Pain in the right side at waist level is caused by various reasons and there are a lot of them. There are situations when examination by several specialists is required to make a correct diagnosis. You should not look down on such painful manifestations, because there is a possibility of severe consequences. It is worth paying close attention to your condition at this moment and scheduling a visit to the doctor.
Identification of the disease by the nature of pain and degree of intensity
There are many causes of pain in the right side. Unpleasant sensations of different etiologies have different degrees of location and duration of pain. The nature of pain always depends on pathological processes. The intensity of pain symptoms can also suggest their cause:
Nature of pain | What most likely caused the pain? |
Light pulling (feeling of heaviness) | Accumulation of toxins in the intestines |
Dull (long-lasting heavy sensation in the right side) | Chronic abdominal diseases |
Similar to contractions with varying degrees of intensity | Intestinal spasms |
Sharp and sharp | Liver diseases, cholelithiasis, inflammation of the appendix |
cutting | Food poisoning or intestinal infections |
Aching with unexpressed coloring | Cholecystitis or inflammation of the colon |
Our body tells us that something is wrong with it through painful sensations that cause physical pain. Pain in the right side at the front of the waist in women is frightening and alarming, especially in those cases when it is just beginning to appear. Well, when this begins to happen systematically, of course, you should consult a doctor for advice and identify the causes of such manifestations. Many diseases can be a provoking factor. It is better to conduct a comprehensive examination by different specialists. And do not neglect general diagnostics, this can lead to irreversible consequences.
It is impossible to accurately guess the illness based on the nature of the pain - these are just guesses. The diagnosis must be confirmed by a doctor after appropriate studies (blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound, CT, MRI, radiography, colonoscopy). Moreover, the cause of pain can be pathological changes in the reproductive organs and even problems with the spine.
Prevention
If a person does not have discomfort, in order to reduce the likelihood of unpleasant sensations, certain rules can be followed.
Preventive measures:
- avoid injury;
- Healthy food;
- exercise regularly, but at the same time, do not overdo it;
- undergo a full body examination annually;
- treat diseases in a timely manner;
- exclude frequent changes of sexual partners;
- use contraception;
- dress according to the weather;
- eliminate bad habits.
Diseases of the liver and gallbladder
Pathological changes in these organs most often project pain in the hypochondrium on the right, with diseases of the biliary tract leading. Inflammatory processes in the liver give rise to a pronounced pain syndrome only in the last stages, when stretching of the liver capsule is observed.
Cholecystitis
This disease is provoked by poor nutrition: an abundance of fatty dishes on the menu leads to disruption of the flow of bile. The acute secretion corrodes the wall of the bladder, which provokes inflammation.
The intensity of the pain depends entirely on the type of inflammatory process. With the catarrhal type of the disease, the pain syndrome will be moderate, while with the gangrenous type, symptoms of peritonitis will appear with acute pain under the ribs in the anterior part of the peritoneum. Additional signs of exacerbation of cholecystitis are:
- loss of appetite;
- temperature rise;
- weakness and weakness;
- bitter taste, more often in the morning.
Note that this disease occurs much more often in women than in the stronger sex.
Cholecystitis is amenable to drug therapy aimed at relieving inflammation and normalizing the outflow of bile. The doctor may prescribe:
- antispasmodics (“Spazmalgon”, “Trigan”, “Renalgan”, “Drotaverin”, “No-shpu”);
- antibiotics (“Ceftriaxone”, “Ampicillin”, “Rifampicin”);
- choleretic pharmaceuticals (“Cyqualon”, “Liobil”, “Allohol” and “Hologon”).
A diet according to treatment table No. 5 is required.
Cholelithiasis
The appearance of gallstones is another cause of pain in the right side. Because of them, tissue intoxication with bilirubin is likely, which negatively affects almost all cells of the body.
The pain is similar to that of gangrenous cholecystitis. An additional symptom of the disease in the acute phase may be yellowing of the tissues and sclera. Jaundice occurs due to problems with the outflow of bile and requires calling an ambulance, because in this case tissue intoxication with bilirubin is possible.
