Distinguishing Kidney Pain From Back Pain
Introduction:
Back and side pain are common. The muscles, joints, and spine are not the only causes of pain. There are conditions that affect the kidneys and can cause pain in the side, back, and even the region below the ribs. Therefore, it is often difficult to determine when to see a urologist, kidney specialist, or orthopedic surgeon.
Understanding the differences between kidney and back pain will help you determine the correct speciality of medicine you need to see. People who want a kidney pain diagnosis in Bangalore can find this information helpful.
Apart from conditions that affect the kidneys, other problems of the urinary system can also cause pain in the side and back. For example, pain from a kidney infection or a stone is often referred to the lower back and may move to the groin or lower abdomen.
Patients living in or around North Bangalore, Thanisandra, Hennur, Yelahanka, Hebbal, Tirumahanhalli and their environs can avail kidney and urologic services, as well as other medical services at Regal Hospital.
Where is the pain felt if the cause is the kidney?
The kidneys are located above the posterior part of the waist. Pain felt here is often difficult to describe and is often felt in the flank region.
The side or sides on which kidney pain is felt are dependent upon the source of the pain. Kidney pain may be diffuse and will often radiate toward the abdomen or groin. It is often the case, with pain from a kidney stone, for example, that the pain will change location as the stone moves down the urinary tract.
Pain in any location may be an indication of many different diseases. Kidney pain is often difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone. Urine and blood tests, and other imaging studies, may be of great value in determining the cause of your symptoms.
Kidney Pain is Different From…
Pain has many attributes, and from the descriptions of these attributes, one may surmise from where a particular pain is generated.
Pain may also be referred to other areas and may be diffuse.
Pain may also be referred to the same general region as another organ. If a kidney is the source of the pain, then often the pain will be felt along the side of the body or below the ribs.
If pain is located in the same general area of the back as the kidneys, it is often due to problems with the muscles and/or the bony spine. Such pain will often increase with certain activities and/or positions.
Flank Pain Causes and Kidney Stone Symptoms
Pain in the flanks can be caused by various conditions that can be managed conservatively or require immediate medical attention.
Examples include:
- Muscle or other strain
- Disorders of the spine and nerves
- Urinary tract obstruction (acute)
- Kidney infection
- Kidney stones
Bear in mind that urinary symptoms, fever, and/or bloody urine may indicate an infection.
Kidney Stones
Stones in the kidney are made up of various mineral deposits. Smaller stones may not be symptomatic if they remain in the kidney. If a stone obstructs the urinary tract, various symptoms, including renal colic may occur.
Renal colic is:
- Sharp, severe
- Saddle, back, or flank pain
- Intermittent
- Radiates to the groin or lower abdomen
Other symptoms may include:
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Urgency to urinate
- Fever
- Blood in the urine
Infection of the kidneys (pyelonephritis)
An infection of the kidneys is characterized by pain in the back, side, or groin and may include symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, such as fever.
Other symptoms may include:
- Cloudy or dark urine
- Foul-smelling or inflected urine
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea and/or vomiting
When Does Kidney or Back Pain Require Immediate Medical Attention?
If you have new or worsening pain, and it happens with other symptoms, it is a medical emergency.
You should get immediate medical help if your pain is:
- Severe
- worsening
- lasts a long time
And if you have:
- Fever
- Chills
- Vomiting
- Blood in your urine
- Are unable to urinate
- Kidney problems with infection
- Other problems that are causing pain
Weakness
Confusion
Problems with your breathing
If there is a kidney stone that is blocking your urinary tract and it is infected, it can be an emergency.
How is Kidney Pain Diagnosed?
If your health care professional thinks you may have problems with your kidneys, they may do a number of things to check.
They may take your history and do a physical exam.
