Morning Right Lower Back Pain and Abdominal Discomfort: What Could It Be?

Q: Morning Right Lower Back Pain and Abdominal Discomfort: What Could It Be?

Dear Ms. <br>Y：<br>1. <br>There are many potential causes for right lower back pain in women, often including considerations such as kidney and urinary tract stones, acute or chronic pyelonephritis, acute appendicitis, bowel obstruction, endometriosis, ovarian torsion, ectopic pr

This morning, I experienced pain in my lower right back and abdominal pain as well?

Hello, doctor.
For the past two days, I have been waking up at 6 AM due to a dull ache in my right lower back and abdominal pain (sometimes it feels like I need to have a bowel movement, but other times it feels similar to menstrual cramps).
The pain wakes me up, but a few hours after getting up, I feel fine again.
I would like to know what the possible issue could be and if I need to seek medical attention urgently, as I am hesitant to go to the hospital during the pandemic.

Ms. Y, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/06

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Ms.
Y:
1.
There are many potential causes for right lower back pain in women, often including considerations such as kidney and urinary tract stones, acute or chronic pyelonephritis, acute appendicitis, bowel obstruction, endometriosis, ovarian torsion, ectopic pregnancy, and early herpes zoster, among others.
Of course, there are many other possibilities as well.
2.
It is recommended that you have your mother accompany you to discuss your symptoms with your family physician before making any decisions; alternatively, you may go directly to a regional hospital's surgical or obstetrics and gynecology outpatient department to clarify the issues regarding your discomfort.

Reply Date: 2021/07/06

More Info

Morning right lower back pain and abdominal discomfort can be concerning symptoms, especially when they disrupt your sleep and daily activities. Based on the information provided, there are several potential causes for these symptoms, and it’s important to consider both musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal factors.

1. Musculoskeletal Issues: The right lower back pain could be related to muscle strain or tension. If you have been sleeping in an awkward position or have engaged in any physical activity that may have strained your back, this could lead to discomfort. Additionally, conditions such as sciatica, where the sciatic nerve is compressed, can cause pain that radiates from the lower back to the abdomen.

2. Gastrointestinal Factors: The abdominal discomfort, especially if it feels like a need to have a bowel movement, could be related to gastrointestinal issues. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, or even early signs of appendicitis could present with similar symptoms. The fact that the pain is relieved after a few hours of being awake may suggest that it is related to digestive processes that occur after eating or moving around.

3. Kidney or Urinary Tract Issues: Given that the pain is localized to the right side, it’s also important to consider potential kidney issues, such as kidney stones or infections. These conditions can cause referred pain to the lower back and abdominal area. If you experience any additional symptoms such as fever, chills, or changes in urination, it would be crucial to seek medical attention.

4. Gynecological Concerns: If you are female, gynecological issues such as ovarian cysts or endometriosis could also cause pain in the lower abdomen and back. These conditions can sometimes mimic gastrointestinal discomfort and may require evaluation by a healthcare provider.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to monitor them closely. If the pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as fever, significant changes in bowel habits, or urinary changes, it would be prudent to seek medical evaluation. While the pandemic has made many hesitant to visit healthcare facilities, telemedicine options are available and can provide a safe way to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider.

In summary, while your symptoms may not indicate an immediate emergency, they warrant further investigation to rule out any serious underlying conditions. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to health concerns, especially if they affect your quality of life.

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