In the early stages of the disease, the doctor can select a therapeutic course. It includes the same choleretic medications and antispasmodics as for cholecystitis, as well as medications containing ursodeoxycholic acid to dissolve stones and liquefy bile - “Ursofalk”, “Urdoxa”, “Solutrate”, “Delursan”, “Ursosan”, “ Holacid" and others.
But most people turn to us when medications and diet no longer help. Therefore, cholecystectomy is most often prescribed. The operation is usually performed using a gentle laser method, but in difficult cases it is necessary to use abdominal surgery.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis A, B and C are infectious acute diseases that can lead to significant problems and subsequent complications. Often, pain in the right side is a potential symptom of the disease. In addition to pain, fever, weakness, aching joints, and an increase in the size and weight of the spleen and liver are possible. For conservative treatment use:
- for hepatitis C, direct-acting antiviral drugs;
- for hepatitis B nucleotides/nucleosides;
- for A and B – vaccination;
- it is possible to use vitamin complexes and hepatoprotectors.
If the symptoms are similar, a general practitioner will be able to identify the disease and prescribe therapy.
Cirrhosis of the liver
Any pain at the waist level should be taken seriously. At waist level are the major vital organs, including the liver. Rapid acute intoxication of the organ and prolonged exposure to toxins can lead to tissue destruction and cirrhosis. The disease quickly becomes chronic and the damage becomes irreversible. Therapy comes down to maintaining the function of the organ using all possible medications. If you suspect liver pathology, you can consult a hepatologist.
In addition to pain, cirrhosis is indicated by an enlargement of the spleen and liver, a change in the color of the skin and sclera to jaundiced brown, and fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
Except for the initial stage, when the disease can be stopped, the disease is incurable. The appearance of pain signals that cirrhosis has entered the compensatory stage, and doctors can only keep the patient alive. Medicines are prescribed depending on the liver damage. Thus, for cholestasis syndrome, Heptral and Ursofalk are recommended. In case of protein loss, edema or ascites, administration of a 20% Albumin solution or native plasma. Hepatoprotectors are required (as with hepatitis). In severe cases, liver transplantation is possible.
Diseases of the liver and biliary organs quite often cause pain in the right side of the abdomen. Usually these diseases are inflammatory in nature, but can develop into a destructive form. In this case, pain sensations will begin to move to other areas of the peritoneum, and their intensity will increase.
Kidney and urinary tract diseases
Often pain in the right side at waist level indicates kidney problems. It is usually concentrated in the lumbar region, but can radiate to the side area.
Pyelonephritis
This is a common inflammatory disease of the kidneys, leading to pain in the right side. More precisely, it arises near the lower back and radiates to the right side.
In addition to pain radiating to the right side, exacerbation of pyelonephritis is associated with an increase in temperature, weakness, change in the color of urine, and the appearance of blood in it.
Antibacterial therapy (“5-NOK”, “Biseptol”, “Furamag”, “Furadonin”, “Furazolidone”, “Nolitsin”), uroseptics (“Canephron-N”, “Cyston”), drinking plenty of fluids. In severe cases, surgery is possible.
Nephroptosis as a cause of pain
Any pain at the waist level should be taken seriously. At waist level are the major vital organs, including the liver. Rapid acute intoxication of the organ and prolonged exposure to toxins can lead to tissue destruction and cirrhosis. The disease quickly becomes chronic and the damage becomes irreversible. Therapy comes down to maintaining the function of the organ using all possible medications. If you suspect liver pathology, you can consult a hepatologist.
Nephropotosis – prolapse of the kidney. Mobile kidney syndrome is often accompanied by pain at the waist level. The disease is divided into three levels (degrees). Nephroptosis appears on the right side more often, and also becomes obvious in the second stage, when the kidney is easily palpable through the skin at waist level in non-obese patients.
Pain in the right side may be an early symptom of the development of level 1 nephroptosis, and therefore pain should not be ignored. Various techniques are used for diagnosis:
- Carrying out complete blood biochemistry;
- Study of the state of biological fluids;
- Ultrasound scan at waist level;
- X-ray scanning.
