Although it may seem unusual to patients, a chiropractor understands that there are several reasons why someone may experience pain on just one side due to how muscles, bones, and other tissues travel between the neck and the pelvis. One of the following culprits may be at work if you experience pain down your right side.
Lumber Disc Problems
Lumbar disc problems occur when a disc has bulged or slipped out of place, potentially leaking spinal fluid that is required to prevent a spinal disc from cracking or slipping into the spinal canal, pinching nerves in the process. Disc problems often cause pain on only one side because they slip to the side. Because disc problems so frequently occur between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, you may experience pain on the lower right side of your back. This pain can even continue down that leg.
Quadratus Lumborum Muscle
The muscle that connects from the top of the pelvis in back to the bottom rib and helps the body bend from side to side is the quadratus lumborum. If it develops knots or other injuries, it can result in pain down the right side of your back.
Sciatica
Sciatica is another common cause of pain down one side of the back; although, it may not always impact just one side. The sciatic nerve runs from your butt to your toes, making it the longest nerve in your body. The sciatic nerve can become pinched by trigger points formed by muscle knots, which can occur from both overuse and underuse. Sciatic nerve pain can appear in the lower back, butt, hips, and legs and may include tingling or burning sensations. People describe this pain as sharp, shooting, or radiating. Sciatica pain typically worsens when sitting. Numbness and weakness may accompany sciatic pain, and you may have difficulty moving your foot or leg or struggle to stand because of the pain.
How A Chiropractor Can Treat Pain on the Right Side
The conditions above may be treatable by a chiropractor without invasive surgery. Treatment options include:
- Chiropractic massage therapy loosens muscles and releases endorphins that naturally combat pain caused by sciatica without further irritation nerves, muscles, or other tissue.
- Alternated hot and cold therapies to provide fast relief from sciatica pain. This combination works because heat releases muscle tension, and cold slows the flood of blood to decrease inflammation.
- Ultrasound produces a gentle heat that can penetrate deeply into bodily tissues to promote circulation, which helps with healing, and improve symptoms such as cramping, swelling, and muscle spasms.
- Cold laser therapy painlessly decreases irritation and swelling, both of which can contribute to pain.
- TENS units use small electrical pulses to stimulate nerves, resulting in fewer muscle spasms and pain reduction.
- Spinal decompression includes techniques for lengthening the spine and the space between the vertebrae and is effective for lower right-side pain that is caused by disc issues.
- Chiropractic adjustments can decrease pressure on the sciatic nerve by allowing a herniate disc to slip back into place. Aside from pain relief, muscle spasms may improve with chiropractic adjustments.
A chiropractor may recommend lifestyle changes that reduce pain, including new positions for sleeping, sitting, standing, and lifting. Furthermore, a chiropractor can advise you to perform exercises that avoid further irritation and relieve pressure from affect muscles. Yoga, for example, can provide relief for pain that may be caused by the sciatic nerve. A combination of these treatments can provide significant and long-lasting pain relief when following a treatment plan designed by a chiropractor.
One 2018 study found that 375 service members with back pain experienced a decrease in pain intensity, and increased mobility after receiving chiropractic care for a period of six weeks. Furthermore, they were less reliant on pain medication and more satisfied with their care than people with back pain who did not undergo chiropractic care but instead received medication and physical therapy. Some patients can even experience pain relief with just one visit to the chiropractor, however! Pain relief is just a phone call away – no referral needed! If you’re ready to experience pain relief, call us at 205-637-1363 today.
