What Causes Persistent Lower Right Back Pain?

Posted on Tue, 7 Jun 2016

Question: Please help. I started with back pain over a month ago. It is a dull ache, throbbing in in my lower right back. I initially thought it to be a kidney infection (I've had an infection years ago and the pain in my back is similar), but after a visit with my primary physician, urine samples and bloodwork came back negative for kidney infection. I did however do a round of antibiotics, no relief there. I was stubborn however and still insisted kidney infection so I requested a CT scan which came back completely normal. My next step has been chiropractic care. I've been going to the Chiropractor for over 2 weeks and I've not gotten any relief. I'm a 34-year-old female, height 5'6" and admit I'm overweight. Recently I've been hypersensitive to the things that make the ache better or worse, and I can add that sitting, laying down, heated car seats, large amounts of Advil or Aleve, and sleeping makes the pain better. Actually the things I mentioned typically make the pain cease immediately. The ache/pain begins from the moment I get out of bed in the morning and worsens with walking. The more I walk the worse the pain/ache gets. Additionally I can add that I've had pulled muscles and pinched nerves multiple times since I was a teenager, but this pain is different. Also bending over makes the pain worse and putting more weight on my right leg worsens the pain. Please help. I don't know what it could be and I'm in desperate need of relief.

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Slipped disc

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

I'm sorry that you are going through this and will do my best to help you.

Based on your query I would like to rule out a slipped intervertebral lumbar disc.

Would you please clarify a few things for me?
1) do you have any fever? Any abdominal pain?

2)does the pain radiate to anywhere else (like the groin, buttocks, legs, upper back)?

3)do you have numbness, tingling or feel any muscle weakness in your right leg?

4)are your menstrual cycles regular? When was your last period? Could you be pregnant now?

I would:
-get a complete medical history
- do a thorough clinical examination with focus on the neurological & gastrointestinal systems.
- request for a x-ray of the spine and and MRI, if indicated
-do an ultrasound do rule out any gynecological/obstetric pathology like cysts (this would have shown up on the CT of the abdomen).

Based on the clinical finding and test results, a treatment plan would be made.

I recommend you see an orthopedic or spine doctor, if your physician has cleared you of OBGYN /abdominal problems.

A slipped disc or lumbar spondylosis can cause your symptoms. If treated early, prognosis is excellent.
Pain killers, muscle relaxants, rest, physiotherapy are the mainstay of treatment.
In some cases, if damage is severe, surgical correction may be required.

Please continue to practice relieving measures like rest & pain medication. Keep off your feet. Take frequent breaks.
See your doctor at the earliest.
Hope this helps.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
If not, please close this discussion and kindly rate my answer.

Wish you good health

Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Shuba hariprasad (6 hours later)

Thank you so much for responding. In follow up, pain is centralized in my mid to lower right back, between my bra strap and top of panties. No fever or abdominal pain, no pain in groin, buttocks, legs or upper back. No numbness or tingling in leg. And I don't think I'm pregnant, I'm due to start my period in 8 days. My cycles are regular.

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Disc prolapse

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up.

Based on the clarifications, I would like to rule out disc prolapse and muscle strain.

I recommend that you meet with an orthopedic or spine doctor to check for these. You may need an MRI of the spine.

Treatment usually results in excellent prognosis. However you may have make certain lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence or progression

Do your normal activities as usual. Avoid lifting weights & objects above your shoulder level, sudden jerky movements (twisting, bending to pick stuff).

If you do need to pick something up, bend at your knees to a half or full squat and pick it up. Wear good supportive shoes that have a good grip. Slow down to minimal speed when on bumpy road to avoid jerky movements. If on a bus and you see a speed breaker or a bumpy road, just lift your buttock of the seat for those seconds.

I hope you get better soon.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
If not, please close this discussion & rate my answer.
Wish you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee