What causes lower right back pain that radiates to the leg?

Generally, right-sided lower back pain radiating to the leg may be caused by poor posture, lack of exercise, lumbar muscle strain, lumbar disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, and other conditions. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include general management and medication. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Poor Posture

Prolonged poor posture, such as sitting for long periods or bending while working, can lead to muscle tension and strain in the lower back, causing right-sided back pain that radiates to the leg. This can be relieved through physical therapies such as heat application, massage, and physiotherapy.

2. Lack of Exercise

Insufficient physical activity weakens the muscles supporting the lower back, reducing spinal stability and increasing the risk of right-sided back pain. Additionally, prolonged sitting can stiffen back muscles and ligaments, potentially leading to pain radiating down the leg. Gradually increasing physical activity—such as swimming, yoga, and light weight training—can strengthen the back muscles.

3. Lumbar Muscle Strain

Lumbar muscle strain is usually caused by injury to the lower back muscles. Inflammation, spasms, or adhesions in these muscles can cause pain on the right side of the lower back, which may radiate to the leg due to referred pain. Symptoms may include stiffness and limited movement in the lower back. Patients may take medications such as celecoxib capsules, compound chlorzoxazone tablets, or Wu Jin Huoxue Zhi Tong capsules under medical supervision.

4. Lumbar Disc Herniation

Lumbar disc herniation typically occurs when the intervertebral disc protrudes posteriorly, compressing or irritating nerve roots. This causes pain in the lower back and along the innervated areas of the leg, possibly accompanied by numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may use medications such as mecobalamin tablets, Gentongping granules, or Tongluo Qutong ointment.

5. Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis refers to the slippage of one vertebra relative to another, leading to spinal instability and nerve root irritation, which can result in lower back and leg pain. Symptoms may also include restricted back movement and leg numbness. Treatment may involve medications such as eperisone hydrochloride tablets, compound chlorzoxazone tablets, or baclofen tablets, as recommended by a physician.

In daily life, it is important to maintain proper sitting posture, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and engage in regular exercise to enhance overall immunity.