Does appendix pain radiate to the back

There are numerous possible sources of lower right back pain in the organs of the mid-back, abdominal, or pelvic regions. Pain may start following inflammation or irritation of an internal organ, or may be a sign of infection. These conditions will usually produce other symptoms with lower right back pain that more specifically narrow down the source.

Several common internal causes of lower right back pain include:

Kidney problems

Symptoms of kidney stones and a kidney infection can be very similar. Both conditions can cause low back pain on one side, as well as pain with urination and nausea and/or vomiting. Difficulty urinating is typically felt as a kidney stone moves in the kidney, through the ureters, and into the bladder and urinary tract, and a patient may notice blood in the urine. An infection in the right kidney can cause fever, local inflammation, and tenderness in the lower right back around the kidney.

Ulcerative Colitis

This inflammatory bowel disease is characterized by persistent inflammation in the large intestine, also called the colon. Frequent abdominal cramping from ulcerative colitis can cause lower right back pain. Other symptoms includes chronic digestive problems such as diarrhea, rectal pain, weight loss, and fatigue.

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Appendicitis

The appendix is located in the lower right hand side of the abdomen. If the appendix becomes inflamed, starts leaking or ruptures, it may cause symptoms that include lower right back pain. Symptoms vary, and there is debate about gradual onset or chronic appendicitis, but anecdotal evidence suggests that it is possible for an appendix to present chronic symptoms of lower right quadrant pain. A typical presentation is sudden-onset abdominal pain with a focal point in the lower right abdomen, with possible additional symptoms of fever, nausea and vomiting, and/or lower right back pain.

Gynecological disorders

In women, various reproductive organs located in the pelvis may lead to lower right back pain. For example, endometriosis is a common condition that may create sporadic, sharp pain in the pelvic area that may radiate to the lower right back. Fibroids, or tissue masses that grow in and around the uterus, may cause lower right back pain as well as other symptoms such as abnormal menstruation, frequent urination, and/or pain with intercourse.

Pregnancy

Lower right back pain, and low back pain in general, is common during pregnancy as the baby develops. Many women find different pain management methods helpful, which may include rest, exercise and stretching, and complementary therapies.

See Back Pain in Pregnancy

A variety of other internal conditions may also cause low back pain concentrated on the right side, so it is important to be aware of one’s symptoms when consulting with a doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and effectively plan treatments.

View Slideshow: 7 Ways Internal Organs Can Cause Lower Back Pain

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Less Common Causes of Lower Right Back Pain

The following conditions may be common in the population, but are less likely to cause lower right back pain than pain in other areas, such as in the abdomen.

Lower right back pain may be an early symptom of the following:

• Gallbladder inflammation. Gallbladder inflammation or dysfunction is typically marked by severe indigestion, particularly following meals. Gallbladder dysfunction typically causes upper right abdominal pain and right-sided back pain.
• Liver problems. Pain related to the liver may be caused by inflammation (hepatitis), an abscess, liver scarring (cirrhosis), or an enlarged or failing liver. Symptoms of liver problems include pain in the upper right abdomen and/or back, fatigue, nausea or lack of appetite, and jaundice. Liver problems are relatively rare in persons not already at risk.

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If the above conditions are the suspected cause of troubling symptoms, seeking prompt medical attention is advised.

Many have the knowledge that pain on the right side of your abdomen could be linked to your appendix, but what about the other symptoms and warning signs? Appendicitis is an inflammation of your appendix 3 ½ inch tube of tissue that extends from your large intestine. It is a medical emergency that almost always will require surgical removal of the appendix, but luckily, it’s an organ we can live without.

The sooner appendicitis is spotted, the better, as inflammation can lead to a burst, as well as infection and longer recovery times. Because of this, spotting the warning signs are critical.

Causes of Appendicitis

In most cases, the exact cause of appendicitis is never identified. However, it is believed that the inflammation (whether chronic or acute) occurs when part of the appendix becomes obstructed, or blocked. In fact, in the United States, it’s the most common cause of abdominal pain that resulted in surgery.

Identifying Pain in Your Abdomen

The first sign that you might be experiencing appendicitis is a pain in your upper abdomen, often around the belly button. Pain may start off dull, and as it moves towards the lower right abdomen, it becomes sharp. Nausea and vomiting can occur soon after, and a fever is usually present.

Other Warning Signs

Though abdominal pain is the first noticeable sign, half the time, other symptoms are present, such as:

• Dull or sharp pain in the back or rectum
• Painful urination
• Severe cramps
• Constipation or diarrhea with gas
• Diagnosis and Treatment

Since abdominal pain is common, and symptoms mimic other ailments, diagnosis can be tricky. Often, it can be mistaken for gallbladder issues, urinary tract infections, or a variety of intestinal problems. To get an accurate diagnosis, an abdominal exam, blood test, or CT ultrasound are just some of the methods used to spot inflammation.

When detected, removal will be necessary reasonably quickly. Often, recovery is fast, and you can return to regular activity within two to three weeks.

If you are experiencing extreme abdominal pain, it’s important to get it looked at as early as possible. At Henry County Hospital, we are committed to providing excellent service.

From appendectomy to hernia surgery, we cover all aspects of general surgery. We use state-of-the-art technology and offer personalized care — our priority is always the patient.

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