Difference Between Kidney Pain And Back Pain
Waste materials and excess fluid are removed from the circulation by the kidneys. These two organs are located directly below the rib cage on either side of the body. Because the kidneys lie on the back muscles, distinguishing between kidney and back pain can be difficult.
People must consider the following factors when determining if the pain is originating from the back or the kidneys:
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.
Causes Of Kidney Infection
A kidney infection usually happens when bacteria, often a type called E. coli, get into the tube that carries urine out of your body .
The bacteria travel up to your bladder, causing cystitis, and then up into your kidneys.
E. coli bacteria normally live in your bowel, where they cause no harm.
They can be transferred from your bottom to your genitals during sex or if you’re not careful when wiping your bottom after going to the loo.
A kidney infection can sometimes develop without a bladder infection. For example, if you have a problem with your kidney, such as kidney stones, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
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What Do My Kidneys Have To Do With My Back
In truth, your kidneys have little to do with your back or its functions. Your kidneys are located below your rib cage, on both sides of your spinal cord. They are two bean-shaped organs that help to keep your bloodstream clean by filtering your blood for waste products, excess water, and acids. They create urine and help to maintain the balance of minerals and water in your blood. Kidneys also help manage your blood pressure by producing vitamin D and erythropoietin, both of which are used in the production of red blood cells.
If your kidneys are damaged, or if you have an illness that affects your kidneys, you might feel pain in your kidneys. If youre experiencing back pain, there are some key symptoms to watch for.
Drinking Milk Boosts Your Masturbation Drive
As we all know, milk can replenish any form of deficiency that one might have in the body. Packed with calcium and protein, drinking a glass of milk after masturbating will bring back your lost energy. If you’re a man of flavour, you can make cold coffee, strawberry shake, or banana smoothie.
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Kidney Pain In The Morning Best Home Remedies
If you suffer from kidney pain in the morning, you should consult a doctor. However, if he ruled out any serious medical disorders, you can try simple, yet effective home remedies to urinary tract issues. Also, if your doctor prescribed you any medicines, ask him if you can combine medical therapy with home solutions for a faster recovery and better effects.
1. Plenty of Water
It is probably the easiest and the most effective natural treatment you can follow. If you want your urinary tract to function well, you need to drink a lot of water on a daily basis. This way you will flush all the harmful toxins and bacteria from your body. Whats more, it also prevents kidney stones formation.
The recommended amount of water is about eight glasses a day. However, you need to treat the matter individually as for some people five or six glasses of water are enough to stay well-hydrated. You drink enough mineral water if you urinate frequently and your urine has a pale yellow color. Therefore, always keep a small bottle of water close to you and drink it throughout the day.
2. Fresh Lemon Juice
The acid which you can find in lemons and other citrus fruit can fantastically detoxify your body and dissolve the kidney stones. Therefore, a great idea is to start your day with a glass of mineral water mixed with juice freshly squeezed from a lemon.
3. Prepare a Mustard Plaster
4. Drink Dandelion Tea
9. Kidney Beans
Excessive Masturbation Causes Back Pain
If you’re wondering, ‘Does masturbation cause back pain?’ Then no, it doesn’t. In most cases, back pain after masturbation results from your posture during the act. But as mentioned above, keeping it in check is vital as extreme masturbation is harmful to your entire body and can cause back pain. It can be relieved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine and a heat pack.
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Why Wait Until Your Kidneys Are Diseased
While the study was conducted on people with kidney disease, we could safely extrapolate the recommendations to those who want to avoid kidney disease and achieve optimal kidney function now, especially as we age.
In fact, additional research points to the actuality of physiological changes in the kidneys as we age. The research notes that a progressive reduction of the glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow are observed in conjunction with aging. The reason for these phenomena is a decrease in the plasma flow in the glomerulus, a bundle of capillaries that partially form the renal corpuscle.2
In addition, the aging kidneys experience other structural changes, such as a loss of renal mass, and decreased responsiveness to stimuli that constrict or dilate blood vessels. The study concludes with a notable summation:
age-related changes in cardiovascular hemodynamics, such as reduced cardiac output and systemic hypertension, are likely to play a role in reducing renal perfusion and filtration. Finally, it is hypothesized that increases in cellular oxidative stress that accompany aging result in endothelial cell dysfunction and changes in vasoactive mediators resulting in increased atherosclerosis, hypertension and glomerulosclerosis.2
What Procedures And Tests Diagnose Kidney Diseases
The doctor usually will do a history and physical examination. Initial tests usually consist of a complete blood count , kidney function , and urine test, and when appropriate, a pregnancy test. A lacerated kidney may be suspected if the person has experienced a traumatic injury to the lower back.
