Pain in lower right side of back...please advise

[sjdet]

hi,

i've had an odd pain/tenderness in my back, on the lower right side, right where the ribs end, and perhaps two inches above the top arc of the pelvis. it's dull, and seems to come and go, but it is definitely there. when it does appear, it lasts for a few seconds, and then goes away.

at first, i thought it was muscle related since i did some heavy lifting the other day where i had to bend down, lift, and carry some boxes. but i've had soar muscles before from strength training, and the pain i have now feels different.

i'm starting to worry this might be kidney related since the pain, though mild and dull, seems to be deeper inside and not on the surface as a muscle ache/sore tends to be. further, it's right where the right kidney would be, and the pain can occur while i just may be sitting. however, i must say that, on occasion, the pain has appeared when i have made movements involving the back.

i seem to have no other symptoms. i'm 23, otherwise pretty healthy, i exercise, etc. the other reason i'm concerned is that i've never experienced pain in that region before. would you have any thoughts on what this may be?

i'm quite worried. and would really appreciate the help.

thank

[sjdet]

any help at all possible?  please?

[Rowena Santos, MD]

HI,

Are there other symptoms present? If this is kidney related, Symptoms that are more suggestive of a kidney or urinary problem include pain in the side, swelling of the lower extremities, and problems with urination. With your history of lifting things, the pain  is more likely due to musculokeletal causes. Warm compresses or pain medications may help. If it persists, evaluation by your doctor may be warranted. Diagnostics such as x-ray of the affected area or ultrasound may need to be done to visualize the structures.

Take care and keep us posted.

[sjdet]

dr. santos,

thanks very much for the response.  i really appreciate it.

in terms of other symptoms:  

i'd mentioned earlier that the discomfort/mild pain started in the lower back, below the ribs.  well now, it seems to be a bit higher and farther laterally.  meaning, in the lower portion of the ribs.  at other times, i can feel it even lower, in the very upper region of the pelvis.

the pain still sometimes appear when i'm sitting or motionless, and sometimes when i try to move.  it appears to come and go, as i said earlier, and isn't there for any long duration of time.

as you can see, my problem is that i can't seem to pinpoint the pain because it's in more than one place.  but in general, i would say that it's the lower right half of my back.    

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one a few occasions, i've also had odorous urine, but i'm not sure if that was because of lack of sufficient fluids or something else.

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i don't appear to have swelling in the lower extremeties.  but i can't tell for sure.

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also, if this really is musculoskeletal, why does it still persist, even though the one time i did lifting involving the back was ~3 weeks ago?  and why would it only be on one side? i have no history of back pain, and am otherwise healthy.  it's just not right that lifting one time could cause these issues.


again, thank you very, very much.  i'd appreciate if you could please let me know if these symptoms indicate anything kidney related.

[Jodie2008]

Thats the symptoms i get with my kidney infection only just right side pain and back pain mind i am sick. no urination problems have your urine dip sticked at the doctor especially if only on one side mine only hurts on my right side thats cause its slightly swollen. i have had 9 recurrent kidney infections.:( with resistant to antibiotics

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

How are you? To help with the diagnosis, direct clinical evaluation is essential. A complete physical examination is needed. Depending on the outcome, in order to rule out other differentials, i would still recommend that you have urinalysis or ultrasound  to rule out kidney infection, or x-ray to rule out musculoskeletal causes. Kidney infection may only present with flank pain. At this point, drink plenty of fluids and avoid straining your back. Take care and regards.

[antaki]

I had a bladder surgery whereby a tumor was removed. I also jad my prostate gland scratched. However, After I was realeased from he hospital I went back on Aspirin and Plavix since  I am also diabetic and have a stent placed.
When I start urinating considerable blood stream starts and then the urine becoimes clear.
Should I stop taking aspirin and plavix again for another  week.