Because your kidneys are located below your ribcage and towards your back, it can be difficult to tell whether the pain you’re experiencing is back pain or kidney pain. Show
Since back pain is so common, it’s easy for people who are actually experiencing kidney issues to brush the pain off as “normal” back pain. This can be dangerous, especially if the underlying cause of kidney pain is a condition that requires immediate medical treatment. Your symptoms can help you determine whether you’re experiencing back or kidney pain. The type of pain and its severity can also help you understand the source of your pain. In this guide, I’ll break down the causes of back and kidney pain, and provide you with tips for identifying the source of your pain. I’ll also tell you when it’s best to talk to your doctor. Causes of Kidney Pain
In very rare cases, severe dehydration may lead to kidney pain. Severe dehydration can eventually build up waste in your kidneys, causing pain. This is why it’s important to drink an adequate amount of water for your age, weight, and level of physical activity. A person who doesn’t drink enough fluids over time may become dehydrated and eventually experience kidney pain. This occurs only in very severe or prolonged cases or when you have other health problems—mild dehydration that you experience in everyday life would not be expected to cause kidney pain. How to Identify Kidney PainIn some cases, back pain may subside when you move, while kidney pain tends to be a constant ache. So if you’re able to shift your body and the pain lessens or goes away, it may be back pain. If you are experiencing lower back pain, you can probably rule out kidney pain. The kidneys are located higher up in the back. Kidney pain tends to be in the mid-to-upper back region on the sides, not in the center. Still think your pain may be in your kidneys? Here are some key symptoms and pain indicators you should look out for if you suspect you have a kidney issue. SymptomsThe most common symptoms experienced with kidney pain include:
Type of painThe type of pain varies depending on the cause of your kidney pain. If due to an infection, kidney pain is usually described as a constant, dull ache. In the case of kidney stones, the pain may be sharp and come in waves as the kidney stone moves. It’s normal for a person to experience kidney pain in either one or both sides of their body. LocationYour kidneys are located just below your rib cage, with one on either side of your spine. Kidney pain is usually experienced higher up on the back, and not in the center. Additional symptomsSome symptoms of kidney infections or kidney stones may seem similar to those of bladder infections or urinary tract infections, like cloudy urine or a painful burning sensation while urinating. If these urinary tract symptoms are accompanied by pain or some of the other following symptoms, you may have a kidney infection or kidney stone:
Causes of Back PainAnything that puts pressure on or damages the spine or muscles of the low back can cause back pain. Sometimes, the cause can be as simple as overuse over a long period of time. Other times, the source may be an injury from a traumatic event or from participation in high-impact contact sports. Injury or accident is one of the more common reasons for back pain. An unexpected twist or sudden motion can result in muscle strain or muscle spasm. The pain experienced is usually greatest during the first 48-72 hours following the injury, and then gradually gets better over the course of days or sometimes weeks. More severe injuries, like a fall, may require hospitalization and more recovery time. Most back pain is acute, meaning it lasts a few days up to four weeks. When back pain lasts for 12 weeks or longer, it is classified as chronic back pain. Another common cause of back pain is a ruptured or herniated disc. Between the vertebrae of your spine, cushioned discs allow the bones of your spine to rotate and bend without rubbing against one another. But sometimes, these discs can be pushed out of place—by heavy lifting, bending, or for unknown reasons. When this happens, the bulge from the disc creates pressure on the spine’s nerve roots. Other causes of back pain can be categorized in the following groups:
How to Identify Back PainNearly 80% of Americans have experienced low back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain isn’t limited to just the lower region, though. Below are a few parameters you can use to find out if the pain you’re experiencing is back pain. SymptomsThe following symptoms are common with back pain. Note that the symptoms you experience will depend on the underlying cause of your pain.
Type of painThe severity and type of pain you experience will depend on the cause of your back pain. Mild strains, “throwing out your back,” and other muscle injuries will often cause focal pain in the side of your low back that may be sharp or dull, and changes with motion. These typically get better within about a week with over-the-counter medications and supportive treatments. Spine injuries such as a herniated disk will tend to cause sharp pain in the center of your back. These injuries are sometimes associated with pain that travels to the hip or side of the leg. The duration of these will depend on your specific condition. LocationLow back pain is one of the most common locations people experience back pain; if you are experiencing low back pain, it’s unlikely that you are experiencing kidney pain. You can also experience upper back and mid-back pain, though. Additional symptomsThere are other symptoms you may experience with back pain—and many of them indicate a serious medical problem that requires immediate attention. Below are several symptoms to keep an eye out for:
When to See a DoctorIf you are experiencing severe pain, or if your pain spreads or worsens over time, tell your primary care physician. Ignoring the pain or trying to “tough it out” may only make matters worse. If experience any of the following severe symptoms, you should contact a healthcare provider immediately:
How K Health Can HelpDid you know you can access online urgent care with K Health? Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and is based on 20 years of clinical data. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does it feel like when kidneys hurt? Kidney pain is in the upper low back or mid-back, on the sides. It can be dull and throbbing or sharp and stabbing depending on the underlying cause. Is it a pulled muscle or kidney pain? To determine whether you have a pulled muscle or kidney pain, you should assess your symptoms. Certain symptoms, like cloudy urine or dark urine, pain while urinating, or blood in urine, are typically associated with kidney issues. What are the first signs of kidney problems? Typically, the initial warning signs of kidney problems tend to be related to urination. Changes in urination—like color, frequency, and output—can all indicate a kidney issue. K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. How do I know if my back pain is kidney related?What are common kidney pain symptoms?. A constant, dull ache in your back.. Pain in your sides, under your rib cage or in your abdomen.. Severe or sharp pain that comes in waves.. Pain that spreads to your groin area.. Kidney pain is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, especially if the pain is due to kidney stones.. What does kidney pain feel like in lower back?Kidney pain often feels like a dull ache that gets worse if someone gently presses on that area. While it is more common to feel kidney pain on only one side, some health problems may affect both kidneys and cause pain on both sides of your back.
What are the 3 early warning signs of kidney disease?Here are three signs that could indicate that you are beginning to experience a decline in kidney function.. Dizziness and Fatigue. One of the first possible signs of weakening kidneys is the experience of overall weakness in yourself and your overall health. ... . Swelling (Edema) ... . Changes in urination.. Can your kidneys make your lower back hurt?The kidneys are located higher than most people realize (see image). So back pain, one of the most common problems that sends people to their doctors, is rarely due to kidney trouble. When pain is related to a kidney issue, not only is the pain higher up in the back, but the symptoms are also different.
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