Conservative forms of treatment: wearing a special corrective bandage at the level of the waist or lower abdominal area, exercise therapy and exercises. Surgery is rarely prescribed.
Urolithiasis disease
A urological disease that manifests itself due to poor nutrition and poor quality water. All this contributes to the accumulation of salts and the formation of stones.
As long as the stones are small and localized in the kidneys, they do not cause discomfort. But when moving, they can clog the lumen of the ureter and cause severe pain - renal colic. Additional symptoms include dysuria and the appearance of blood in the urine.
In the initial stages of the disease the following is used:
- antispasmodics (“Papaverine”, “No-shpu”);
- antibiotics (“Ofloxacin”, “Cefepime”, “Amikacin”, “Gentamicin”);
- anti-inflammatory drugs (“Urolesan”, “Canephron N”, “Ketoprofen”),
- pharmaceuticals that can dissolve stones and remove them naturally (Allopurinol, Marelin, Prolit, Cyston, Blemaren and others).
Large and dense formations are removed surgically.
Treatment methods
The left side hurts around the waist - a symptom that can be treated. The situation is similar with discomfort on the right.
The following methods are used as treatment:
- medicines;
- folk remedies;
- the other is surgery, physical therapy, and so on.
Medications
Drug therapy is the basis in the treatment of pain in the left or right side around the waist. Medications can help reduce symptoms. The table shows commonly prescribed medications.
Name of the disease | Description |
Cholecystitis and cholelithiasis | The following groups of drugs are used to treat cholecystitis:
|
Hepatitis | If a person’s temperature rises sharply and the skin turns yellow, an ambulance should be called. Hepatitis therapy includes the use of the following groups of drugs:
|
Cirrhosis of the liver | The disease can be cured only at the initial stage. The appearance of pain indicates a compensated form - organ tissue begins to die and is replaced by connective tissue. Treatment of the disease:
|
Pyelonephritis | Treatment of the disease:
|
Nephroptosis | Drug therapy:
|
Glomerulonephritis | Drug treatment:
|
Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract | Treatment of inflammation:
|
Colliculitis, orchitis and orchiepididymitis | Glucocorticosteroids, NSAIDs, and antibiotics are prescribed as medications. |
Prostatitis | Treatment of the disease:
|
The doctor may change the list of medications. Based on the table, we can conclude that in almost all cases NSAIDs are prescribed. This is necessary to reduce pain.
Traditional methods
Folk remedies help cope with symptoms. Compared to medications, herbal recipes have a low likelihood of causing side effects.
Traditional methods for pain in the side:
- Honey and cinnamon. To prepare, you need to take 0.5 liters of liquid honey and 1 - 2 tbsp. cinnamon. You need to take the product 1 tbsp. 4 times a day before and after meals.
It is better not to treat pain in the right/left side around the waist with folk remedies until diagnosis! - Swamp dry grass. To prepare the product, you need to take 1 tbsp. component and 1 glass of hot water. Leave the solution for 1 hour, filter through several layers of gauze. Take 2 times a day in equal parts.
- Vegetable mixture. To prepare, you should take willow bark, nettle leaves, and parsley root. And also elder flowers. An equal number of components are required. Next, chop everything, take 2 tbsp. mixture and pour 400 ml of hot water. Place the container on low heat, cook for 5 minutes. Wait for it to cool, filter through cheesecloth, and drink. The amount indicated in the recipe is for 1 use.
Other methods
In addition to medications and folk remedies, other treatment methods can be used for pain.
Namely:
- Proper nutrition. It is recommended to exclude fried, smoked and salted foods. You should also give up flour and sweets. You need to eat 5 - 6 times a day (servings 200 - 300 g) every 3 - 4 hours. It is better to steam, boil or bake food in the oven. We should not forget about the drinking regime - at least 1.5 liters per day. It is recommended to exclude soda, strong coffee and tea.
- Physical activity. There is no need to put too much stress on the body. Morning exercise is enough. Then you need to increase the load, find your favorite activity - cycling, walking.
- Surgical intervention. The method of implementation is selected by a specialist in accordance with the type of disease and stage of development. The operation is used for nephroptosis, acute appendicitis (urgently), and malignant tumors of the colon. Intervention is also necessary for cysts or ovarian rupture, genital cancer, orchitis.
