4 Causes of Constant Back Pain on Only One Side

About 80% of the people in the U.S. will experience back pain in their lifetime, according to the American Chiropractic Association. The pain on one side of the back doesn’t always mean this pain is related to your spine. The pain can occur suddenly, as a sharp stitch on the left side of your back or it might appear on your right side, getting worse each day. Regardless of the exact location, back pain isn’t fun. Spinal pain can stem from the bone, joint, ligament, muscle, or organ problems. Lifestyle can also play a role in back pain. Everything from sports injuries and poor posture to obesity and infections can provoke back pain. The pain on one side can be confusing. You might wonder what is going on. One-sided back pain is an extremely common conce among adults. Keep reading to know the causes of back pain on one side: 1. Diseases of internal organs Yes, back pain can be caused not by back problems. Back pain on one side can be confusing and it may occur due to problems of organs in your mid-back, abdominal, or pelvic area. These include infections, organ inflammation, or irritation. Back pain can be the result of: - Kidney issues (infections, kidney stones, kidney disease, injuries) - Pancreas issues (pancreatitis) - Colon (IBS, IBD, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease) - Uterus (endometriosis, endometrial cancer, polyps, infections) Back pain caused by organ problems it’s not the typical pain people think of. kidney stone pain, for instance, is likely to radiate from the flank down to the groin. Your kidneys are located in the upper abdominal area against the back and can provoke pain if infected. But kidney stones or kidney infections are accompanied by additional symptoms like pain during urination, nausea, and fever. Ulcerative colitis can also trigger back pain along with digestive problems, abdominal cramping, weight loss, and fatigue. This is a chronic disease of the large intestine, in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed and develops ulcers. In women, pain in the lower right back can be provoked by endometriosis or fibroids. This pain is also accompanied by abnormal menstruation, frequent urination, and pain during sex. 2. Tissue injuries Back injuries can affect the muscles, discs, or joints and make up the most common cause of back pain on one side. Tissue injuries usually trigger pain in the central side of the spine and can radiate to the right side or the left side of the back. Poor posture is another common factor of one-sided back pain. Muscle strain can also lead to back pain on one side along with: - Tende ess - Swelling - Muscle spasms - Pain that improves with rest, ice, or NSAIDs - Pain that gets worse after sitting or getting out of bed 3. Cysts and tumors Cysts and tumors are two potentially serious causes of back pain on one side. Cysts occur due to degenerative changes in the back and can press on the spinal nerves. Tumors are growths that can occur near or in your back and press on your spinal cord. Pain intensity depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor. Tumors in the back might be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). 4. Bone problems Common bone issues include arthritis, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal column). All these problems can lead to back pain on one side and might radiate down the leg or cause weakness. Your doctor will choose the best treatment options for you to relieve chronic back pain. Your treatment will depend on the type and stage of the issue and may include pain medication, hot/cold packs, physical therapy, or surgery.