Pain on the right side of the body can signal various conditions, from minor issues to those requiring urgent medical attention. For any concerning or persistent pain, seek professional medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen
The liver can be a source of discomfort. Conditions like hepatitis or fatty liver disease may cause a dull ache or throbbing sensation in the upper right abdomen, sometimes radiating to the right shoulder or back. Severe pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin (jaundice) warrant immediate medical attention.
The gallbladder, beneath the liver, is another frequent cause of pain. Gallstones can block bile ducts, leading to sudden, sharp pain, often called a gallbladder attack. This pain often occurs after fatty meals, can be severe, and may spread to the right shoulder blade or back. If a gallstone causes inflammation (cholecystitis), symptoms become more persistent and severe, potentially accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting.
The right kidney can also contribute to upper right abdominal pain. Kidney stones or infections (pyelonephritis) can cause pain felt in the side, under the rib cage, or in the upper abdomen. This pain is often described as a constant dull ache or sharp pain that comes in waves, potentially spreading to the groin. Symptoms can include fever, chills, painful or frequent urination, and blood in the urine.
Portions of the large intestine, such as the hepatic flexure, can also cause pain. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or, less commonly, diverticulitis can cause discomfort here. While diverticulitis typically affects the lower left side, some people can experience right-sided pain. Referred pain from stomach ulcers or pancreatitis can also present as upper right abdominal pain. Pancreatitis can cause constant, worsening pain in the upper abdomen that sometimes radiates to the upper back.
Pain in the Lower Right Abdomen
The appendix is a common concern for lower right abdominal pain. Appendicitis, an inflammation of this finger-shaped pouch, is a common cause of pain. Typically, appendicitis pain begins around the navel or in the middle of the abdomen and then shifts to the lower right side, becoming more intense and localized. This pain often worsens with movement, coughing, or jarring motions, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and a low-grade fever. Appendicitis requires prompt medical attention.
The right kidney and ureter can also cause lower right abdominal pain. Kidney stones moving down the ureter can produce severe, colicky pain that starts in the back or side and radiates to the lower abdomen and groin. Kidney infections can also cause pain here, with symptoms like fever, chills, and painful urination.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohn’s disease, can cause pain in the lower right abdomen, sometimes mimicking appendicitis. Diverticulitis, though more commonly affecting the left side, can occasionally cause pain in the lower right quadrant. This right-sided diverticulitis can be difficult to distinguish from appendicitis.
For females, conditions affecting the right ovary and fallopian tube are important considerations. Ovarian cysts can cause pain that may be dull or sharp, constant or intermittent. Ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, can cause one-sided pelvic or abdominal pain, often with irregular bleeding. Pain can range from mild to severe; rupture causes extremely sharp, intense pain requiring immediate medical attention. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can also lead to lower abdominal pain, often on one side.
Musculoskeletal and Other Right-Sided Pain
Musculoskeletal issues can also cause right-sided pain. The ribs or their connecting cartilage can become inflamed, known as costochondritis. This typically causes sharp pain in the front or side of the chest, which worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or pressure on the affected area. Rib fractures or muscle strains in the chest wall or back can also result in localized right-sided pain that intensifies with movement or breathing.
Nerve-related pain can occur on the right side. Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can result in a painful rash typically appearing on one side, often affecting the chest or abdomen. This pain (burning, tingling, or sharp) may precede the rash. Pinched nerves in the spine can also cause radiating pain, numbness, or tingling sensations on the right side, depending on which nerve is affected.
Referred pain can also originate from conditions affecting the right lung. Pleurisy, inflammation of the lung lining, causes sharp chest pain that typically worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing. This pain can be felt on the right side of the chest and may sometimes spread to the shoulder or back. Pneumonia, a lung infection, can also lead to pleurisy and associated pain.