- Physiotherapy.
Intestinal problems
Pain in the right side is often associated with intestinal diseases. Some of them, associated with overeating or impaired digestion of food, may go away on their own. But there are also those that require mandatory treatment.
Pain in acute appendicitis
The typical localization of pain in acute and chronic appendicitis is the right iliac region. Sometimes the appendix “grows” upward and is located completely or partially under the liver. In these cases, pain occurs, radiating to the right side, where the liver and gall bladder are located.
Self-administration of analgesics “blurs” the picture of acute appendicitis, so it is not recommended to use drugs before examination by a surgeon. Aching pain below the waist on the right may intensify with abnormal development and atypical position of the appendix. A person may not be aware of this anatomical feature of his body. They help clarify the diagnosis: ultrasound, x-ray, laparoscopy.
Inflammatory processes in the intestines
Pain on the right side of the waist can occur due to inflammatory processes in the intestines (enteritis, colitis, duodenitis).
The main signs of the inflammatory process, except pain:
- diarrhea or constipation;
- weakness;
- dehydration;
- coated tongue.
In severe cases, a febrile state with rising temperature is possible.
You will need to relieve symptoms of dehydration, cleanse the intestines of toxins, and diet according to table No. 4. The course of treatment is selected depending on the causes of the disease and the location of the inflammation. Broad-spectrum antibiotics (“Oleandomycin”, “Erythromycin”, “Sigmamycin”, “Oletetrin” and others) strictly as prescribed by the doctor. After them, it is useful to restore the microflora with the help of such products as “Colibacterin”, “Bifikol”, “Bifidumbacterin”, “Lactobacterin”. Vitamin and mineral complexes will be useful to prevent hypovitaminosis. For attacks accompanied by fever and fever, emergency care is necessary.
Colon cancer
Nowadays, cancer is detected quite early. Colonoscopy and MRI can identify suspicious clusters of cells and quickly reveal their nature. If you notice symptoms (pain, change in color of stool, defecation disorders), you should immediately consult a doctor. The therapeutic plan is developed depending on the stage of the cancer. It is possible to use chemotherapy or surgical removal of malignant tissue.
Spinal diseases
Usually, pain in the right side near the waist is associated with ailments of the liver, intestines, and sometimes kidneys. But such unpleasant sensations can also arise due to disorders in the thoracic or lumbar spine. The most common diseases characterized by a similar pain syndrome are osteochondrosis and herniated disc. Pain occurs due to compression of nerve endings in the corresponding section and innervates the area of the right side.
Painful sensations occur not only in the side, but also in the back and lower back. Their character is long, aching. They get worse when moving, turning, sneezing, coughing.
The main emphasis is on physical therapy and kinesitherapy. In case of serious inflammation, it is likely to prescribe anti-inflammatory non-steroidal pharmaceuticals (Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Ketorolac, Ibuprofen), local injections of steroid drugs, novocaine blockades. Surgical removal of intervertebral hernias is possible.
Reasons for appearance
We often confuse nagging back pain after sports training or physical activity with a truly serious illness. Aching pain is a common pain symptom. Let's see what reasons can cause it.
Objective ones include:
- prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position sitting or lying down,
- hypothermia,
- intense physical activity.
Attention! If it hurts to lie on your right or left side after physical exertion or injury, there is a possibility of a rib fracture - consult a doctor immediately.
Pathological reasons:
- infections,
- spinal diseases,
- kidney disease,
- urological and gynecological diseases,
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract,
- cardiovascular diseases.
Important organs of the gastrointestinal tract are located in the left segment of the abdominal cavity and hypochondrium.
Pain radiating to the back can cause:
- spleen diseases,
- ulcerative colitis,
- irritable bowel syndrome,
- inflammation of the ureters, bladder and kidneys,
- intestinal diverticulosis.
Other symptoms of these diseases include colic and nausea.
Pain syndrome in the right side of the back is characteristic of a number of kidney diseases and other pathologies of internal organs:
- pyelonephritis,
- retroperitoneal hematoma,
- acute pancreatitis,
- urolithiasis disease.
