Customer question:
What does the pain under the ribs in the proper back indicate? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Pain under the ribs in the proper back can result from various causes, ranging from minor problems to more serious medical conditions. Some common causes of pain in this area may include:
- Pancreatic problems: Pain on the right side behind the ribs can indicate problems with the pancreas, such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or pancreatic tumors. With pancreatitis, sharp pain in the upper abdomen may spread to the back, including the area under the ribs. Gallbladder diseases: Gallbladder diseases such as gallstones or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) can cause pain on the right side under the ribs. The pain can come on suddenly and is usually associated with bouts of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Liver problems: Liver problems such as liver disease or cysts can cause pain on the right side under the ribs. Symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, nausea, and weight loss often appear in liver diseases.
- Muscle strain or injury: Excessive physical activity, heavy lifting, or sudden movements can cause muscle strain or damage in the back, which can cause pain on the right side under the ribs in the back.
- Kidney disease: Kidney stones or infections may present with right-sided back pain radiating below the ribs. The pain can also be accompanied by symptoms such as pain when urinating, blood in the urine, fever, and frequent urination.
- Peptic ulcer: Although peptic ulcers are more commonly associated with pain in the upper abdomen, the pain can also radiate to the back, including the area under the ribs on the right side.
- Lung problems: Diseases such as pneumonia or lung cancer can cause pain on the right side behind the ribs, as inflammation or tumors can pressure the lungs or pleura (lining of the lungs).
- Spine problems: a herniated disc, osteoarthritis, or nerve compression in the spine can cause back pain that may radiate under the ribs on the right side.
What causes pain on the right side of the back under the ribs?
Pain on the right side of the back under the ribs can result from various causes, ranging from minor problems to more serious medical conditions. Some common causes of pain in this area include pancreatic problems, gallbladder disease, liver problems, muscle strains or injuries, kidney disease, peptic ulcer disease, lung problems, and spinal problems.
Problems with the pancreas, such as pancreatitis or pancreatic tumors, can cause sharp pain on the right side of the back under the ribs. Gallbladder diseases such as gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder can cause pain in this area, which is usually associated with bouts of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Liver problems, such as liver disease or cysts, can cause pain on the right side of the back under the ribs. Muscle strains or injuries from excessive physical activity can also cause pain in this area. Kidney diseases, such as kidney stones or infections, can present as right-sided back pain that may radiate below the ribs.
A peptic ulcer is a condition that usually presents with pain in the upper abdomen, but the pain can also spread to the back, including the area under the ribs on the right side. Lung problems, such as pneumonia or lung cancer, can cause pain on the right side of the back under the ribs, as inflammation or tumors can pressure the lungs or pleura (the lining of the lungs). Spinal problems such as a herniated disc, osteoarthritis, or nerve compression in the spine can cause back pain that may radiate under the ribs on the right side.
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