Pain on the right side of the body can stem from various sources, ranging from minor issues to conditions requiring immediate medical attention. This discomfort may originate from organs and tissues within the right torso, including the abdomen, flank, back, and chest. While sometimes benign, persistent or severe right-sided pain warrants careful consideration. Understanding its potential origins helps in recognizing when professional medical evaluation is necessary.
Causes in the Upper Abdomen
Pain in the upper right abdomen often points to issues with organs in this region, such as the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, or intestine.
Gallbladder problems, like gallstones (cholelithiasis) or inflammation (cholecystitis), are common causes. Pain from gallstones typically manifests as sharp, intense discomfort in the upper right abdomen, often occurring after fatty meals and sometimes radiating to the back or right shoulder.
Liver conditions, including hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or a liver abscess, can also lead to a dull, aching pain in the upper right quadrant. This discomfort may accompany symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, usually causes severe upper abdominal pain that can radiate to the back. While often central, it can involve the right side.
Duodenal ulcers, sores in the lining of the first part of the small intestine, can produce a burning or gnawing pain in the upper right abdomen. This pain might be relieved by eating or taking antacids.
Issues affecting the upper part of the right kidney, such as kidney stones or an infection (pyelonephritis), can also cause pain felt in this upper abdominal area, sometimes radiating from the back.
Causes in the Lower Abdomen
Discomfort in the lower right abdomen can stem from several conditions, some requiring prompt medical assessment.
Appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix, often begins as a dull pain around the navel that shifts and intensifies in the lower right abdomen. This pain typically worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a low-grade fever.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly Crohn’s disease, frequently affects the ileum, the final section of the small intestine in the lower right abdomen. This chronic condition can cause persistent abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in bowel habits.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a functional gastrointestinal disorder, can also lead to cramping and pain in various abdominal areas, including the lower right side.
Diverticulitis, the inflammation of small pouches in the colon, can cause pain. While less common on the right side, localized pain can occur if diverticula are present in the right colon.
Kidney stones or infections in the right kidney can cause pain that radiates downwards, presenting as discomfort in the lower abdomen, often alongside back or flank pain.
For individuals assigned female at birth, gynecological conditions are potential sources of lower right abdominal pain:
Ovarian cysts, which can cause sudden, sharp pain if they rupture or twist (ovarian torsion).
Ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, leading to severe pain and requiring immediate medical intervention.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the reproductive organs, often accompanied by fever and unusual discharge.
Hernias, such as inguinal or femoral hernias, which can cause pain and a visible bulge in the groin area.
Causes in the Flank and Back
Pain on the right side of the torso, extending from the back towards the front below the ribs, commonly involves the kidneys or musculoskeletal structures.
Kidney stones often cause severe, wave-like pain, known as renal colic, that typically starts in the flank or back and radiates downwards towards the groin. This pain is often accompanied by nausea and the urge to urinate.
A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) usually presents as a dull, aching pain in the right flank, often accompanied by fever, chills, and painful urination. This infection typically arises when bacteria from a urinary tract infection spread to the kidney.
Muscle strain in the back or flank, often due to injury or overuse, is another common cause of localized pain. This can range from a dull ache to a sharp, sudden sensation.
Spinal issues, such as nerve impingement or disc problems in the lumbar spine, can refer pain to the right flank or back, mimicking other conditions. This referred pain often follows specific nerve pathways.
Shingles, a viral infection, can cause a painful rash and nerve pain along a dermatome. This may appear on the right side of the back or flank, sometimes even before the rash develops.
Causes in the Chest
Pain on the right side of the chest can originate from respiratory, musculoskeletal, and digestive systems.
Pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining of the lungs, causes sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing. This condition results from inflamed tissue layers rubbing against each other.
Pneumonia, a lung infection, can lead to chest pain, often accompanied by a cough, fever, and shortness of breath. The pain is typically a persistent ache that may worsen with breathing.
Rib fractures or costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, can cause localized pain. This pain is tender to the touch and worsens with movement or pressure.
Heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. This can sometimes be felt more prominently on the right side and is often worse after meals or when lying down.
Pain from other abdominal organs, such as the gallbladder or liver, can occasionally be referred to the right chest area, making diagnosis challenging without a thorough evaluation.
Knowing When to Get Help
Recognizing when right-sided pain requires medical attention is important for proper management and to prevent complications.
Seek immediate medical evaluation if the pain is severe and sudden, or if accompanied by concerning symptoms. These red flags include fever, persistent vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or the inability to pass gas or stool.
Other serious signs warranting urgent care include blood in the stool or urine, pain that radiates to the arm or jaw, or shortness of breath. Pain that significantly worsens with movement or touch, or persistent pain that does not improve after a few days, should also prompt a visit to a healthcare professional.
Avoid self-diagnosing based solely on online information, as many conditions present with similar symptoms. Persistent or worsening pain, even if not immediately severe, requires a professional medical consultation for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. A healthcare provider can conduct a thorough assessment and recommend necessary tests.