Lower back pain on my right side

[sciteach04]

I thought I had pulled a muscle in my lower back on the right side. My family has a history of kidney problems so I ask the doctor to do a urine specimen to rule out a kidney infection so she did. That came back fine. A few weeks later the pain continued. I went back to the doctor and she did blood work. All the blood work came back good but I still hurt. All she did was give me pain pills which do not help. It hurts when I lay on my side or when I try to get out of bed. Once I'm up,  I don't feel the pain at all. What could this be?

[Fefe38]

Keen  kidney stones be disloved?    ***@****

[MontanaHogRider]

I have had back pain similar to Sciteach04's. I was in a MVA 3 years ago and have had treatment for my back, knee's, and neck. A semi truck hit me. I have had multiple knee operation's, and all this time my lower back has been killing me. The doctor's kept saying to not worry about fixing my back until they had my knee's repaired. Now my back has been hurting all along but about 4 months ago the pain started getting worse. I thought I was having a kidney problem because the pain was intense in my lower back S-1 region and the right side area. The doctor I saw was a knee specialist but the only doctor around here in remote Montana. I had also had blood test that showed normal, but until you answered sciteach04 I did not connect the pain to the degenerative condition of my spine. I am being sent to a specialist in Seattle who will look at it to determine how bad it has become, (for the state workman's comp). My local doctor has already told me I have a life long injury to that region and that my spine is deteriorating. What kinds of therapy's are there for this? One doctor suggests I go to his pain clinic to learn how to live with the pain. I don't want to live with the pain, I want it fixed! I can hardly walk anymore and I have gained 60 pounds in 3 years. Do you have any suggestions on how to have this repaired? Thank you.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Are there other signs or symptoms present? Was there a previous trauma or injury in your back? Kidney infection or kidney stones could present as  blood in the urine and  back pain with painful urination. However, if there is pain when twisting, bending or even sitting, this could be from muscle spasm or pulled muscle. Apply warm compress or use an anti-inflammatory medicine for the pain and get rest. If the pain persists or if your symptoms get worse, it is best to see your doctor. Take care and keep us posted.

[tinker104]

I woke up with lower right back pain I thought maybe a kidney infection, its been so painful I have not seen a doctor yet. Could it be kidney stones? I did nothing out of the ordinary. as the day progressed it got worse i cant get comfortable  up now it 2am , cant sit or lay down thinking if not better I best get somewhere to get it vhecked out, any help would be great

[MiSSGRiTTY]

wow congrats on finding out what was wrong... and DR. your awesome!!!

hope all is well!

[sciteach04]

Thanks again. Actually they found the arthritis in my foot and not my back. It just seems to come up alot here lately. My back is somewhat better now and I have more mobility in my back. I appreciate the great advice you gave me. There are no words to describe how much I appreciate your advice. Thank you so much.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
What was the result of the x-ray? Lumbosacral arthritis or lumbar arthritis affects the lower back and pelvic area, causing pain, inflammation, and the loss of motion in those areas. With lumbosacral arthritis, the pain may be concentrated in the pelvic region or between the lower rib cage and buttocks. People with lumbosacral arthritis should learn how to properly care for their backs by using proper lifting techniques, practicing a specific set of stretching and strengthening exercises. These actions may reduce the chance of increased injury to the spine.

The exact cause of lumbar and lumbosacral arthritis is unknown. Some degeneration of the spine is thought to be the result of the normal aging process, but sometimes an old injury or a direct blow to the spine will play a role. Also, people whose occupations require heavy lifting, long periods of sitting or driving, or other repetitive pressures on the backbone are also at risk for arthritis in this part of the spine. With proper treatment, the pain associated with lumbosacral arthritis can be managed. Arthritis is chronic or long-term condition and you may find that the pain will come and go.It is good to see your doctor so he can perform some tests to determine whether you suffer from lumbosacral arthritis or another type of arthritis or disease. If this is the case, medications appropriate for your condition will be prescribed.

Sleeping on a firm mattress and sitting in a good chair with armrests and a high backrest are also advisable. Exercise, ultrasound, heat, ice, and massage can be helpful when treating lumbosacral arthritis. It is important also to manage your weight iwhen treating this type of arthritis. If you are above your ideal weight, you may be causing stress to your back and making your condition worse. If exercise and diet,  has no effect on your weight reduction, you should discuss alternative plans with your doctor.
http://www.allaboutarthritis.com/AllAboutArthritis/layoutTemplates/html/en/contentdisplay/document/condition/arthritis/clinicalArticle/lumbosacral_arthritis.htm

Take care and regards.

[sciteach04]

Thank you for your comment. I did have an x--ray and I went to the chiropractor. Everyone seems to think I pulled a muscle. However, arthritis has come up before. I had pain in my foot and it was due to arthritis. What can be done for arthritis? I am overweight and I know that does not help. I diet but it seems I never lose weight. My doctor gave me diet pills but I was afraid that was what caused the back pain.I tried to have the gastric bypass surgery but my insurance company would only pay for it if I was on a supervised diet for a year. I have been on a diet my whole life but I would have to be suoervised for a year. That would cost more money than this teacher makes raising two kids so what do you do?  Thanks again. I really appreciate your help.

[Dr Santos]

How are you? Was there previous trauma on your back? Its good that your blood and urine tests are normal. Have you considered lumbar x-ray (of your back) to rule out pathology in your muscles or bones? In acute cases, the structures damaged will more than likely be soft tissue like muscles, ligaments and tendons. With a serious accident, osteoporosis or other causes of weakened vertebral bones, vertebral fractures in the lumbar spine may also occur. Chronic lower back pain usually has a more insidious onset, occurring over a long period of time. Physical causes may include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae, or a spinal disc herniation, a vertebral fracture

I hope this helps. Take care and keep us posted.

[barbaracarr]

can back pain be cause by constipation ?