Can Back Pain Mean Kidney Problems

What Procedures And Tests Diagnose Kidney And Back Pain

The most important first steps in helping make the diagnosis of back or kidney pain is for the health care provider to talk to the patient, take a history of the illness and examine the patient. Most often, this can help determine the cause of the back pain and direct what tests might be done to confirm the diagnosis.

If concern is that the kidney is the cause of the pain, then a urinalysis or urine sample is most helpful and can help guide further testing. If infection is a concern, urine and blood cultures may be helpful. Most often, patients begin antibiotics before culture results come back, but the results may allow a more specific antibiotic to be chosen.

If a kidney stone is a concern, the provider may choose to treat the patient based on the history, physical exam, and evidence of blood in the urine, especially if the patient has had kidney stones in the past. For patients with their first stone, imaging the kidneys may be appropriate. This can be done with ultrasound or CT scan.

Regardless of the cause of the kidney pain, the provider may choose to evaluate kidney function. Some blood tests include BUN , creatinine, and GFR .

If the back pain is thought to be due to bones, muscles, nerves, or other structures of the back, the health care provider may or may not need to image the back with plain X-rays, CT, or MRI scanning. Other tests depend upon the symptoms and potential underlying cause.

Kidney Disease: 11 Ways It Can Affect Your Skin

If you have kidney disease, you wont see early warning signs on your skin. However, as the disease progresses, you may develop one or more of the following:

Extremely dry skin. Skin can become so dry that it:

Becomes rough and scaly

Feels tight and cracks easily

Develops fish-like scales

Itchy skin. Extremely itchy skin is a common symptom of advanced kidney disease. The itch can range from irritating to life-disrupting. Your skin may itch all the time.

Some people have itch on one area of their skin. The itch can also spread across most of your body.

Scratch marks and other signs of scratching. When you scratch often, it affects your skin. You can develop:

Raw, bleeding skin or sores

Thick, leathery skin

Firm, very itchy bumps

Color changes to your skin. When the kidneys stop working as they should, toxins build up in your body. This build-up can cause color changes to the skin. You may see any of the following:

An unhealthy pale color

Areas of darkened skin, as shown here

Yellowish, thick skin with bumps and deep lines

Cysts and spots that look like whiteheads

Nail changes. Kidney disease can affect the appearance of your fingernails, toenails, or both. People who have advanced kidney disease can develop:

A white color on the upper part of one or more nails and a normal to reddish brown color below, as shown here

Pale nails

White bands running across one or more nails

Legs

Face

Hands

Feet

Side

Belly

Lower back

Areas of hard, shiny skin that become too tight to pinch

Part 3 Of 3: Getting A Medical Diagnosis

1Contact your doctor if you have pain that won’t go away. It is important to get medical problems that are causing you pain treated by a medical professional. If you don’t get them treated promptly, they could create larger issues that will cause you even more pain in the future.

Treating pain with an over-the-counter pain medication is a good temporary solution if you are in a lot of distress. However, you should get medical care for long-term pain so that there is a chance that the problem can be solved instead of simply masked with medication.

2Have an examination and testing done. When you see the doctor they will ask you about your symptoms, including when they started and how strong they are. They will then do a physical exam that includes feeling the areas of pain. At this point they may be able to give you a general idea of what is causing the pain but they will also likely do a variety of tests on you to give you a specific diagnosis.

Whether the doctor suspects a serious problem in the back, such as a slipped disc, or a problem with the kidneys, they will order imaging to be done. This can be in the form of an X-ray, ultrasound, spinal magnetic resonance imaging , or a computed tomography scan.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source

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What Is The Composition Of The Lower Back

To recognize different causes of lower pain in the back, it is necessary to appreciate the normal design of the cells of this area of the body. Crucial structures of the lower back that can be associated with signs and symptoms in this region include the bony lumbar back , discs in between the vertebrae, tendons around the spine as well as discs, spine and nerves, muscular tissues of the lower back, inner organs of the hips as well as abdomen, and the skin covering the back location. Can Lower Back Pain Mean Kidney Problems

The bony lumbar spine is made to make sure that vertebrae piled together can supply a movable assistance framework while additionally safeguarding the spine from injury. The spinal cord is made up of nervous cells that expands down the spine from the mind. Can Lower Back Pain Mean Kidney Problems

Each vertebra has a spinous procedure, a bony prestige behind the spine, which shields the cords nervous tissue from effect trauma. Spine also have a strong bony body in front of the spine to give a platform suitable for weight bearing of all cells over the butts. The lumbar vertebrae stack instantly atop the sacrum bone that is situated in between the butts.On each side, the sacrum fulfills the iliac bone of the hips to form the sacroiliac joints of the butts.

