What Does It Feel Like When Your Kidneys Hurt
People often mistake kidney pain for back pain. But there are some key differences between kidney pain and how it feels compared to back pain.
Kidney pain vs back pain
Back pain usually affects the middle of your back, over your spine, and most commonly in the lower back. Spine-related issues can also cause back pain to sometimes radiate down your legs.
In comparison, kidney pain is typically located higher on your back and it often feels deeper. Most of the time, kidney pain symptoms occur under your ribs, to the right or left of your spine. Kidney pain may also radiate to other areas, such as your abdomen or groin. Sometimes, hip pain is confused with kidney pain, but hip pain is lower down in your back than kidney pain.
Kidney Pain: Causes Symptoms And Treatments
- Medically reviewed by
Kidney pain can have many causes. It may be a sign of an infection, injury or another health problem, such as kidney stones. Because of where your kidneys are in your body, kidney pain is also often confused with back pain. Talk to your doctor to find out what is causing your kidney pain and to find the right treatment.
More Remedies For Pinched Nerve
1. Take Pain and Inflammation Reducing Medication
Several over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen are good for both pain relief and reducing inflammation. They can help heat or ice for pinched nerve treatment methods work more efficiently.
- Make sure to following dosing instructions.
- Speak with your doctor if you are concerned about effects and reactions with other medications you are taking.
- Read label about possible side effects.
2. Consume More Calcium
If you lack in calcium, you increase your chances of suffering a pinched nerve. Calcium promotes nerve health and good overall well-being. Incorporate nutrient-rich foods like yogurt, cheese, milk, kale and spinach.
- When shopping for groceries, look for calcium-fortified foods. Several brands offer enriched versions of their normal products.
- You can increase your calcium intake by taking a supplement. They are easily found in retail locations like a pharmacy or grocery store. Follow daily dosing instructions, never exceeding recommended amounts.
3. Make Time for Low-Impact Exercise
Blood flow promotes oxygen circulation and helps speed your healing process. Low-impact exercise allows you to move your muscles with a lower chance of negatively affecting your pinched nerve. Swimming and walking are good examples of acceptable exercises. Combined with heat or ice for pinched nerve techniques, you can reduce discomfort. Like any exercise regime, discontinue any actions or movements that cause pain.
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Take An Epsom Salt Bath
Both Epsom salts and warm water can ease pain. This can help make the uncomfortable side effects of the kidney infection a little more tolerable while you wait for the antibiotics to take effect.
Since abdominal pain is sometimes a symptom of antibiotics, as well as kidney infections, Epsom salts could also help even after symptoms from the kidney infection are resolved.
Kidney Beans Skin Benefits
Metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids, neurotransmitter synthesis, gluconeogenesis, histamine synthesis, haemoglobin synthesis and lips is maintained by kidney beans.
Thus consumption of kidney beans is very beneficial in maintaining healthy and glowing skin. Complete nutrition can be gained by regular intake of these healthy kidney beans that are loaded with fibre and protein.
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Things You Can Try Yourself
If you have a kidney infection, try not to “hover” over the toilet seat when you go to the loo because it can result in your bladder not being fully emptied.
It’s also important for most people with a kidney infection to drink plenty of fluids because this will help to flush out the bacteria from your kidneys. Aim to drink enough so that you’re frequently passing pale-coloured urine.
If you have kidney failure, get advice from your doctor on how much to drink.
Make sure you get plenty of rest. A kidney infection can be physically draining, even if you’re normally healthy and strong. It may take up to 2 weeks before you’re fit enough to return to work.
What Is A Kidney Infection
A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, usually forms when a urinary tract infection spreads to one or both of your kidneys.
The kidneys filter waste products from your blood and into your urine and regulate the water and electrolyte content in your blood. These are both essential health functions.
Kidney infections are usually caused by bacteria that has entered your kidneys and bladder by way of your urinary tract. They can also be caused by bacteria from another infection elsewhere in your body, bladder or kidney surgery, or a blockage of urine flow such as by a kidney stone, tumor or enlarged prostate.
They can be either sudden or chronic and usually quite painful. They can also be serious and life threatening if not treated appropriately.
People assigned female at birth tend to be more susceptible to kidney infections because their urethras are shorter than those of people assigned male. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter their urinary tract, especially since its closer to the vagina and anus. Pregnancy increases this risk factor.
Other risk factors include:
- being prone to urinary tract infections
- having a weakened immune system
- having problems regularly emptying your bladder completely when urinating
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What Tests Can Help Determine The Cause Of Kidney Pain
In order to pinpoint a cause, a number of tools are available to help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis:
- Urinalysis: This test checks for the presence of blood, white blood cells , proteins and certain molecules that are linked to various kidney disorders.
- Imaging tests:Ultrasound or a CT scan can provide images of the physical structure of the kidneys and urinary tract. It can also tell your healthcare provider if stones are present and determine if urine flow is adequate.
When To See A Healthcare Provider
You should see a healthcare provider if your kidney pain is persistent or worsening. Even if the pain is dull, there is no such thing as “normal” kidney pain. It is in your best interest to have it looked at.
You should see a healthcare provider immediately if the kidney pain is accompanied by:
- Fever with chills
- Solid fragments or grains in the urine
- Frequent urination
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How To Relieve Kidney Pain
This article was medically reviewed by Victor Catania, MD. Dr. Catania is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Pennsylvania. He received his MD from the Medical University of the Americas in 2012 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Robert Packer Hospital. He is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine.There are 21 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 20 testimonials and 85% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 269,094 times.
Research suggests that if you experience pain in your back between your ribs and your buttocks, or even down your sides into your groin area, you may be having kidney pain.XResearch source Although back pain is not always caused by your kidneys, you should talk to your doctor to make sure you dont have any serious medical conditions. Experts note that treating your kidney pain will depend on its cause, and your doctor can make the best recommendations for your situation.XResearch source
Home Remedies For Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can form anywhere along the urinary tract, generally for two reasons: because your urine becomes too saturated with salts that result in stones, or because your kidneys dont make enough of substances like citrate that prevent stones.
Citrate normally attaches to calcium, escorting the calcium out of your body through your urine. About 80 percent of stones are composed of calcium the remainder are composed of uric acid, cystine, or, rarely, struvite .
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Kidney Beans Good For Weight Loss
kidney beans are good source of proteins can be included in the weight loss diet. The beans are known to be rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and in fibre and help in stabilizing the levels of blood sugar in the body. People, who are diabetic and resistant to insulin, are advised to consume these healthy beans. Less insulin is released by the pancreas as the kidney bean stabilize the blood sugar levels. This process helps to promote fat storage in the body and healthy weight can be maintained
Nutritional Value Of Kidney Beans Per 100 Gm
Kidney beans are a good source of protein and are mainly composed of fibres and carbs. 100 grams of cooked beans contain 127 calories. The other nutrients present include 67% water, 8.7g of protein, 22.8g of carbs, 0.3g of sugar, 6.4g of fibre, 0.5g of fat and 30.17g of omega. The nutritional value of animal proteins is higher than in kidney beans. Kidney beans are used in many developing countries as an affordable alternative to proteins. It is a rich source of protein and carbohydrates. The main nutritional component of kidney beans is the starchy carb and is suitable for diabetic patients.
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What Do The Kidneys Do
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs and are usually about the size of your fist. They are located a little below your rib cage and to the left and right of your spine. Your kidneys are powerful chemical factories and have the following jobs:
- Clean your blood of waste products and extra water
- Help control blood pressure
- Keep bones healthy and strong
- Help make red blood cells
- Keep the balance of minerals in your blood
What Should I Do If My Kidneys Hurt
If you have kidney pain that doesnt go away, the first thing you should do is call your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms such as uncontrolled pain, severe nausea or vomiting, fevers or chills, or an inability to pee. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to ease discomfort:
- Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water will help flush bacteria from your urinary tracts. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
- Use heat. Place a heating pad on your back, abdomen or side to help reduce kidney pain.
- Take pain relievers. To ease fever or discomfort, take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen .
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Natural Remedies For Kidney Pain Relief
What Does The Heart Do
The heart is a muscle that pumps blood filled with oxygen to all parts of your body. This job keeps every cell, organ, and system alive within your body. To move blood to each part of your body, your heart relies on your blood vessels. Together, the heart, blood and blood vessels make up a system called the cardiovascular system. Think of it as a delivery system. The delivery system moves blood from the heart carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout your body and also picks up waste products so that your body can get rid of them.
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When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider
See your doctor if you have persistent pain in the kidney area, or if you have back pain along with any of the following symptoms:
- Fever or chills.
- Nausea or vomiting such that you cannot eat or drink.
- Oddly colored pee.
- A repeated urgent need to pee that is unusual for you.
- The appearance of solid material in your pee.
- A general feeling of illness or lethargy that wont go away.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Kidney pain may be mild or severe. Sometimes its harmless, but in most cases, it means that you have a problem somewhere in your urinary system. If you develop back pain along with fever, vomiting, pain when you pee or other worrisome symptoms, see a healthcare provider right away. They can find out whats causing your kidney pain and figure out how to treat the problem.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/31/2022.
References
What Are Common Causes Of Kidney Pain
There are many common causes of kidney pain. They are:
- Hemorrhage In The Kidneys
When the blood is released from the vessel wall in the kidney due to damage to blood vessels, hemorrhage will occur. It leads to the pain in the kidney.
- Kidney Stones
This is a common cause of serious kidney pain in the lower back and abdomen. When the kidneys are impaired, wastes such as uric acid or excess calcium, which is not removed from the body, accumulate in the body and then forming stones. These stones are trapped in the ureter, blocking the flow of urine, and causing swelling of the kidneys and severe kidney failure. The process of the formation of kidney stones has no obvious symptoms. Therefore, patients often do not think that they have kidney stones. It is only when the stones cause severe pain or are passed into the urine. Kidney stones are a common disease today, due to the habit of sitting a lot, afraid to drink water, taking medication or calcium supplements, etc. Patients should seek medical attention immediately when having the first signs of kidney stones to treat it promptly.
- Blood Clots In The Renal Veins
- Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is a type of urinary tract infection, caused by bacteria. When bacteria enter, it usually causes inflammation and kidney pain. People with kidney stones are at higher risk for kidney disease.
- Osteoarthritis
- Kidney Cancer
- Kidney Infection
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Arteriosclerosis
- Kidney Failure
What Are Symptoms Of Kidney Pain?
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When To See Your Urologist
While it would be nice to avoid the doctors office for kidney pain, its not always possible. Sometimes, the pain is not treatable using an at-home remedy and youll need to see your doctor or urologist to get relief. It should also be noted that just because you experience pain relief, doesnt mean that your infection is gone. To make sure that the infection doesnt spread to other parts of your body and cause further complications, you need to get a proper diagnosis and treat the problem. If you have a high fever, blood in your urine, vomiting, or chills, see your doctor immediately.1 If you experience back, groin, or abdominal pain, see your doctor.3 always better to seek medical treatment early to treat any serious infections and reduce the risks of complications or severe problems.
If you have kidney stones, but the pain is persistent and youre unable to pass them on your own, your urologist will recommend additional treatments. There are a number of different things that can be done to reduce the size of kidney stones and make them easier to pass naturally. Call your doctor if the pain persists and youre unable to pass kidney stones on your own.
Where Does Your Back Hurt With A Uti
A back pain you cant ignore An upper UTI can cause intense back pain as the infection reaches the kidneys. People will get pain in the lower back and groin area. Back pain comes with two other symptoms: high fever and vomiting. Upper infections happen when a lower UTI goes unchecked or does not respond to antibiotics.
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Heat Therapy Encourages Healing In Sciatica
When you apply heat to your rear pelvis, it typically3,4:
- Causes your blood vessels to dilate and supply more blood, oxygen, and nutrientspromoting healing
- Reduces the tightness in painful muscles and increases the range of motion of your lower back
Heat therapy helps break the pain-spasm-pain cycle, where pain causes your muscles to spasm as a protective response, and those spasms, in turn, cause more pain.4
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