Right Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions - Orthopedics

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Pain in the right lower back?


Hello, doctor.
About a week ago, I spent over ten hours sitting in the same position during a gathering with friends.
The next day, I started experiencing soreness in the upper right side of my lower back (since I use my right hand to carry things).
I used a pain relief patch, which provided some temporary relief, but there hasn't been much improvement.
Recently, I started exercising, and after doing sit-ups, my back began to hurt the next day.
For the past two days, I've also been riding a stationary bike, and I've noticed increasing soreness in my upper right back and right side of my lower back.
Sitting for too long also causes discomfort, and twisting my body results in pain.
However, standing or walking is less painful.
I have a habit of sleeping on my side and spending long hours on the computer.
Could this be due to poor posture and muscle strain? It's been ten days of pain now, and I'm wondering if it could be a kidney issue (I have no swelling, blood in urine, or fever).
Should I go to a family medicine clinic for blood tests? Thank you, doctor.

Ms. Zeng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/12

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics


It might be a muscle strain in your back.
You can try taking some pain relievers, and if that doesn't help, you'll need to see a doctor.

Reply Date: 2017/07/12

More Info


Understanding right lower back pain can be quite complex, as it can stem from various causes, including muscle strain, poor posture, or even underlying medical conditions. Based on your description, it seems that your pain may be primarily related to muscle strain and postural issues, especially considering the prolonged sitting during your gathering and your recent exercise routine.


Possible Causes of Your Pain
1. Muscle Strain: Sitting for extended periods in the same position can lead to muscle fatigue and strain, particularly in the lower back and surrounding areas. This is especially true if you were using your right hand frequently, which could have contributed to an imbalance in muscle use.

2. Poor Posture: Long hours of sitting, especially if you are not maintaining proper posture, can lead to discomfort and pain in the lower back. Slouching or leaning to one side can put extra stress on the muscles and ligaments in your back.

3. Exercise-Related Pain: Starting a new exercise routine, such as doing sit-ups or cycling, can also lead to muscle soreness, particularly if your body is not accustomed to these movements. Overexertion or improper form during exercises can exacerbate existing pain or create new discomfort.

4. Nerve Issues: While less likely given your symptoms, nerve-related issues such as sciatica could also cause pain that radiates from the lower back to the legs. However, this typically presents with additional symptoms like numbness or tingling.

5. Kidney Issues: Although you mentioned not having symptoms like swelling, blood in urine, or fever, kidney problems can sometimes present as lower back pain. However, these are usually accompanied by other symptoms.


Recommendations for Relief
1. Rest and Modify Activities: Give your back some time to heal by avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain. If sitting for long periods is uncomfortable, try to take breaks to stand and stretch.

2. Posture Correction: Focus on maintaining good posture while sitting. Use ergonomic chairs that support your lower back, and ensure your workstation is set up to promote a neutral spine position.

3. Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate gentle stretching exercises for your back and core muscles. Strengthening your core can provide better support for your spine and reduce the likelihood of future pain.

4. Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Heat can relax tight muscles, while cold can numb sharp pain and reduce swelling.

5. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation. However, consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication.

6. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If your pain persists for more than a couple of weeks or worsens, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend imaging studies like an MRI or X-ray to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

7. Physical Therapy: If your pain continues, a physical therapist can provide tailored exercises and treatments to help strengthen your back and improve your posture.


Conclusion
In summary, your right lower back pain is likely due to muscle strain and poor posture from prolonged sitting and recent exercise. While it is essential to monitor your symptoms, especially for any changes that may suggest a more serious issue, implementing the above recommendations can help alleviate your discomfort. If the pain persists or worsens, seeking medical advice would be prudent to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

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