I Have Had Pain In My Lower Right Hand Side

Posted on Fri, 26 Jul 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have had pain in my lower right hand side of my back just below my ribs for 4 days. When I take Ibuprophen it goes away but then comes back after 8 hours if I don’t take the pain med again. It can be painful if I move the wrong way — to the right or bend over. Feeling a little off this week but other than that no other symptoms.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
likely related to the muscles in that area

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Based on your description of the location of the pain, it is likely related to the muscles in the lower back on the right. The only other structure in this area is the kidney and kidney related conditions do not normally present in this way, so not likely related to that.

Muscle pain in the back can have different possible causes such as recent increase in physical activity or lifting, prolonged bending or standing, sudden movement, trauma.
In some persons the exact cause is not known.

In addition to the use of the ibuprofen, you can also consider a warm compress, 2 to 3 times a day for 10 to 15 minutes.
Stretching and strengthening exercises of the lower back can also be beneficial as well.

If there is no change or worsening then you may want to consider seeing your doctor for an assessment. A muscle relaxant may need to be prescribed.
Formal physiotherapy, may also be required at that stage

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar