Where Do I Feel Kidney Pain
You feel kidney pain in the area where your kidneys are: Near the middle of your back, just under your ribcage, on each side of your spine. Your kidneys are part of the urinary tract, the organs that make urine and remove it from your body. The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
You may feel kidney pain on only one side or both sides of your back. Having pain in these areas does not always mean there is something wrong with your kidneys. Because there are muscles, bones and other organs around your kidneys, it can be hard to tell what exactly is causing your pain. If you have constant pain you think may be caused by your kidneys, talk to your doctor.
When Should You Go See Your Doctor About Back Or Kidney Pain
Back pain
Back pain can be incredibly frustrating, but the good news is: It usually gets better on its own. MCG doctors suggest avoiding aggravating movements and giving heat, ice, or anti-inflammatories a try. If it doesnt clear up within six to 12 weeks, go see your primary care doctor who can assist you in finding better treatment.If, however, you are experiencing back pain after traumatic accident or have other concerning symptoms, head over to urgent care for immediate treatment.
Kidney pain
If you suspect that you have a kidney issue, you should always schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Really anyone who has symptoms of a urinary tract infection or kidney stones should follow up with their physician to make that determination, says Santiago.
If you are pregnant and experiencing a significant fever, see emergency care to get evaluated right away, adds Santiago. Pregnant women are at a greater risk for complications so if primary care isnt available, urgent care is the best place to seek assistance.
Things That Can Harm The Liver
While some liver diseases are genetic, others are caused by viruses or toxins, such as drugs and poisons. Some risk factors, according to theMayo Clinic , include drug or heavy alcohol consumption, having a blood transfusion before 1992, high levels of triglycerides in the blood, diabetes, obesity and being exposed to other people’s blood and bodily fluids. This can happen from shared drug needles, unsanitary tattoo or body piercing needles, and unprotected sex.
Alcohol is big player in liver damage. It is believed that alcohol could possibly change the type of fungi living in the liver, leading to disease, according to a small study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation . If this is true, it could lead to new treatment options. The findings suggest that “we might be able to slow the progression of alcoholic liver disease by manipulating the balance of fungal species living in a patient’s intestine,” study co-author Dr. Bernd Schnabl, an associate professor of gastroenterology at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, said in a statement.
You May Like: Can Chocolate Cause Kidney Stones
Causes Of Bilateral And Unilateral Kidney Pains
Flank pains experienced in either one side otherwise known as unilateral, or both sides, which is referred to as bilateral is caused by various reasons .
Symptoms Of Kidney Pain
- A dull ache that’s usually constant
- Pain under your rib cage or in your belly
- Pain in your side usually only one side, but sometimes both hurt
- Sharp or severe pain that may come in waves
- Pain that can spread to your groin area or belly
Other symptoms that can happen with kidney pain
The symptoms of your kidney pain depend on its cause. With kidney pain you may also have:
- Fever
- Blood in your urine
Don’t Miss: Is Celery Juice Good For Your Kidneys
Sign Up For The Deep Dive Into Kidney Stones
A patient story, myths debunked, and stone-sized video content.
- fever and chills
- urine that smells bad or looks cloudy
The kidney stone starts to hurt when it causes irritation or blockage. This builds rapidly to extreme pain. In most cases, kidney stones pass without causing damage-but usually not without causing a lot of pain. Pain relievers may be the only treatment needed for small stones. Other treatment may be needed, especially for those stones that cause lasting symptoms or other complications. In severe cases, however, surgery may be required.
Also Check: Is Honey Good For Your Kidney
Can A Large Kidney Stone Cause An Injury
Your risk of injury from a kidney stone can go up based on the size and location of the stone. A larger stone could get stuck in a ureter, causing pressure to build up. This can lead to renal failure and, in the worst-case scenario, you could lose your kidney. The chance of passing a 1 cm stone is less than 10%, and stones larger than 1 cm typically dont pass.
Donât Miss: Is Grape Juice Good For Kidney Stones
Don’t Miss: Pop And Kidney Stones
Back Pan Vs Kidney Pain: How To Tell The Difference
Theres usually no easy way to differentiate between back pain and kidney pain, especially for the constant ache of a kidney stone thats not demanding to be passed. Passing a kidney stone is a different story since it hurts so badly, and kidney infections provide clues in the form of other symptoms.
Unsurprisingly, your best bet is to see a doctor for a formal diagnosis. Be prepared for a physical exam, providing your family and medical history and undergoing tests. The tests can include urine analysis or culture as well as a plain abdominal X-ray, CT scan or MRI.
There is no cure or quick fix for getting rid of kidney stone pain, as people who have experienced the excruciating pain know. Dr. Charney said. The only solution is to have a physician prescribe pain medications and sometimes fluids while just giving yourself time to pass the stone. However, there are antibiotics for kidney infections as well as home remedies. The home remedies include using heat to the area where you have discomfort, keeping yourself hydrated and taking over the counter pain meds when needed.
Overall, the best advice to keep kidneys healthy is to exercise, keep hydrated especially in warm weather or when exercising, maintain a healthy weight, and quit smoking. And the best part? That advice works for back pain as well.
Stomach And Back Pain
A common symptom of pancreatic cancer is a dull pain in the upper abdomen and/or middle or upper back that comes and goes. This is probably caused by a tumor that has formed in the body or tail of the pancreas because it can press on the spine.
Some patients describe pain starting in the middle abdomen and radiating into the back. Pain can be worse when lying down and can often be relieved by leaning forward. Pancreatic cancer pain can differ from person to person, so be sure to discuss any new pain-related symptoms with your doctor.
Read Also: Is Tea Good Or Bad For Your Kidneys
Symptoms That Resemble Other Conditions
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer may be similar to those of other conditions or medical problems, which can delay diagnosis even further. Upon diagnosis, patients often look back and start to make a connection between various symptoms that seemed unrelated or unremarkable at the time.
Listen to your body and consult with your doctor about any new symptoms you may be experiencing, even if you think they can be explained. While cancer is probably not the culprit, diagnostic tests can help to confirm the case.
Common Symptoms Of Pancreatic Cancer
The following are the most common signs of exocrine pancreatic cancerspecifically for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This cancer starts in the ducts of the pancreas and represents more than 90 percent of all diagnoses. Neuroendocrine tumors are much less common and may present different symptoms.
Patients may experience symptoms differently and should not expect to manifest all symptoms listed.
You May Like: Does Pellegrino Cause Kidney Stones
Back Side Or Groin Pain
A kidney stone can go undetected until it starts to act up, and then, watch out. Some people say its a pain worse than childbirth. Sometimes kidney stone pain starts as a dull ache, but it can quickly escalate to severe cramping or sharp, wincing pain.
You usually feel it in your back or side, underneath your rib cage. The pain can radiate into your lower abdomen or groin. Kidney stones in men can cause pain in the testicles or tip of the penis.
It is very episodic, colicky pain, says Dr. Pearle. It can be horrible one minute and then it just completely subsides the next.
Back Pain Vs Kidney Pain
Kidney pain and back pain are often confused with each other but there are several important differences. While back pain can be dull, aching and continuous or intermittent and sudden, kidney pain usually occurs in waves or cycles and is accompanied with other symptoms like chills, fever and pain while urination. At times, back pain and kidney pain can be similar in symptoms but their causes and indications are very different.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Know If You Have Bad Kidneys
Where Are Your Kidneys
Your kidneys are located below your ribs, which is why a problem with these organs can often be felt in your upper back or flank, or side area.
The kidneys perform several important functions for your body, including:
- Removing waste products, excess fluid, and drugs
- Regulating salt, potassium, and acid content
- Producing hormones that control red blood cell production, blood pressure, and more
- Providing vitamin D for bone health
Types Of Kidney Infection Symptoms
There are three different categories of kidney infection symptoms:
- Category 1: Symptoms that may be present in both kidney infections and simple urine infections
- Category 2: Kidney pain associated with a kidney infection
- Category 3: Systemic symptoms of a kidney infection
A kidney infection is more severe and more serious than a simple urine infection.
Click here if you would like to read the article comparing and contrasting kidney infections with urine infections.
Kidney infections may start from a simple urine infection. Kidney infections may have some or all of the symptoms of a urine infection. However, if you only have category 1 symptoms without any of the category 2 or 3 symptoms, you are more likely to have a simple urine infection instead of a kidney infection.
On the other had, you may have a kidney infection without any of the category 1 symptoms as long as you have one or more of the category 2 or 3 symptoms.
Recommended Reading: Can Pop Cause Kidney Stones
Reducing Kidney Stone Risk
Drinking enough fluid will help keep your urine less concentrated with waste products. Darker urine is more concentrated, so your urine should appear very light yellow to clear if you are well hydrated. Most of the fluid you drink should be water. Most people should drink more than 12 glasses of water a day. Speak with a healthcare professional about the right amount of water thatâs best for you. Water is better than soda, sports drinks or coffee/tea. lf you exercise or if it is hot outside, you should drink more. Sugar and high-fructose corn syrup should be limited to small quantities.