What Causes A Kidney Infection

The commonest cause of kidney infection is the bacteria called E coli . The mode of infection is ascending of the germ from the anogenital area.

The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters , urinary bladder, and the urethra . These bacteria can enter the urinary tract via the urethra. The infection can occur during sexual intercourse or because of poor hygiene habits after bowel movements. On entering the urethra, the bacteria can migrate upwards to infect the bladder and the kidneys . Although pyelonephritis is rarer than cystitis, it is a serious condition and needs prompt medical management. Kidney infections can even occur in the absence of a bladder infection. This may be seen in conditions, such as kidney stones , and with weak immunity, such as diabetes and HIV.

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These Are Not Myths About Kidney Disease:

• Diabetes, hypertension and age 60 or greater are the most common reasons for low kidney function.
• Heart disease, family history of chronic kidney disease and being of an ethnic and/or racial minority group are important predictors of risk.
• CKD is more common among women than men.
• More than 35 percent of people aged 20 years or older with diabetes have CKD.
• More than 20 percent of people aged 20 years or older with hypertension have CKD.
• Chronic kidney disease is one of the worlds most important public health problems.
• Chronic kidney disease can often be prevented.

COVID-19 patients can become kidney patients.

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Signs Of Kidney Disease

You’re more tired, have less energy or are having trouble concentrating. A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause people to feel tired, weak and can make it hard to concentrate. Another complication of kidney disease is anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue.

You’re having trouble sleeping. When the kidneys aren’t filtering properly, toxins stay in the blood rather than leaving the body through the urine. This can make it difficult to sleep. There is also a link between obesity and chronic kidney disease, and sleep apnea is more common in those with chronic kidney disease, compared with the general population.

You have dry and itchy skin. Healthy kidneys do many important jobs. They remove wastes and extra fluid from your body, help make red blood cells, help keep bones strong and work to maintain the right amount of minerals in your blood.Dry and itchy skin can be a sign of the mineral and bone disease that often accompanies advanced kidney disease, when the kidneys are no longer able to keep the right balance of minerals and nutrients in your blood.

You feel the need to urinate more often. If you feel the need to urinate more often, especially at night, this can be a sign of kidney disease. When the kidneys filters are damaged, it can cause an increase in the urge to urinate. Sometimes this can also be a sign of a urinary infection or enlarged prostate in men.

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What Causes Kidney Malfunction

A major culprit of kidney problems is an acidic diet . A brand-new study sheds light on the renal problems that can be caused by a high-acid, meat-rich diet.

The study followed 1,500 people with kidney disease for a period of 14 years. Participants who ate a diet high in meat came very close to experiencing complete kidney failure, while those who ate more fruits and vegetables did not even come close to kidney failure. Researchers estimate that an acidic diet can make it three times more likely for your kidneys to fail.1

Says lead study author Dr. Tanushree Banejee,

Patients with chronic kidney disease may want to pay more attention to diet consumption of acid rich foods to reduce progression to kidney failuredialysis treatmentsmay be avoided by adopting a more healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables.1

What Are Common Reasons Of Lower Neck And Back Pain 1

Typical root causes of low pain in the back include lumbar strain, nerve irritation, back radiculopathy, bony advancement, and problems of the bone and also joints. Each of these is reviewed listed below.

Back strain : A back strain is a stretch injury to the ligaments, ligaments, and/or muscles of the lower back. The extending event lead to tiny tears of varying degrees in these cells. Lumbar stress is considered one of one of the most usual root causes of lower neck and back pain.

The injury can happen as a result of overuse, inappropriate usage, or trauma. Soft-tissue injury is frequently classified as acute if it has existed for days to weeks. If the stress lasts longer than 3 months, it is described as persistent. Lumbar strain frequently occurs in people in their 40s, yet it can happen at any age. The problem is characterized by local discomfort in the lower back area with beginning after an event that mechanically worried the lumbar cells. The severity of the injury ranges from light to serious, relying on the level of strain and resulting convulsion of the muscles of the lower back. Can Lower Back Pain Mean Kidney Problems

The diagnosis of back pressure is based on the background of injury, the place of the pain, as well as exemption of nerve system injury. Normally, X-ray testing is just practical to exclude bone problems.

