The sensation of pain is possible in nearly any area of the body, but the lower back, also known as the lumbar spine, is one of the most common. Lower back pain affected more than 600 million people around the world in 2020. Some people experience lower back pain in more specific areas, such as on the right side of their lumbar spine, right above the buttocks.
When you’re treating pain, it’s important to home in on the exact area to treat the main issue. There are a variety of treatments that may be helpful for reducing the pain along with other related symptoms, such as stiffness and reduced range of motion.Â
Treatments to help lower back pain on your right side above your buttocks
If you have lower back pain on the right side of your body above your buttocks, it could be a number of issues. It could be a muscle strain, sciatica or a herniated disc, just to name a few. Be sure to talk to your doctor to receive a diagnosis from a physical assessment and diagnostic tests.Â
When it comes to treating lower back pain of any kind, there are several treatments that you can test out. While some can be accomplished on your own, others may require the assistance of a health care professional, such as a physical therapist.
Treatments for lower back pain on your right side above your buttocks could include:
- Pain medication — If you’re looking for temporary pain relief to get through your daily routines, ask your doctor about taking pain medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. If your pain is severe or worsening, they may prescribe you a muscle relaxer.
- Heat therapy — One of the best ways to treat lower back pain is to relax the tight muscles in the affected area. Use a hot compress or heating pad on the area for 10- to 20-minute increments. The heat can help reduce your pain by increasing circulation to the area. Blood flow can help heal the affected tissue and reduce painful stiffness.
- Targeted exercises — When you’re trying to reduce pain while improving the quality of the affected muscles and joints, the right exercises can help. A physical therapist can guide you through stretching and strengthening exercises that can decrease pain while increasing the strength, flexibility, mobility and function of the surrounding muscles. For lower back pain, your physical therapist might guide you through exercises like bridges and pelvic tilts.
At REPAIR SI, we can create a personalized treatment plan that targets your lower back pain for the most effective treatment possible.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.