What Part Of Your Back Hurts With Kidney Infection – Kidneys are bean-shaped organs about the size of a fist located at the back of the torso. They are located under the lower part of the rib cage on each side of the spine. Their main function is to filter waste from the blood and produce urine which is sent to the bladder. Kidney pain is discomfort in the area of the kidneys. It typically presents as a dull ache in the sides, back or stomach area. However, pain in these areas is not always linked to the kidneys and can be caused by the back.
Muscles, bones and other organs are located close to the kidneys, making it difficult to determine the actual cause of pain in this area. Since kidney pain can have many causes, some of which are potentially serious, it is important to identify whether back pain originates from the kidneys or from the muscles, bones or nerves in the back. Identifying the underlying cause of the pain is essential to receiving proper treatment. This can be determined by the location of pain, type of pain and symptoms.
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What Part Of Your Back Hurts With Kidney Infection
Kidney pain can be felt on one or both sides of the body. It is felt deeper and located higher in the back, usually under the ribs and on the right or left side of the spine. Furthermore, it can radiate to the side, abdomen or groin area.
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Back pain that is not caused by the kidneys usually affects the middle of the back, usually the lower back, and can be reduced when the body is moved. It can also be felt in one buttock and can radiate to the lower leg if a nerve is affected.
Kidney pain may present with a constant, dull ache that worsens with a gentle tap to the area. It can be experienced on either side of the flank or both sides. It is typically constant and does not worsen with movement or improve without treatment. Pain caused by the kidneys can range from mild to severe.
Back pain is often described as muscle pain or a burning or stabbing pain. Pain caused by spinal problems often worsens with certain movements, such as bending or lifting, and improves with rest. Pain caused by spinal problems can vary in intensity.
If the cause of pain is related to the kidneys, symptoms may include, but are not limited to:
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If the cause of pain is related to the muscles, bones or nerves in the back, symptoms include, but are not limited to:
A healthcare professional should be consulted if any type of back pain is experienced. Identifying the cause of the pain can determine the most appropriate treatment option.
Back Pain Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor, and can be caused by wear and tear, overuse or injury to back muscles, bones, nerves or discs. The most common causes of back pain are muscle irritation and joint dysfunction. learn more 21 spices for holiday food What to do when driving skills decline A tough question: When should an older driver stop driving? A tough question: When should an older driver stop driving? 3 Ways to Create Community and Combat Loneliness Opill: Is This New Birth Control Pill Right for You? Do children get migraine headaches? What parents need to know Does running cause arthritis? Long-term C. diff infections: A threat to the gut How much sleep do you really need?
I have nagging back pain on my right side and I’m worried it might be my kidney. How can you tell when back pain is a kidney problem?
How To Tell If Its Kidney Pain Or Back Pain
A. People usually think their back pain is coming from their kidneys. But it’s more likely that your discomfort is due to muscle spasm or tension or a spine-related problem. The kidneys are located higher than most people realize (see image). So back pain, one of the most common problems that send people to their doctors, is rarely due to kidney problems. When pain is related to a kidney problem, the pain is not only higher in the back, but the symptoms are also different.
For example, a kidney stone lodged in the ureter (the tube that runs from the kidney to the bladder) causes waves of intense pain rather than the constant pain of typical low back pain. And a person with a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) almost always has a fever along with flank pain.
If your pain is localized to the area of the kidney as shown in the illustration, you should see your doctor. Your doctor will tap your flank to see if it is tender. He or she will then probably order a urine test to check for red and white blood cells and a blood test to make sure the kidneys are functioning normally. Based on these results, your doctor may also recommend an ultrasound or CT scan.
Dr. Howard LeWine is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, chief medical editor at Harvard Publishing, and editor-in-chief of Harvard Men’s Watch. See full bio
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The Difference Between Kidney Pain And Back Pain
Back pain treatment has undergone a recent sea change. Experts now appreciate the central role of exercise in building muscles that support the back. This special report,
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Subscribe to get lifestyle tips, ways to fight inflammation and improve cognition, plus the latest advances in preventive medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.
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Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss… from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. The kidneys rest against the muscles of the lower back, which can make it difficult to tell the difference between kidney pain and lower back pain. Additional symptoms can often help identify what type of pain it is.
When trying to determine whether the pain is coming from the back or kidneys, people should consider:
In this article, we discuss the main characteristics and causes of kidney pain and back pain. We also cover when to see a doctor.
The kidneys filter waste and toxins from the bloodstream, making them susceptible to infection and damage. Excess calcium, oxalate and phosphorus can build up in the kidneys to form kidney stones, which can be painful if they cause a blockage.
How To Know When Back Pain Is Muscular
Kidney pain occurs under the rib cage on either side of a person’s spine. It can also feel as if the pain is coming from deep within the body.
People may experience pain on one or both sides of the body, depending on whether a condition affects only one kidney or both kidneys.
Small kidney stones often pass through the urinary system without causing much pain. However, larger stones can cause a sharp, intense pain that typically worsens as the stone moves from the kidney to the ureters. The ureters are tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder and form part of the urinary system.
Muscle pain feels like a dull ache or ache. Certain body movements can cause or worsen muscle pain, which can vary in intensity from mild to severe and can vary in response to stretching.
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People with nerve pain may experience a burning or stinging sensation that travels to other parts of the body.
Sciatica is a form of nerve pain that affects the back. People develop sciatica when the sciatic nerve is pinched or compressed, causing a burning pain in the lower back that radiates through the buttocks.
Leg pain can be the result of vertebral fractures or an irregular shape of the spine. This type of pain comes on suddenly. Leg pain ranges from moderate to severe and usually worsens in response to movement.
Straining a muscle or ligament in the back is a common cause of back pain. People can strain their backs from overstretching, lifting too much weight, or using incorrect lifting techniques.
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A person can often treat mild back pain at home with rest, heat therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, people should see a doctor for pain
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