Differential Diagnosis for Right Sided Low Back Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain: This is the most common cause of low back pain, often resulting from overuse, poor posture, or acute injury. The pain is typically localized to the lower back and may radiate to the buttocks or thighs.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lumbar disc herniation: Herniation of the intervertebral disc can cause low back pain, especially if the herniation compresses a nearby nerve root. Symptoms may include radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.
- Degenerative disc disease: Wear and tear on the spinal discs can lead to low back pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Sacroiliitis: Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint can cause low back pain, often on one side, and may be associated with stiffness and limited mobility.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Kidney stone: A kidney stone can cause severe, sharp pain in the lower back, often radiating to the groin. It's essential to consider this diagnosis to avoid delaying treatment.
- Pyelonephritis: Infection of the kidney can cause flank pain, fever, and other systemic symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.
- Aortic aneurysm: A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause severe, sudden low back pain and is a medical emergency.
- Osteomyelitis: Infection of the bone can cause low back pain, fever, and other systemic symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent long-term damage.
Rare Diagnoses
- Spinal tumor: A tumor in the spine can cause low back pain, often with other symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or bladder/bowel dysfunction.
- Inflammatory spondyloarthropathy: Conditions like ankylosing spondylitis can cause chronic low back pain and stiffness, often with other systemic symptoms.
- Osteoporotic compression fracture: A fracture of the vertebral body can cause sudden, severe low back pain, often in individuals with osteoporosis.