Waist pain can be caused by several factors, including a problem in one or more organs located within the pelvic area. The pain in the waist may be severe, throbbing or mild. It may be localized to one area or spread to the other parts of the waist. Depending on the severity, you might need to consult a medical specialist for physical examination, an X-ray or MRI scan to determine the exact cause and therefore the necessary treatment.
Possible Causes of Pain on Right Side of Waist
1. Kidney Diseases
The two kidneys in the human body are located within the pelvic space. If there is injury, trauma or abnormal functioning within one or both kidneys, you can experience abdominal pain. Kidney stones, infection and other kidney diseases also present with pain that begins in the lower abdomen and travels towards the lower back.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the gut and its specific cause is unknown. However, triggers include eating habits, diet and stress. Symptoms of IBS include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and pain in the lower abdomen. The disease is more prevalent in women than in men.
3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID, refers to inflammatory condition that affects the female reproductive and urinary systems, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and the urethra. PID is a common cause of pain on right side of waist and the abdomen in women. It is caused by bacteria which can also lead to sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). Pain due to PID has a gradual onset. A victim of PID may notice an abnormal vaginal discharge and suffer deep-seated pain within the pelvis when having sex. She may also experience a burning sensation or pain when urinating.
4. Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian cyst rupture and ovarian torsion are common ovarian problems that cause waist pain in female. In case of ovarian torsion, an ovary twists along the stack connecting it to the fallopian tube, similar to a fruit twisting on its stack. This cuts off blood supply to the ovary and also causes stress due to the pulling action. The result is severe pain within the lower abdomen and down to the upper thigh of the affected side. The patient may also experience nausea and vomiting, low fever and in some cases slight vaginal bleeding.
5. Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg is lodged or implanted outside the uterus. About 98 percent of the cases occur in the fallopian tubes. If ectopic pregnancy happens on the right side, the patient will experience pain on the right side of waist. Pain caused by ectopic pregnancy is sometimes accompanied by vaginal bleeding. In severe cases which involve rupture and internal bleeding into the abdominal cavity, the patient may get shoulder tip pain. Ectopic pregnancies are normally diagnosed between the 6th and 8th weeks of pregnancy.
6. Appendicitis
If you have pain on right side of waist that lasts for a few days and you also experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and fever, you could be suffering from appendicitis. The condition usually occurs within the first 30 years of life. In most instances, pain associated with appendicitis starts in the higher part around the belly button, and then spreads to the lower right side of the lower abdomen within one to two days. In some patients, the pain starts and remains in the right side where it gets more severe and is worsened by movements.
7. Biliary Colic
Biliary colic occurs when gallstones are trapped within the neck of the gallbladder. It may also be the result of gallbladder spasm. The pain may radiate from the upper abdomen, to the side of the waist, the back and below the right shoulder blade. The people who suffering from the excruciating pain usually keep moving or curling up in bed, searching for a position in which the pain will lessen. The patient may also get nauseated or even vomit. Pain associated with biliary colic usually lasts for about half an hour, although it may go on for hours, a day or even two before resolving. Biliary colic may be triggered by fatty or oily foods such as stews, fries, and heavy meals.
8. Other Causes
Pain in the right side of waist is not always caused by underlying problems. Sometimes it is the result of cramps arising from strenuous exercise or even poor sitting or sleeping positions. Other possible causes of pain on right side of waist include muscle strain or injury. If you experience a lingering pain on your waist or within the abdomen, you need to visit a medical professional who will conduct a physical examination and recommend an X-ray or MRI for proper diagnosis if necessary.
When to Seek Emergency Help
In the following cases, call for immediate medical care by dialing 911:
- Severe pain in the abdomen, side, flank or back
- Chest pain or pressure radiating to your shoulder blades, jaw, arms
- Bloody or black stool
- Throbbing mass in abdomen
- Sudden, severe and unexplained dizziness
- Labored breathing or shortness of breath
- Confusion, fainting, lethargy, disorientation or other changes in level of alertness or consciousness
- Difficulty in urinating
- Deformity in the rib cage
- Bloody vomit or vomiting black materials that resemble coffee grounds