What could be the reason for having pain in my lower right back?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain in the lower right back is often caused by muscle strain, but it can also signal a pinched nerve in the spine, a kidney issue, or even a stomach ulcer. Because the causes vary widely—from minor to serious—identifying the source early is key to getting the right treatment.

If you're experiencing lower right back pain and aren't sure what's behind it, taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you narrow down possible causes and decide on the best next steps. It only takes a few minutes, requires no sign-up, and provides personalized insights based on your specific symptoms—empowering you to have a more informed conversation with your doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Lower right back pain can have different causes. One possible reason is a condition called L4 radiculopathy. This happens when a nerve in your lower spine is pinched or irritated. This can cause pain that spreads from your back down to your leg.

Another possible cause is a duodenal ulcer. This is a sore in your stomach that can sometimes cause pain in your back.

If you are having pain, it is important to talk to a doctor who can help find the exact cause and the best way to help you feel better. You can start by using this free symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your discomfort.

(References)

Meli R, Hussein M, Czyz M, Henderson R, Vaiyapuri S, Pohl U, et al. (2025). Increasing lower back pain with right L4 radiculopathy. Skeletal radiology, 39225756.
Meli R, Hussein M, Czyz M, Henderson R, Vaiyapuri S, Pohl U, et al. (2025). increasing lower back pain with right L4 radiculopathy. Skeletal radiology, 39215836.
Weiss DJ, Conliffe T, & Tata N. (1998). Low back pain caused by a duodenal ulcer. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 9749698.

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