If kidney stones are suspected, a CT exam or renal ultrasound is done an abdominal X-ray may be ordered but has been replaced in general by ultrasound and CT. As patients with kidney stones often need repeat X-ray studies or have repeat episodes of kidney stones, ultrasound with its lack of radiation is a good study to consider. Abdominal/pelvic CTs with contrast or magnetic resonance imaging and aortogram may be ordered to further define or differentiate underlying kidney and nonrenal causes of flank pain. Such studies are routinely performed if a kidney is suspected to be damaged by a traumatic event .
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Youre Eating Too Much Salt
Your kidneys can also suffer if your electrolytes are out of balance. Sodium and potassium are constantly in competition with each other, and if you are consuming too much salt then these minerals will be out of kilter. As we know, our kidneys are responsible for maintaining a balance between electrolytes, so are forced to work extra hard if you have too much salt in your diet.
Unfortunately, its all too easy to have a high salt diet these days, as processed and packaged foods are in abundance while fresh vegetables and fruits are found on fewer and fewer plates. Your kidneys can easily become overwhelmed by too much salt, and your cells can become swollen as they absorb water to try to dilute the high salt levels in your body. As a result, your body can become dehydrated and swollen.
So, although you might be drinking what you think is a sufficient amount of water, if you are consuming too much salt then this can alter your fluid balance and cause achy kidneys. Plus, you may not even be aware that your diet contains more salt than it should! Salt can be found in various supermarket products, not to mention that many of us add even more salt at the dinner table. The recommended daily salt intake for adults is 6g, and we should all make the effort to check the salt content of the foods were eating. You might be surprised at how much salt is in your food!
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.
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Treatment Of Kidney Infection
Most kidney infections need prompt treatment with antibiotics to stop the infection damaging the kidneys or spreading to the bloodstream.
You may also need painkillers.
If you’re especially vulnerable to the effects of an infection , you may be admitted to hospital and treated with antibiotics through a drip.
Most people who are diagnosed and treated promptly with antibiotics feel completely better after about 2 weeks.
People who are older or have underlying conditions may take longer to recover.
The Reality Of Masturbation Effect On Kidneys
Found on both sides of the spine, kidneys are responsible for turning extra waste and water into urine. The tube through which the urine ultimately gets released is called the urethra.
When a man indulges in sexual intercourse or masturbates and gets an erection, the internal sex plumbing shuts off the bladder. The sphincter at the base of the bladder closes. This ensures no urine flows, contaminates, or kills the sperm cells of the individual. The kidneys, urethra, uterus, and bladder all work together.
So, there’s no effect of masturbation on kidneys. They keep functioning in the usual manner.
Some people believe that a loss of nutrients and protein through semen can lead to kidney damage. However, there’s no solid scientific backing behind this theory. As per a 2013 study, there’s only about 0.25gm of protein in one ejaculation of semen.
One can replenish this amount easily. So, all in all, nutrition loss isn’t so severe and doesn’t lead to kidney damage.
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Inflammation Sleep Stress And Pain
The link between sleep and pain is based on some superficially simple inflammatory biology: bad sleep is inflammatory and inflammation makes it harder to sleep, which is not widely appreciated. That means that sleeping badly can actually make it harder to sleep well!17 This is a vicious cycle every extremely frustrated insomniac is familiar with: being exhausted from a sleepless is not a guarantee that you will sleep well the next night.
And that vicious cycle is relevant to night and morning pain, which is known to be significantly mediated by the immune system signalling molecule interleukin-6. IL-6 and inflammation are almost synonymous more of one means more of the other. Everyone knows that stress makes it harder to sleep, but how? Its not just because your mind is racing its because stress makes us produce IL-6, which is inflammatory, and inflammation in turn makes it harder to sleep! And then the bad sleep also makes us pump more IL-6
And thats why its important to get your sleep!
When To See A Healthcare Provider
People will often assume that sudden flank pain is caused by a pulled muscle or overexertion, and, in many cases, it will be.
