Many conditions and injuries can cause right-sided back pain. According to Back.com------an online resource for back pain symptoms and treatment options------back pain can be either short term or long term. Acute back pain is more likely to manifest in one area, such as the left or right side of the back. Right-sided back pain can be caused by traumatic injuries, sports injuries, and certain musculoskeletal and digestive health conditions.
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection can cause right-sided back pain. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, urinary tract infections are a common health problem, affecting millions of people every year. Any part of the urinary tract can become infected, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The NIDDK states that, in most cases, urinary tract infections begin in the urethra. Infection of the urethra is called urethritis. If left unchecked, the infection can move up the urinary tract, affecting the bladder, ureters and kidneys. Common signs and symptoms associated with a urinary tract infection include back pain, the frequent urge to urinate, burning during urination, general malaise or feeling bad all over, pressure above the pubic bone and decreased urine output. According to the NIDDK, in some cases, a person's urine will appear cloudy or reddish, if blood is present.
Scapular Fracture
A right-sided scapular fracture can cause back pain on the right side. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, states that scapular fractures or fractures of the shoulder blade are rare, accounting for less than 1 percent of all fractures. Scapular fractures are usually caused by high-energy injuries, such as those sustained during a motor vehicle accident or a fall from a great height. Because a significant force is usually required to fracture the scapula, other injuries may also occur, such as broken ribs and head, lung and spinal cord injuries. According to the AAOS, along with back pain, common signs and symptoms associated with scapular fractures include severe pain with affected-side arm movement, swelling around the back of the shoulder and skin lesions or cuts. In some cases, a broken shoulder blade can lead to chronic shoulder pain and disability.
Lumbar Muscle Strain
A lumbar muscle strain can cause back pain on the right side. According to the Sports Injury Clinic website, lower back or lumbar muscle strains------a stretch or rupture of lower back muscle fibers------can occur following a sudden, unguarded movement or repetitive movements or when trying to lift an object that's too heavy. In some cases, pain is not immediate, but comes on gradually as the injured muscle or muscles tighten up. In most cases, a lumbar muscle strain is the result of stress and strain that's accumulated over weeks and months. Common signs and symptoms associated with lumbar muscle strains include a sharp pain on the affected side; swelling or bruising over the involved area; and reduced trunk active range of motion, including forward and sideways bending. Most lumbar muscle strains respond well to conservative care strategies, such as manual therapy, gentle stretching exercises and certain physical therapy modalities.
