Low right side back pain can have multiple causes. The SI joint can cause pain around the PSIS area (the dimple on each side in the low back). This is the joint between the tailbone and pelvis. Most of these patients can point to the pain in this area (Fortin finger test). SI joint pain can be treated by steroid injection, but if this provides only short-term relief, other options include prolotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and adult stem cell injections. Low right side back pain can also be caused by pain coming from a torn or damaged disc. Irritated upper lumbar spinal nerves or lower throacic spinal nerves can also cause pain in this area. Other causes include myofascial trigger points in muscles such as the quadratus lumborum and lower lumbar paraspinal muscles. In addition, the facet joints can also cause pain. These are small finger sized joints in the low back that help control motion. Steroid shots under x-ray guidance can help this pain, as can radiofrequency ablation, or stem cell injections into the joints. Finally, internal organ problems such as kidney issues, abdominal pain, or even aneurysms of the aorta.
