Lumbar Pain on One Side (Left or Right): Possible Causes 

Lower back pain can be the result of various conditions. Understanding the underlying cause of left or right back pain is vital for determining the best treatment approach. 

Are you suffering from lower back pain? You’re in good company. Approximately 85% of people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. It’s easy to dismiss the minor aches and pains that we experience.

However, persistent pain in the lumbar spine could be an indication of underlying medical conditions. In fact, determining the location, severity, and duration of the discomfort will play an important role in identifying the best possible treatment for your specific needs.

Below, we discuss common causes of lower back lumbar pain on the left and right sides and what your symptoms could mean. 

Pain in Right Lumbar Region 

This pain can occur anywhere on the right side of the lower back region. This is the region between the bottom of the rib cage and the hip. Pain in this region is common and can occur for a variety of reasons. 

Causes of pain in the lower right back 

Mechanical issues 

These are issues that result from physical injuries. They can also occur as a result of wear and tear related to diseases or aging. Examples of mechanical causes of lower right back pain include: 

• Degenerative conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis 
• Degenerative or herniated disk 
• Facet joint syndrome 
• Overweight or obesity strains 
• Physical injuries from events such as falls or impact in a car accident 
• Strains and sprains of ligaments and muscles 
• Pregnancy 
• Repetitive strain injuries 

Chronic conditions 

There are various chronic conditions that can cause lower right back pain. These include: 

• Genetic conditions such as Marfan syndrome 
• Congenital conditions such as spina bifida 
• Infections, including those that affect the nerves or spine, such as shingles 
• Conditions that cause spinal curving such as kyphosis or scoliosis 
• Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as fibromyalgia 
• Tumors in the spinal region that are either cancerous or noncancerous

Nervous system issues 

Pain can also be the result of conditions affecting the spinal cord or the nerves leaving the spinal cord. Nervous system conditions that can cause lower right back pain include: 

• Spinal stenosis (a condition that results in the narrowing of the spinal canal) 
• Foraminal stenosis (a condition that results in the narrowing of spinal nerve openings) 
• Arachnoiditis 
• Sciatica 
• Cauda equina syndrome 
• Pinched nerves 

Referred pain 

There are instances when pain is felt in a location that is different from the actual source of the pain. This is known as referred pain. Many people suffer from lower back pain as a result of conditions affecting other internal organs. Examples of this include: 

• Conditions affecting the digestive system, including inflammation of the pancreas, gallbladder, and appendix 
• Conditions affecting the female reproductive system, including uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometriosis. 
• Conditions affecting the male reproductive system, including testicular torsion and prostatitis. 
• Conditions affecting the kidneys, such as infections and kidney stones. 

Pain in Left Lumbar Region 

This is pain experienced between the hip and the lower rib on the left side. The cause of the pain can be due to various conditions. 

Causes of Lower Left Back Pain 

Physical injuries 

In many instances, pain in the lower left back region is a result of injuries to soft tissues, ligaments, or bone in the region. It is important to note that physical injuries can also cause referred pain. This is pain that occurs as a result of an injury in another part of the body. This is often the case with injuries affecting the spinal column. Pain that results from tissue injuries is often centralized. However, it can occur more to the left or right of the spine. 

Strain to muscles and ligaments 

Muscular strain is also a common cause of pain in the lower left back region. These occur when the muscles in the lower back region are overstretched and become inflamed. This can occur as a result of various reasons, including bending awkwardly, repetitive stress, and lifting heavy loads incorrectly. 

Chronic medical conditions 

Chronic medical conditions such as arthritis can cause lower left back pain. Conditions such as arthritis can result in cartilage damage or inflammation, resulting in swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. 

Kidney infections 

Infections of the kidney often result in referred pain in the lower left back. Other symptoms associated with kidney infections, such as fever, chills, foul-smelling urine, vomiting, and nausea, combined with the pain in the lower left back region, often indicate a kidney issue. 

Pancreatitis

This is a condition that results in the inflammation of the pancreas. While the pancreas is located in the upper abdomen region behind the stomach, many patients experience referred pain in the lower left back region in addition to other symptoms, including nausea, fever, and abdominal pain. 

Kidney stones 

The pain resulting from kidney stones can be felt in either the left or right lower back. Kidney stones are the result of salt mineral deposits crystallizing within the kidney. The pain often occurs when these stones pass through the urinary tract. Other symptoms of the condition include pain when urinating, nausea, passing blood in your urine, and fever. 

Endometriosis 

Many women who suffer from endometriosis experience lower left back pain as a symptom. This pain is often sporadic. Other symptoms associated with the condition include abdominal pain, severe menstrual cramping, and fatigue. 

The Best Treatment for Pain in Lumbar Spine 

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for lower back pain. The best treatment plan for you will depend heavily on the underlying condition that is causing the pain. This is the most effective way to achieve long-term relief. Treatments such as applying a cold compress, heat therapy, rest, and taking pain medication can provide relief in the short term. 

If you’re experiencing severe pain that persists for several days, worsens when you lie down, or doesn’t improve with rest, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Get in touch with Chris Boone today and schedule an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation. We’ll review your medical history and provide you with a thorough physical examination to identify the root cause of your pain. We’ll help you get on the right path to long-term recovery so you can live an active life.