Pain serves as the body’s alarm system, signaling attention. When this sensation localizes to the right side of the body, it can be particularly perplexing due to the array of underlying causes. This article aims to provide general information about various potential sources of right-sided pain, from the abdomen to musculoskeletal structures. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis.
Abdominal Causes
Pain originating in the abdomen is a frequent reason for discomfort on the right side, given the number of organs located there. Conditions affecting the upper right abdomen often involve the gallbladder, liver, or right kidney. Gallbladder issues, such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), cause sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen that may spread to the right shoulder or back. This inflammation occurs when gallstones block the cystic duct, preventing bile from draining from the gallbladder. Liver conditions like hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, can also manifest as pain or pressure in the upper right abdomen, often accompanied by fatigue, nausea, or jaundice.
The right kidney, located towards the back of the upper abdomen, can be a source of pain if affected by kidney stones or infections. Kidney stones can cause severe pain that radiates from the back or side to the lower abdomen or groin, sometimes with blood in the urine. Kidney infections, caused by bacteria, may also lead to pain in the back or side, along with fever and a frequent urge to urinate. This pain can radiate to the back or flank, often felt higher than lower abdominal issues.
Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, can also cause upper abdominal pain that sometimes radiates to the right side, though it is often felt more centrally or on the left. Issues with the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, such as peptic ulcers, can also present as pain in the upper right abdomen.
Moving to the lower right abdomen, appendicitis is a well-known cause of pain. This condition involves inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped pouch extending from the large intestine. The pain begins around the belly button and then shifts to the lower right side, becoming constant and severe, and worsening with movement or coughing. For females, right ovarian cysts or an ectopic pregnancy can cause pain in the lower right abdomen. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovary, while an ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. Conditions affecting parts of the large intestine, such as diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease, can also cause pain in this region.
Chest and Back Causes
Pain on the right side of the body can originate in the chest and back regions. Conditions affecting the right lung and its surrounding membranes, known as the pleura, can cause pain. Pleurisy, an inflammation of the pleura, causes sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing. This pain can sometimes spread to the right shoulder or back. Pneumonia, a lung infection, can also lead to right-sided chest pain, often accompanied by a cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
Issues with the ribs or chest wall itself can also cause localized pain. Costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone, can cause sharp pain in the front or side of the chest, including the right side. This pain worsens with movement, deep breaths, or pressure on the affected area.
Musculoskeletal and Nerve-Related Causes
Pain on the right side of the body can arise from issues within the musculoskeletal system or from nerve irritation. Muscle strains or sprains are common causes, affecting muscles and ligaments in the right arm, leg, or torso. These injuries often result from overuse, sudden movements, or trauma, leading to localized pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling. For example, a strained muscle in the right side of the chest or back can cause pain that worsens with movement or activity.
Fractures, such as a broken rib on the right side or fractures in the bones of the right arm or leg, will cause acute and severe pain. The pain from a rib fracture is sharp and intensifies with breathing, coughing, or direct pressure. Fractures of the arm or leg bones lead to immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty using the affected limb. Arthritis, an inflammation of the joints, can affect any joint on the right side of the body, including the shoulder, hip, or knee, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, particularly with movement.
Nerve impingement or irritation can also lead to pain radiating along the path of the nerve. Sciatica, for instance, involves irritation of the sciatic nerve and can cause pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates from the lower back down the right leg. Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can result in a painful rash and nerve pain that affects only one side of the body, potentially appearing on the right side of the chest, back, or abdomen. This nerve pain can be severe and may precede the rash.
When to Consult a Doctor
Seeking medical attention for right-sided pain is important, especially when “red flag” symptoms are present. If the pain is sudden, severe, or progressively worsens, immediate medical evaluation is warranted. Pain accompanied by a high fever, persistent vomiting, or unexplained weight loss requires prompt medical assessment.
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, especially with chest pain, is a serious indicator. Pain that occurs after a traumatic injury, such as a fall or accident, should also be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Any persistent pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers also necessitates a medical assessment. Pain that wakes you from sleep also requires evaluation to determine the underlying cause and ensure appropriate treatment.