit a doctor for help with your lower back pain right side above buttocks. But if you’re unsure about whether or not you can remedy yourself without a doctor, keep reading this article.
Below is a detailed explanation of potential causes behind the pain and how you should address them.
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Causes of Lower Back Pain Right Side Above Buttocks
Back pain felt on the lower right side is a popular side-effect of many different medical conditions. Some of these are serious and may require formal treatment, especially if the pain persists chronically. However, this isn’t always the case; pain felt right above your right buttock can stem from more mundane causes, too.
Let’s explore potential reasons behind lower back pain (on the right side) below:
Sciatica
Sciatica results from an injury to the sciatic nerve, which courses its way down either leg. Generally, the sciatic nerve incurs damage when extreme amounts of pressure are applied to it.
Lower back pain on one side of the body is a classic symptom of sciatica. In some cases, your leg may sense a tingly feeling or shooting pain, too. However, this pain isn’t limited to just the right side. Depending on which leg has been affected, either side of your lower back may hurt. However, because sciatica also does apply to the right side.
Though sciatica is a more serious condition than most, you’ll be relieved to know that most people recover without surgery. Symptoms may appear without warning but can go away over a few days or multiple weeks.
Muscle Strain
Another common reason behind lower back pain on your right side is muscle strain. Lifting heavy objects may cause you to overextend the muscles in your lower back. This can manifest as localized pain and may feel like an awful cramp. In some cases, the pain may extend over to your right leg, too.
Cysts
Cysts occur when your spine undergoes noteworthy degenerative changes. A cyst may grow over time and exert pressure upon your spinal nerve root. As a result, you may experience lower back pain. If the cyst is skewed towards the right, the pain will occur in the right side of your lower back. You may also experience a tingling sensation in the legs, numbness, and weakness.
Tumor
A tumor can exert pressure upon your spinal cord. Note that the spinal cord is not the same as your spinal nerve root. The latter is typically affected by cysts and not tumors.
Tumors are of two kinds: cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Tumors neighboring your spinal cord can cause lower back pain that may extend into the buttocks or leg. You may also experience issues with bowel movement, trouble when walking, and muscle weakness (particularly in the bladder muscles).
Kidney Stones
Though kidney stones exist inside the kidney, they can cause pain in your lower back, too. This is because your lower back muscles neighbor your kidneys.
If you’ve developed kidney stones within your right kidney, the pain will shoot through the right half of your lower back. However, this isn’t the only symptom. People with kidney stones typically experience pain when urinating and general irritation in their abdominal region. You may also note cloudy or bloody urine as well as a burning sensation when using the bathroom. Fever, vomiting, and nausea are common too.
Back pain caused by kidney stones will be sharp and strong. You’ll be able to feel it acutely in a distinct spot on your lower back.
People with kidney stones should try and drink as much water as possible. Other fluids, like fresh organic juice, can help, too. Painkillers may ease the pain, but it’s better to ask a doctor before taking one to avoid complications.
If the stone is too large, you may need to have it surgically removed. Luckily, smaller stones can pass out of their own. Stocking up on fluids can facilitate the process.
Gallstones
Some people may develop stones within their gallbladder. These, too, can create a painful sensation in your lower back region. The gallbladder is located in the right half of your body. Hence, pain stemming from gallstones can be felt on the right side of your lower back and not the left.
If you are regularly consuming large amounts of unhealthy fat, you have a high chance of gallstone development. However, if your diet doesn’t seem to be the problem, your lower back pain may be due to something else.
Scoliosis
People with scoliosis, which features chronic spine deviation, are at higher risk of developing one-sided lower back pain. The pain stems from muscle strain caused by spinal misalignment. So, if you have a history of chronic scoliosis, your back pain may be due to this reason.
Individuals with scoliosis can recover from their chronic back pain with appropriate physiotherapy. Medication is generally not needed, so there’s no need to worry. However, you should try seeking medical care as soon as you can. Delaying physiotherapy is never a good idea. If ignored for too long, your muscles may lose the ability to retreat to their original form.
Appendicitis
The appendix is located toward’ the right side of your abdomen. When infected, the appendix can become inflamed and cause severe localized pain. This includes your dorsal and ventral lower abdomen, which is why your back may experience sudden pain, too.
Symptoms of appendicitis aren’t limited to lower back pain. They may include feeling bloated, nauseous, throwing up, experiencing bowel dysfunction, appetite loss, and localized swelling, too. Taking note of these symptoms can help you decide whether or not your appendix is the culprit behind your pain.
Appendix problems are fully treatable but should not be neglected for too long. So, if you suspect your appendix may be inflamed, rush to the hospital right now! Sharp, shooting pain and discomfort within the right-sided abdominal area should not be ignored at any cost.
If the doctor diagnoses you with appendicitis, you may need to undergo immediate surgery. Luckily, the process is fast and relatively painless. Appendix-removal surgery is called an appendectomy.