If the pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by urinary symptoms or signs of infections, you should see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. This is especially true if you are experiencing high fever, chills, vomiting, or the inability to urinate.
Even if a kidney infection is mild, it can sometimes progress and lead to bacteremia if left untreated. This is a condition in which a local bacterial infection âspills overâ over into the bloodstream, causing systemic and potentially life-threatening symptoms, including irregular body temperatures, disruptions in breathing, a severe drop in blood pressure, and shock.
Given that acute pyelonephritis can strike in as little as two days, a rapid response is essential.
The same applies if you experience a dull but persistent pain alongside uncommon symptoms such as painful urination, chronic fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. None of these should be considered normal, and you shouldnât wait until there is visible blood in urine to seek care.
If you are pregnant, don’t assume that persistent back pain is pregnancy-related. Be cognizant if there is a dull ache across your lower back or along the sides of your back between the ribs and hips. If accompanied by symptoms of infection or changes in urination, call your healthcare provider immediately.
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Symptoms Of Kidney Stones
Small kidney stones may go undetected and be passed out painlessly in the urine. But its fairly common for a stone to block part of the urinary system, such as the:
- ureter the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder
- urethra the tube urine passes through on its way out of the body
A blockage can cause severe pain in the abdomen or groin and sometimes causes a urinary tract infection .
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Adpkd Treatment And Home Care
There is no cure for ADPKD, but you can treat the health problems that the disease causes and possibly prevent kidney failure. You may need:
- Medicine to prevent kidney failure. Tolvaptan can slow the decline of kidney function for adults whose disease is at risk of quickly getting worse.
- Medicines to lower your blood pressure
- Antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections
- Pain medicines
If your kidneys fail, youâll need dialysis, which uses a machine to filter your blood and remove waste, like salt, extra water, and certain chemicals. You can also get on a waiting list or receive a kidney from a living donor for a kidney transplant. Ask your doctor if thatâs a good option for you.
It’s important to stay as healthy as possible to protect your kidneys and keep them working as long as you can. Follow your doctor’s advice carefully. You can also keep up these habits to stay well:
- Eat right. Stick to a healthy, well-balanced diet that’s low in fat and calories. Try to limit salt, because it can raise your blood pressure.
- Stay active.Exercise can help control your weight and blood pressure. Just avoid any contact sports where you might injure your kidneys.
- Don’t smoke. If you smoke, get help from your doctor to quit. Smoking damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, and it may create more cysts.
- Drink plenty of water.Dehydration may cause you to have more cysts.
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How Do I Get Help
Dr. Miller is a board-certified internist with extensive experience treating all types of internal pain. After a thorough review of your medical history, as well as testing, Dr. Miller will recommend the best treatment for your pain. If youve been experiencing pain in your upper back, and especially if youve been having other symptoms, at 813-336-3793 for an appointment.
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Fever And Chills Along With Your Back Pain
This could also mean that you have a urinary tract infection.
If you have any of these symptoms, along with your back pain, you should call your doctor right away.
If your pain is unbearable, is associated with fevers or chills, or you have nausea and vomiting that is preventing you from keeping down fluids or medications, you should seek immediate medical attention, Nguyen says.
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Back Pain Or Kidney Stone
What gives?
According to Dr. Charney, if youre feeling kidney pain, its probably coming from one of two places : Either because of distension of the ureter or capsule that surrounds the kidneys.
The ureterstubes attached to each kidneytransport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. All that urine contains salts and minerals, and if the minerals clump together and block one of the ureters, youve got yourself a dreaded, infamously painful kidney stone.
ureter because there is a stone blocking it, says Dr. Charney. Not only that, he says, but when there is a blockage due to the stone in the ureter, the urine may back up into the kidney and that may expand the capsule of the kidney and cause pain.
Kidney stones
When it comes to where the pain is located, it is typically just on one side. It is routinely categorized as a dull ache. Dr. Charney adds that the pain is always theremore or less bothering you. Sound familiar? Thats because chronic back pain, especially the kind caused by nerve compression, is usually on just one side too .
However, when it comes time to pass a stone, youll know it.
Stone ache can just be faint pain unless that stone is trying to pass, says Dr. Charney. Then it can be severe and last for several minutes before it goes away. Whenever the pain is too excruciating to bearand really, any time you suspect a kidney stonehead to the emergency room. Treatment is available and of course, better safe than sorry.