Numerous conditions can cause pain on the right side, or flank, which is the area between the lower ribs and the pelvic bones. It is a common location for pain especially in people with kidney problems. Flank pain is usually unilateral, meaning that it manifests on just one side of the body. Flank pain can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the condition causing the pain.
Shingles
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, shingles is an eruption of blisters along the path of a nerve that is usually accompanied by severe neuralgia or nerve pain. Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles, which usually manifests in a band-like distribution around one side of the torso, is often preceded by burning or tingling pain. Common signs associated with shingles include a red rash that develops several days after the pain begins, itching in the affected area, and fluid-filled blisters that rupture and crust over. Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing shingles, including a previous bout of chickenpox, advanced age, and conditions or medications that weaken the immune system.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can cause excruciating pain in the right side. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, states that kidney stones are hard masses that develop when small crystals separate from the urine and accumulate on the inner surfaces of the kidney. Although most kidney stones are voided from the body without causing pain or other symptoms, some kidney stones may block the flow of urine through the ureter, the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder. According to the NIDDK, kidney stones are most common in Caucasian males. Common symptoms associated with kidney stones include extreme pain in the back, flank and groin, pain that originates in the back and spreads to the lower abdomen and groin over time, pain when urinating, blood in the urine, nausea and vomiting, and the unrelenting urge to urinate.
Adrenal Gland Tumor
The adrenal glands are endocrine glands that are situated above the kidneys. Tumors, both malignant and benign, can manifest in the adrenal gland. In some cases, adrenal gland tumors produce hormones that can cause serious hormonal imbalances. Along with flank pain, common symptoms associated with adrenal gland tumors include elevated blood pressure, low potassium, heart palpitations, nervousness, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, diabetes and abdominal stretch marks. The Baylor College of Medicine states symptoms associated with adrenal gland tumors may mimic those of other diseases or conditions. Primary adrenal gland tumors are tumors that arise within the adrenal glands themselves. There are four principle types of adrenal gland tumor: adenoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma.