Spine pathologies
In second place in the frequency of occurrence of such pain are diseases of the spine. What can hurt on the left side? Pain under the ribs on the left side is characteristic of diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as:
- muscular dystrophy,
- damage to intervertebral discs,
- radiculitis,
- pinched nerves of the spinal cord,
- osteochondrosis.
Shingles of a nature are caused by:
- intervertebral hernias,
- curvature and infringement of the vertebrae.
If your right side hurts from the back in the lumbar region, the possible causes are as follows:
- spondylolisthesis,
- osteochondrosis,
- osteomyelitis,
- osteoporosis,
- muscle injuries, sprains and inflammation.
Attention! Symptoms such as heaviness and acute severe pain radiating to the lower back and leg may indicate serious disorders in the spine.
There are many reasons for discomfort in the sides and back. Pain symptoms cannot be ignored. The cause of pain is determined by its nature.
Injuries
In case of injury, the pain is severe, sharp, bruises or hematomas appear on the torso. As a rule, mechanical damage to bones, muscles, ligaments or cartilage occurs as a result of strong physical impact from outside - falls, impacts.
The degree of damage ranged from minor bruises to broken ribs. In severe cases, damage can lead to rupture of internal organs. For example, a broken rib can tear a lung or impinge on the spleen.
Intercostal neuralgia
With intercostal neuralgia, the pain can be either constant or paroxysmal, shooting, stabbing or aching. Due to compression of the nerve endings, it radiates to the chest or back on the left side. When coughing, sneezing and deep breathing, it is felt more strongly in the ribs.
Diseases of the urinary organs
If the spasm is in the lateral area, specialists can diagnose kidney disease. With chronic inflammation, the pain is concentrated in the right side, behind the waist. With physical activity or in an uncomfortable position, the pain intensifies. If the pain is dull and the right side aches, then most likely there is a problem with the organs of the genitourinary system.
Damage to the digestive tract
With inflammation in the liver and gall bladder, aching, nagging pain occurs above the lower back. Discomfort can be experienced for several days, weeks and even months. To restore organs, it is recommended to pay attention to the health of the entire digestive tract.
Respiratory system diseases
Diseases of the respiratory system are characterized by stabbing pain in the right or left side, which appears when coughing and inhaling and exhaling. At the very beginning of the disease, pain is localized in the chest, and later it is felt in the ribs, sides and back on the affected side.
Inflammation of the spleen
The inflamed spleen increases in size and begins to put pressure on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Pain is felt in the left side under the ribs and radiates to the left collarbone and scapula. The main sign of inflammation of the spleen is pain spreading to the upper back.
Women's pain
The genital organs of men and women are fundamentally different.
The diseases that cause discomfort and pain in the left side in women are usually caused by the following diseases:
- inflammation of the uterine appendages,
- inflammation of the fallopian tubes,
- left ovarian cyst
- ectopic pregnancy,
- physiological pain during menstruation.
The latter often manifests itself as pain in the left side of the lower back. And other cases are characterized by fever and throbbing pain in the left side when moving. But in any case, only a specialist can name the true cause of the pain after a thorough diagnosis.
Right side hurts during pregnancy
Women who abused alcohol, tobacco, or took drugs before conception may experience similar discomfort. If pain in the right side of the abdomen in a pregnant woman lasts more than an hour and is accompanied by vomiting and profuse sweating, then it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance. Otherwise, there will be a high risk of miscarriage (miscarriage).
Women carrying a child often have problems with the following organs, which lead to attacks of pain on the right side at the waist level:
- kidneys;
- urinary system;
- gallbladder;
- fallopian tubes;
- pancreas.
This may be facilitated by the exacerbation of previously suffered diseases of organs located in this area or the formation of new pathologies caused by changes in the body due to pregnancy. Pain in the right side of the abdomen in women at the waist level occurs during an ectopic pregnancy.
The ideal way out of the situation would be to visit a hospital, where competent specialists will provide the necessary assistance. However, if it is not possible to call a doctor at home or go to a medical facility, you can try to solve the problem yourself. Before relieving pain in the right side or at least reducing it, you need to try to determine as accurately as possible what is causing the discomfort. The nature of pain and accompanying sensations should be established.