Kidney Infection
A kidney infection should not be confused with kidney stones. If your kidney is infected, you may experience pain in your lower back. This may be limited to the right side or spread across the entire region. It depends upon which kidney is affected and to what extent.
Dark or cloudy urine is also a popular symptom, as is bloody urine. This may be accompanied by a foul smell and burning sensation down there. Nausea, vomiting, chills, and fever are other staple symptoms.
If you suspect a kidney infection, don’t delay your treatment. If left for too long, the infection may spread and worsen with time. Typically, kidney infection treatment includes the use of antibiotics and does not require surgery.
You should also try to drink plenty of water, or else you may fall prey to dehydration.
Endometriosis
Only women can experience endometriosis. This condition relates to the uterus and occurs when its lining extends over the uterus’ prescribed limit. Endometriosis may trigger pain in your lower right side, above the buttocks. The exact location depends upon where the uterine lining has spread to but typically does affect the lower back.
If this sensation is experienced with pelvic pain, severe cramps, spotting, and pain after intercourse, you should get checked for endometriosis.
When to See a Doctor
Most of the medical conditions stated above require formal medical care. Some, like a kidney infection or appendicitis, need to be treated as soon as possible. If your lower back pain overlaps with serious symptoms, like bloody urine, fever, or chronic muscle weakness, see a doctor soon.
If you suspect you have endometriosis, you should consult an expert gynecologist. Endometriosis cannot be shunned by home remedies. There is no cure for it, but it can be calmed with medication. In extreme cases, your doctor may suggest surgery.
Infections should not be ignored, either. An infection in the organs within your lower back region, like your right kidney, can be deadly if left untreated. Again, all those experiencing severe symptoms in addition to pain should seek medical help immediately.
You should also visit the doctor if you suspect a cyst or tumor. Tumors can grow over time if left unattended. They may even metastasize and spread to other parts of the body. Hence seeking immediate treatment is essential. General practitioners can help you rule out the possibility of cysts and tumors.
However, if you’ve recently lifted a heavy object or moved things around the house, your pain may be remedied with some simple domestic treatments. Or, if you have a history of scoliosis, you should visit your physiotherapist before your general practitioner.
Muscle strain and sciatica can be treated at home. We’ll discuss effective practical remedies in the next section.
Remedies for Lower Back Pain on the Right Side Above Buttocks
As noted previously in this article, the exact remedy required to cure this pain depends upon its root cause. If the pain is accompanied by discolored urine, fever, nausea, weak leg muscles, and abdominal pain, home remedies won’t work.
Luckily, some conditions can easily be treated at home, but you may need to consult a doctor once. You may not require repeated visits, though.
Applying Hot Baths and Massage
Strained back muscles can be treated with hot packs, massages, and hot baths. Applying hot packs to the strained area multiple times a day should help.
Be sure to rest and try to avoid stressful situations, too. Stress can make your symptoms worse, so try to practice calming meditations or similar exercises.
Correct Your Sitting Position
Physiotherapy can help with muscle strain, too. However, you may require expert guidance on the topic. Or, you can browse for some helpful stretching poses by yourself.
Avoid sitting on hard seats and try to move around every now and then, especially if you have a desk job at the office. However, be sure to avoid excessively soft seats, too. Sitting on plush pillows can tamper with your posture.
If you suspect you may have sciatica, you can try some home remedies first. If these do not work, visiting a doctor is advisable.
Exercises
For mild to moderate pain, you can try out some helpful posture exercises and stretches. Avoid bending down or walking long distances. Be sure to fix your posture, too! Try and sit up straight so your backbone is vertically aligned with your legs, which should also be straight. Slouching won’t help your condition – it may even make it worse.
Bathing Tips
Bathing with small amounts of Epsom salt may also help. Epsom salt contains magnesium, which is essential for healthy nerve function. Be careful not to add too much Epsom salt to your bath, though! Excessive amounts can cause diarrhea.
Other Remedies
Wearing a brace on your lower back is an excellent idea, too. However, this isn’t a remedy, though it might help with the pain. Individuals with scoliosis can practice physiotherapy at home. Improved posture can help, too. However, it is recommended that individuals with scoliosis visit a professional physiotherapist if possible.
Final Thoughts
Lower back pain on the right side above one’s buttocks can stem from a number of reasons. The ones noted above are the most popular reasons, though there are still many other possibilities behind this pain.
If you’re still unsure about the reason behind your lower back pain, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. Though some conditions are easy to identify, others may be more complicated. Nothing beats an accurate, personalized diagnosis from an expert. But if you’re sure about the reason behind your lower back pain, you can try to treat it at home. Remember, though, that you should only attempt home treatments in the cases noted above. Mild muscle strain, scoliosis, and moderate sciatica can be addressed at home. Anything more serious should not be treated domestically.
