What organ is the lower back right? Understanding the anatomy behind your pain

September 21, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lower back pain is one of the most common physical ailments reported by adults in the United States. While often muscular, understanding what organ is the lower back right is vital, as pain in this area can sometimes signal a more serious underlying issue.

Quick Summary

Several organs, including the appendix, right kidney, and parts of the colon, are located in the lower right abdomen and can cause referred pain in the lower right back. Other potential causes range from muscle strain to issues with the reproductive organs, making it crucial to evaluate all symptoms.

Key Points

Multiple Organs are Nearby: The appendix, right kidney, and parts of the large intestine are located in the vicinity of the lower right back, and pain from these organs can be felt in that area.
Appendix Pain Can Radiate: Appendicitis typically starts with pain around the navel that shifts to the lower right abdomen, but it can also manifest as pain in the lower back on the right side.
Kidney Pain Feels Different: Kidney pain is often a dull, constant ache located deeper and higher in the back (just below the ribs) and may be accompanied by fever or urinary problems, unlike a muscular ache.
Muscular vs. Organ Pain: Muscular back pain changes with movement and position, while organ-related pain is generally constant and does not depend on your physical activity.
Watch for Emergency Signs: Seek immediate medical attention for severe pain accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or changes in bladder/bowel function, as this could indicate appendicitis or a serious kidney infection.
Diagnostic Tools Aid Diagnosis: Doctors use imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, blood tests, and urine tests to determine if the pain is from an organ, muscle, or spine issue.

Your Abdominal Anatomy: A Closer Look at the Lower Right Quadrant

To understand what organ is causing pain in the lower right back, it's essential to visualize the abdominal and pelvic anatomy. The body's internal landscape is a complex map, and a problem in one area can manifest as discomfort elsewhere. The lower right quadrant of the torso, for instance, contains several vital structures that can refer pain to the back.

These include:

The Appendix: A small, finger-like pouch attached to the large intestine. Inflammation of the appendix, or appendicitis, is a well-known cause of severe pain in the lower right abdomen, which can sometimes radiate to the back.
The Right Kidney and Ureter: Located on either side of the spine, the kidneys are positioned higher up but can cause pain in the lower back, especially when dealing with infections or stones. The ureter, which carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, also runs through this area.
Parts of the Large Intestine: The large intestine has segments that pass through the lower right side of the body, including the cecum. Issues like inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis) can cause pain in this region.
Right Ovary and Fallopian Tube (in females): Gynecological conditions such as ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease can cause pain that is felt in the lower back.
Psoas Muscle: This large muscle, which connects the lumbar spine to the femur, runs deep within the abdomen and can cause pain in the lower back when strained or injured.

Distinguishing Between Organ-Related and Muscular Back Pain

Many people struggle to determine if their pain is simply a muscle strain or something more serious involving an internal organ. Understanding the characteristics of the pain and accompanying symptoms is key to getting an accurate diagnosis. Here is a comparison to help you differentiate:


Characteristic	Organ-Related Pain (e.g., Kidney)	Muscular Back Pain (e.g., Strain)
Location	Deeper and higher in the back, just below the ribcage on the affected side. May radiate to the abdomen or groin.	Typically localized to the surface muscles and ligaments of the lower back. Can feel like a dull ache or stiffness.
Nature of Pain	Often described as a dull, constant ache for an infection, or sharp and crampy for a stone moving through the urinary tract.	Usually a sharp, stabbing pain with sudden movements, or a constant dull ache that worsens with specific activities.
Response to Movement	Does not typically change with movement or body position.	Changes with movement, improves with rest, and may feel worse with stretching or twisting.
Accompanying Symptoms	Often comes with other symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, cloudy or bloody urine, or a frequent need to urinate.	Rarely accompanied by systemic symptoms. May have localized swelling or tenderness.
Duration	Will likely persist or worsen until the underlying condition is treated.	Often resolves on its own within a few days or weeks with rest and home care.

Potential Causes of Pain in the Lower Right Back

Beyond simple muscle soreness, a number of conditions involving internal organs or other structures can lead to pain in this specific area. Knowing the possibilities can help you and your doctor narrow down the cause.

Kidney-Related Problems

Kidney Stones: Hard deposits of minerals and salts can form inside your kidneys. A stone moving down the ureter can cause intense, sharp pain in the side and back.
Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): A bacterial infection, often from a UTI, can travel to the kidney. This can cause a persistent ache, fever, and urinary symptoms.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Appendicitis: As mentioned, this inflammation requires immediate medical attention. The pain often starts around the navel before moving to the lower right side, sometimes extending to the back.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain and inflammation that can be felt in the back.

Reproductive Organ Issues (in Females)

Ovarian Cysts or Tumors: A cyst on the right ovary can cause localized or referred pain. In some cases, a tumor can cause persistent back pain.
Endometriosis: When tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, it can cause chronic pelvic pain that radiates to the lower back.

Other Potential Causes

Sciatica: A herniated disc or other spinal problem can pinch the sciatic nerve, causing radiating pain that travels down the leg, starting from the lower back.
Testicular Torsion (in males): This is a serious condition that can cause pain in the lower abdomen and back.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many cases of lower back pain resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. Seek prompt medical care if you experience:

Severe, sudden pain that is debilitating.
Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting accompanying the back pain.
Pain with urination, cloudy urine, or blood in the urine.
Pain that radiates down the legs or causes weakness, numbness, or tingling.
Loss of bladder or bowel control, which could signal a serious spinal nerve issue.

Diagnostic Tools for Pinpointing the Problem

To identify the cause of lower right back pain, a doctor may use a combination of diagnostic tests to get a clearer picture of your internal state.

Imaging Tests

X-rays: Useful for seeing arthritis or broken bones, but not ideal for soft tissue issues.
CT Scans or MRIs: These advanced imaging techniques can reveal details about the discs, muscles, nerves, and organs.

Laboratory Tests

Blood and Urine Tests: Can detect signs of infection or other conditions, such as high mineral levels associated with kidney stones.

Nerve Studies

Electromyography (EMG): Measures electrical impulses in nerves and muscles to check for nerve compression or damage.

Conclusion: Your Health is a Priority

Understanding the potential sources of pain in your body is a crucial part of taking control of your health. While the answer to what organ is the lower back right is not a single, simple one, knowing the possibilities allows you to recognize when to seek professional help. From the appendix and right kidney to a simple muscle strain, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider can pinpoint the cause and lead to the right treatment. Trust your body, listen to its signals, and never hesitate to seek expert medical advice for persistent or concerning symptoms. For additional health information, please visit the Cleveland Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, which can cause pain that begins near the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen. This pain can also radiate and be felt in the lower right side of the back.

Kidney pain is typically a deeper, higher, and more constant ache compared to muscle pain. It is often accompanied by other symptoms like fever, nausea, changes in urination, or blood in the urine.

Muscular pain often changes with movement or position and improves with rest. Kidney pain, on the other hand, is usually not affected by body position and often includes other symptoms, such as urinary issues or fever.

Yes, for females, issues with the right ovary or fallopian tube, such as cysts, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease, can cause pain that radiates to the lower back.

You should see a doctor if your pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, or changes in urinary habits. Immediate medical attention is needed for severe, sudden pain or loss of bladder/bowel control.

Yes, common causes include muscle sprains and strains, herniated discs, sciatica (nerve compression), and spinal stenosis. An accurate diagnosis requires a professional medical evaluation.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, a review of your symptoms, and possibly imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Blood and urine tests may also be used to check for infections or other conditions.