Low back pain is one of the most common types of back pain. Although it is often related to muscle pain due to overexertion or poor posture, in other cases, it can be the sign of a more serious problem in the lumbar spine, or even in internal organs.
In this article, we present an overview of the most common causes of low back pain, and how you can prevent or relieve the pain.
Why does low back pain appear on the right side?
Low back pain can stem from a number of causes. In some cases, the pain may be due to problems with muscles or the spinal column, and in others, it may have to do with internal organs that share nerve endings with the back.
Although feeling pain on the right side of your lower back as opposed to the left does not always indicate something specific, it does mean that it is important to identify the cause in order to take the appropriate steps.
1. Muscle problems
Muscle pain is the most common cause of low back pain, also called lumbago. It is usually brought on by:
- Muscle strain caused by sudden physical effort.
- Overexertion from intense physical activity without warming up.
- Tension or stress.
- Using poor posture for long periods of time.
This type of low back pain involves specific muscles and usually appears while performing the activity that causes it, or shortly afterwards. We recommend that you consult a specialist if your muscle pain lasts more than three days, increases in intensity, you begin to have a fever, or if its appearance corresponds to taking any medication.
2. Wear on the intervertebral discs
The intervertebral discs of the spine act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae and help keep the back straight, while allowing movement. Over time, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, become more fragile and less flexible, and this can lead to low back pain, especially when sitting.
Check with a doctor immediately if your pain worsens day by day, or if you note weakness, tingling, or numbness in your legs, or loss of bowel and bladder control.
How to prevent and relieve lower right back pain
The appropriate treatment will vary depending on the origin of the pain, but the following simple steps may help relieve and prevent it:
- To relieve pain and inflammation, use an ice pack or a heating pad on the lower back for 30 minutes every 3 hours.
- Lift objects by bending your knees, squatting, and holding the load close to your chest as you raise it.
- Relieve muscle tension by doing some gentle stretching exercises every day.
Low back pain in the morning: why it happens and what you can do about it
Some people experience stiffness and low back pain when they get out of bed in the morning. If this is your case, check your bed. A mattress that is too firm or in poor condition may not support your spine correctly, and not allow you to keep your back straight while you sleep, so your muscles contract during the night to compensate.
Recommendations:
- Check that the base on which the mattress rests is in good condition.
- Make sure your mattress is of medium firmness so it respects the natural curvature of the spine.
- Make sure you sleep in a position that keeps your spine and lower back aligned.
See a specialist
Low back pain is not always a simple temporary discomfort. If you experience back pain that interferes with your daily life, you can make an appointment with one of our spine specialists to find out what the cause is, and what the best treatment options are for your case. Taking the right steps in time is the key to recovering your quality of life and maintaining a straight, healthy back.
Categories: Prevention, Back pain, Lumbar pain