Eat more fruits and vegetables, which make the urine less acid. When the urine is less acid, then stones may be less able to form. Animal protein produces urine that has more acid, which can then increase your risk for kidney stones.
You can reduce excess salt in your diet. What foods are high in salt? Everyone thinks of salty potato chips and French fries. Those should be rarely eaten. There are other products that are salty: sandwich meats, canned soups, packaged meals, and even sports drinks.
Some herbal substances are promoted as helping prevent stones. You should know that there is insufficient published medical evidence to support the use of any herb or supplement in preventing stones.
- What food may cause a kidney stone?
- Should l take vitamin and mineral supplements?
- What beverages are good choices for me?
Recommended Reading: Can Seltzer Water Cause Kidney Stones
Symptoms That May Be Present In Both Kidney Infections And Simple Urine Infections
Here are the common symptoms that may be present in both kidney infections and simple urine infections:
You May Like: Pineapple Juice Kidney Stones
Various Types Of Kidney Pain
There are several types of pains attributed to the kidney, most of which are in the back area of your body and often in the upper region near the rib cage areas, just above the hips. Unlike the lower back pains that are most severe
- Most kidney pains will be dull
- Felt on either side of the spine region.
- However, the pain can be quite painful especially when there is presence of kidney lacerations or kidney stones.
- One paramount difference with other back pains is that all kidney pains will be accompanied by high fevers, nausea and in some cases lead to vomiting.
- The pains caused by kidney stones will be wavy-like, moving from the upper backside to the front hip area .
- Unlike back pains that will restrict back movements, severe kidney pains are comparable to Labour pains, affecting the movement of every other part of the body.
- With back pains, one feels the pain on simple movements of the body it actually becomes difficult to move. Kidney pains will be delayed after a move although in severe cases, the pain may be more elaborated and affect the body movements or exercises.
Urge To Urinate Or Frequent Urination
Sometimes people with kidney stones feel like they need to peea lot. This symptom depends on where the stone is located. Stones that are close to the bladder will have a lot of bladder symptoms: frequency, urgency, needing to get to the bathroom quickly, and going small amounts, Dr. Pearle notes.
The reason? Stones irritate the walls of the bladder and that manifests as the bladder contracting, she says, which makes you feel like youve gotta go.
If not a lot of pee comes out, you might think youre having trouble passing urine. But those bladder contractions can occur even if your bladder is empty, Dr. Peale explains. Unless the stone is actually in the urethra, there shouldnt really be trouble urinating, she says. You should always be making urine.
Also Check: Can Running Dislodge Kidney Stones
How The Pain Can Radiate
A certain property of kidney pain that can help identify it from other types of pain is how the pain can radiate in an individual’s body. Because of the location of an individual’s organs, kidney pain can easily radiate to the upper and middle abdominal areas in the front of the body. Pain that occurs due to kidney stones can radiate down to the individual’s inner thighs or buttocks. Kidney pain associated with an infection that has made its way to the kidneys can radiate to the lower back and lower front abdominal region because of bladder involvement.
Kidney pain linked to a growing malignant tumor in or on the kidney can radiate around a patient’s sides and deep into their abdomen. Pain caused by another source in the back is more likely to stay isolated to one area. However, some types of back pain that involve nerve problems can cause pain to radiate all the down into the individual’s lower leg.
Back Pain Or Kidney Infection
Another type of pain is caused by a kidney infection. How does it feel? You guessed it: A dull throb that may feel like mid- or upper back pain.
A kidney infection is usually caused by bacteria. These real-life risk factors greatly increase your chances of developing one. For example: a kidney stone whether or not it obstructs the ureter, nerve or spinal damage that impairs bladder emptying or a lower urinary tract infection called cystitis. But older people, 70s on up, sometimes develop kidney infections without any other predisposing factor.
The signs and symptoms linked to this include back, side and/or groin pain as well as one or the combination of factors listed:
- Fever
- Burning sensation when you urinate
- Sense of urgencyyou really gotta go
- Vomiting
- Nausea
As with a kidney stone, a kidney infection can turn into an emergency.
Kidney stone and infection are the most common forms of kidney pain, Dr. Charney says, but points out that rare genetic diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and Fabry disease can cause kidney pain that can be mistaken for back pain.
Read Also: Apple Cider Vinegar For Kidney Infection