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Part 2 Of 3: Identifying Differing Symptoms

1Think about likely causes of back pain. One way to distinguish between back and kidney pain is to think about whether you have done anything recently that is likely to cause back pain. If you have done a lot of heavy lifting or have bent over for a long period of time, your pain is more likely to be back pain than kidney pain.

If you stood or sat for an unusually long time recently that could cause back pain.

Also, if you have an existing injury to your back it is likely that new pain is related to that previous injury.

2Pay attention to problems with urination. Because the kidneys are an integral part of the urinary tract, infections and other problems with the kidneys often show up during urination. Look for blood in your urine and pay attention to increases in pain when you urinate.XTrustworthy SourceCedars Sinai HospitalWebsite of one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source

Your urine may also be cloudy or dark if the pain is coming from your kidneys.

You may also feel an intense need to urinate when you are having kidney problems, such as kidney stones.XResearch source

3Feel for numbness below the back. In some cases of back pain you may experience numbness due to problems with nerve compression and blood flow down into the buttocks and the legs. This is a common symptom for those suffering from back pain related to the sciatic nerve.XResearch source

This numbness can even go all the way down to the toes in extreme cases.

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.

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Bottom Line: Dont Hesitate To See Your Doctor If You Think Its Kidney Pain

Unlike back pain, you dont want to have a wait and see approach with your kidneys. Infections can get worse and lead to serious tissue damage, while odd growths and stones can impair kidney function. The earlier your doc can prescribe you a care plan, the better they can nip your conditionand your puzzling back painin the bud.

Shortness Of Breath After Very Little Effort

Why this happens:

Being short of breath can be related to the kidneys in two ways. First, extra fluid in the body can build up in the lungs. And second, anemia can leave your body oxygen-starved and short of breath.

What patients said:

At the times when I get the shortness of breath, it’s alarming to me. It just fears me. I think maybe I might fall or something so I usually go sit down for awhile.

I couldn’t sleep at night. I couldn’t catch my breath, like I was drowning or something. And, the bloating, can’t breathe, can’t walk anywhere. It was bad.

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When Should I See A Doctor If I Have Lower Back Pain

In many cases lower back pain stops on its own. But if it doesnt, here are some guidelines on when you may want to start seeking professional help:

• If the pain lasts four weeks or longer
• If the pain keeps getting worse as time goes by
• If you are experiencing other symptoms, such as fever, major weight loss or weight gain, loss of function or weakness in extremities, bladder problems, etc.

How Can You Tell The Difference Between Kidney And Back Pain

When it comes to differentiating between the two, you want to look at two factors: the location of the pain and the type of sensations youre experiencing.

Location

Pain that is related to a pulled muscle, ligament strain, or disc damage, can be anywhere up and down your back, but it tends to be around the lower spine . Reason being: This area bears most of our weight as we go about our daily activities, rendering it more vulnerable to injury, tightness, and muscle fatigue. If theres a nerve issue, the pain may also radiate down to your butt or to one of your legs or feet, as well.

Kidney pain, on the other hand, manifests around the middle of your back and to either side of the spine. This is called the flank area. If you reach around and put your hand naturally where your waist is, its right about there, says Dr. Rajan.

Type of pain

Back pain can range from a sharp burning sensation to a dull ache. You may also experience numbness or tingling in your legs. The key thing to notice about back pain, though, is that it often flares up or lessens depending on how you move, according to Cheyenne Santiago, M.S.N., R.N., and managing editor at MCG.

Kidney pain is also often accompanied by other symptoms. So, if you also:

• Notice your pee looks bloody, dark, or cloudy
• Find that your urine smells funkier than usual
• Have pain when urinating

youll want to have your primary care physician examine your kidney function.

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Cool It Can Lower Back Pain Mean Kidney Problems

Ice is best in the very first 24 to 48 hours after an injury due to the fact that it decreases swelling. Although the heat really feels good due to the fact that it helps cover the pain and it does help relax the muscle mass, the warmth really irritates the inflammatory processes. After 48 hours, you can switch to warm if you choose. Whether you use heat or ice take it off after about 20 mins to give your skin a rest. If pain lingers, talk with a physician.