Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 10, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for a 55-year-old Woman with Right Flank/Mid Back Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Musculoskeletal strain: Given the patient's occupation as a head chef, which likely involves heavy lifting, bending, and twisting, musculoskeletal strain is a plausible cause for her back pain, especially with the pain worsening upon turning the torso, standing up, or lying on the right side.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis): The location of the pain (right flank/mid back) and its radiation down the right lower limb could suggest a kidney stone, although the absence of nausea, vomiting, and fever makes this less likely.
  • Pyelonephritis or urinary tract infection: Although the patient denies fever, chills, and genital symptoms, a urinary tract infection cannot be ruled out entirely, especially if the patient has uncontrolled hypertension, which could affect kidney function.
  • Herniated disk or lumbar radiculopathy: The radiation of pain down the right lower limb suggests possible nerve root involvement, which could be due to a herniated disk.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): Although less common in women, an AAA can present with back pain and is a medical emergency. The patient's uncontrolled hypertension increases her risk.
  • Pulmonary embolism: While the patient does not report typical symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain, pulmonary embolism can occasionally present with back pain and is a potentially life-threatening condition.
  • Spinal infection (osteomyelitis, discitis): Infections of the spine can present with back pain and are critical to diagnose early to prevent serious complications.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause hypertension and episodic back pain, among other symptoms.
  • Primary or metastatic tumors of the spine: Although rare, tumors can cause back pain and should be considered, especially if there's a history of cancer or if the pain is persistent and unexplained by other causes.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.