During the exam they may look for:
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Where your pain is
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The level of pain you have
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If the pain comes and goes
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If the pain is affected by movement
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Other symptoms you may have, such as
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Urinary problems
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Fevers
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Chills
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Stones or Infections of the Kidneys or Urinary Tract
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Other problems
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Medications you may take
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Other things that may help them with your diagnosis
They may take urine tests, blood tests, or images of your kidneys.
Urine tests may show
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Blood
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Infections
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Other things
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White Blood Cells
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Bacteria
A urine culture may be done to check for an infection.
Other tests may be done to help with your diagnosis.
This combination of physical exam and appropriate testing helps to arrive at the correct diagnosis in patients with kidney pain.
Who Should I See? Orthopedist or Nephrologist?
When the pain is involving bones, joints, or muscles, an orthopedist should be seen.
If your pain is involving the urinary system and kidney, a urologist should be seen.
A nephrologist should be seen if there is any illness involving the function of the kidney, for example, chronic kidney disease.
It is always advisable to start with a general physician if you are not sure about the exact cause of your illness.
Treatment of Kidney and Back Pain
Pain is a symptom, and treatment of pain does not cure the cause of the symptom. For example, treatment of pain caused by a kidney stone would be to remove the stone.
Various methods are available for removing a kidney stone based on the size and location of the stone. These include medicines and procedures like shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or surgery (pneumatic lithotripsy).
Treatment of a kidney infection is with antibiotics. For blockages, a procedure to relieve the blockage is done.
In case of back pain involving the muscles, treatment is with rest, medicines, and/or physical therapy. Other treatment would depend on the cause of the pain.
It is not correct to consider that all forms of back pain or discomfort over the flanks are referred to as ‘renal pain’ or ‘renal colic.’ On the other hand, flank pain, which is persistent and is associated with symptoms of urinary tract infection, should not be assumed to be a case of muscle pain.
In case of any kind of injury or pain, it is important to identify the underlying cause. Once the cause has been determined, proper treatment as suggested by the healthcare professional should be followed.
To prevent formation of kidney stones, adequate fluid intake is recommended. However, in certain pre-existing conditions, healthcare professionals may recommend restricting intake of fluid. Dietary changes may also be suggested based on the type of stone.
Maintaining good posture is important for the overall health of the back. While sitting or lying, change position at regular intervals. While lifting, use the right techniques and do not overstretch. Lead a physically active and healthy life. To relieve back pain, different treatment plans may be suggested by your healthcare professional. Self-medicate only when necessary and in cases of flank pain, only after determining the cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my back pain is because of my kidneys?
Pain in the kidneys or the urinary system is usually in the flanks and/or below the ribs. Often times, there may be associated fever, nausea, and/or blood in the urine. Back pain because of musculoskeletal problems is often related to a person’s posture and activity. It is possible to have a mixture of both types of pain, and a medical evaluation would be appropriate to determine the cause of the pain.
- What can cause kidney pain?
Possible causes can be kidney infections, urinary tract infections, and/or obstructions, as well as the presence of kidney stones.
- Who should I see for back pain, a nephrologist or an orthopedist?
Musculoskeletal back pain would probably be better evaluated by an orthopedist. A nephrologist would likely be better at evaluating medical problems of the kidneys. A urologist would evaluate kidney stones and other conditions affecting the urinary tract and the kidneys.
- What are some symptoms of a kidney infection?
Signs and symptoms of a kidney infection may include fever, chills, frequent and/or painful urination, nausea and vomiting, blood in the urine, cloudy urine, and back or side pain. You should see a doctor if you experience these symptoms.
- When should I go to the emergency room for kidney problems?
You should go to the emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms: blood in your urine, frequent and/or painful urination, fever and/or chills, inability to urinate, nausea/vomiting, and pain in the back and/or side. These may be signs of a serious condition and/or infection.
Refer Patients to Correct Specialist
Pain in the side or back could be a sign of a kidney infection; however, it could also be a sign of a muscle inflammation. The best way to decide which condition you may have is to determine if you have any symptoms related to urinary infection.
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