Pain is a sign that something is wrong. Pain can warn a person that he has been wounded or that he has a medical condition that needs attention. Pain can be severe or mild, constant or intermittent, sharp or dull and in one specific place or radiating to other parts of the body. Pain that never goes away is chronic. Sometimes pain goes away by itself, and the cause is never known. Diagnosing the cause of pain begins with pinpointing the location of the discomfort.
Abdominal Conditions
Pain on the right side of the abdomen could be caused by a large number of conditions. Two of the more common causes of right-sided abdominal pain are appendicitis and gallbladder disease -- both serious conditions that need to be treated by a doctor. The liver is located on the right side of the abdomen, just under the ribcage. Liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, can cause discomfort on the right side. The pancreas is also located on the right side, and pancreatic problems may cause pain. Digestive problems, such as duodenal ulcers, can cause pain. Hernias, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are also digestive disorders that bring-right sided pain in the abdomen.
Reproductive Problems
Reproductive problems, such as an ectopic pregnancy or an ovarian cyst, can bring pain to a female. Males may experience problems with one testicle, as in cases of testicular cancer or torsion. Testicular torsion involves a testicle becoming twisted around the spermatic cord. The blood supply to the testicle gets cut off, preventing the delivery of oxygen and causing swelling and sudden pain, according to UrologyHealth. Testicles may also get inflamed and infected.
Problems in the Back or Flank
Pain may present in the back or in the flank. Spinal problems like slipped or ruptured disks can cause pain on one side as the bones in the back, or vertebrae, grind against one another and pinch the nerves. Back pain may also be caused by kidney stones or other urinary problems. A back injury can cause pain radiating down one leg or arm in addition to the pulled muscles in the back.
Respiratory Infections
Some respiratory illnesses, like pneumonia, may affect only one lung, causing right-sided pain. Upper respiratory infections may cause one lung to be more irritated than the other. Conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may affect the right lung. Smoking may also cause irritation to one lung. Costochondritis is inflammation of the connective tissue between the rib and chest bone, according to MedlinePlus.
Arthritis in Shoulder
Arthritis in the shoulder or a rotator cuff injury may cause pain in the right shoulder, especially when moving the right arm.
Head, Ear and Dental Problems
Pain on one side of the head may be caused by migraines, cluster headaches or sinus infections. Problems in the right ear may cause pain on that side of the head. Dental problems can cause pain on the affected side of the jaw. Brain tumors may also cause pain on one side of the head.