Which doctor should I contact for diagnosis?
In most cases, when the right side in the waist area begins to hurt, it is recommended to visit a therapist. After the initial examination, tests will be prescribed. They will allow you to make a preliminary diagnosis. After this, the patient is sent to a highly specialized specialist, who clarifies the diagnosis and prescribes treatment.
In particular:
- if disorders of the reproductive system in women are detected, treatment is prescribed by a gynecologist;
- when problems with the intestines arise, a more precise consultation with a gastroenterologist is required;
- if a pathology of the urinary system is detected, it is necessary to be treated by a urologist;
- in the event of the development of osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine, treatment is carried out by a neurologist or traumatologist.
Treatment for pain in the waist area can only be prescribed after diagnosis. If you do not cure the underlying disease, then you will not be able to get rid of the pain syndrome by any means. For certain pathologies, painkillers are prescribed to alleviate the patient's condition. In some cases, strict bed rest and compliance with other doctor's recommendations will be required.
Reproductive diseases
They are, of course, different for men and women. For representatives of the fair sex, an unexpected painful sensation in the waist area can be quite physiological and indicate ovulation. Also, pain in the abdominal area is common during menstruation due to active uterine contractions or during hormonal changes in the body.
Thus, an unpleasant syndrome often occurs in pregnant women. Pain on the right side in pregnant women is a common occurrence. It is usually associated with displacement of organs due to fetal growth and is physiological in nature.
But if the pain is severe, or is accompanied by additional alarming signs, you should definitely see a doctor. Sometimes painful syndromes in the waist area on the right in representatives of both the weaker and stronger sex are pathological in nature and suggest the following diseases:
Among women | Essential medicines | In men | Essential medicines |
Acute adnexitis | Antibacterial drugs of different groups, for example, aminoglycosides and penicillins (“Oxacillin” and “Kanamycin”) | Colliculitis | Instillation of the urethra with antiseptic solutions and the use of antibiotic drugs depending on the type of infection |
Ovarian cyst | Hormonal drugs, for example, Rigevidon, Marvelon, Diane-35 | Orchitis | Drugs to eliminate pain, swelling and inflammation (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen), for bacterial causes of the disease - antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Amoxiclav, Erythromycin, Azithromycin) |
Ovarian rupture | For minor tears, antispasmodics will help. The same “No-spa” and bed rest, the rupture requires laparoscopic surgery | Orchiepididymitis | Drugs to eliminate pain, swelling and inflammation (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen), for bacterial causes of the disease - antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Amoxiclav, Erythromycin, Azithromycin) |
Malignant neoplasms | Surgery and chemotherapy will be required | Prostatitis | Antibiotics (“Oxacillin”, “Sulfa-P”), as well as means for relieving unpleasant symptoms and recovery (“Prostatilen”, “Prostan”, “Vitaprost”, “Prostamol Uno”) |
If a woman has discomfort that lasts more than two days and is not related to menstruation, she should definitely visit a gynecologist. And if pain torments a representative of the stronger sex, you need to go to the doctor as soon as possible. Self-medication is impossible here; a course of treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. Otherwise, there is a risk of losing the ability to have offspring and the degeneration of illnesses into severe forms.
How to cope with pain?
More often than not, we ignore the dull pain in the hope that it will go away on its own. But, as a rule, such manifestations do not pass without consequences, which means that the pain will only intensify. But you shouldn’t self-medicate, as you can simply harm yourself. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible, who can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Before you can see a doctor, you must:
- lie down on the bed and try not to make sudden movements. Brew yourself some chamomile tea to help you relax;
- try not to eat. Perhaps it was the foods you consumed that triggered the occurrence of such pain;
- do not be nervous, as this can only worsen the general condition of the body, weakening it even more.
Pain in the right side at the waist level occurs to each of us from time to time, although we often try not to notice it. You shouldn’t ignore the problem, because it won’t go away on its own, no matter how much you want it to. Instead of panicking, it is better to contact a specialist who will help you deal with the problem.