Is A Heating Pad Good For Kidney Pain

Infections Along The Urinary Tract

While most of these infections are simply referred to as a UTI, the location of the infection makes a difference. Lower urinary tract infections are very common and easy to treat, but as the infection travels upwards, it gets more difficult and more dangerous.

• Lower Urinary Tract Infection

  A lower urinary tract infection is what we commonly refer to as a UTI. It occurs when bacteria enters the urethra and causes a frequent urge to use the bathroom, burning sensations, dark urine, bladder discomfort, and kidney pain.2

• Bladder Infection

  Bladder infections occur when the lower UTI works its way into the bladder. Youll experience similar symptoms, oftentimes persisting for longer periods of time and with an increase in frequency or intensity.

• Kidney Infection

A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, occurs when excess bacteria has built up in the urinary tract and reached the kidneys.1 It is considered an upper urinary tract infection and is much more serious than lower urinary tract infections.

Once the infection spreads to your kidneys, its more dangerous. Kidney infections can be very serious and may require hospitalization. If you think you have a kidney infection, dont hesitate to schedule an appointment with your urologists for a proper diagnosis. In addition to a urine culture, your doctor will need to order imaging tests, blood tests, or a combination of both to confirm the location of the infection.

National Kidney And Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse

3 Information Way Phone: 1â800â891â5390 Fax: 703â738â4929 Internet: www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov/ The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1987, the Clearinghouse provides information about diseases of the kidneys and urologic system to people with kidney and urologic disorders and to their families, health care professionals, and the public. The NKUDIC answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, and works closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to coordinate resources about kidney and urologic diseases. Publications produced by the Clearinghouse are carefully reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts. This publication is not copyrighted. The Clearinghouse encourages users of this publication to duplicate and distribute as many copies as desired.

NIH Publication No. 07â4628 June 2007

Kidney & Urology Foundation of America104 West 40th Street, Suite 500 | New York NY 10018 | 212.629.977063 West Main Street, Suite G | Freehold, NJ 07728 | 732.866.44441.800.633.6628Kidney & Urology Foundation of America is a national, 501 c not-for-profit organization.©

Relieving Kidney Pain At Home Urinary Infections

If youre suffering from kidney pain due to an infection in the urinary tract, try the following remedies. If they dont work, make sure to schedule a visit with your urologist to discuss a treatment plan that will ensure the infection doesnt spread.

Increase Water Intake

Hydration is key to flushing out infections of the urinary tract. Not only will staying hydrated help eliminate bacteria, it can relieve pain by reducing the concentration of your urine. Instead of turning to sugary drinks, increase your water intake. Water is always a better option as it causes less irritation. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 8, 8oz glasses a day.2 If youre active or have a strenuous lifestyle you may need more water to stay hydrated.

Take Probiotics

that helps increase the frequency and amount of urine that you pass.3 This helps further eliminate any bacterial buildup in the urinary tract and fights infection. If parsley juice on its own sounds too gross too handle, try adding it into smoothies with cranberry juice to mask the flavor.

Avoid Irritants

Limit your intake of alcohol and coffee, both of which irritate the urinary tract. Drinking irritants during an infection reduces the effectiveness of your bodys natural healing process and may increase dehydration.

Drink Green Tea

Relieving Kidney Pain at Home Kidney Stones

Add a Splash of Citrus

Don’t Miss: Is Pineapple Good For Kidney Patients

Is Turmeric Bad For Kidney

Turmeric contains oxalates and this can increase the risk of kidneys stones. The consumption of supplemental doses of turmeric can significantly increase urinary oxalate levels, thereby increasing risk of kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals.

Increase Your Citric Acid Intake

Citric acid is an organic acid and a natural component of many fruits and fruit juices. An easy way to consume more citric acid is to eat more citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, oranges, lemons, or limes. Citric acid may help protect a person against kidney stones by:

• Preventing stone formation: Citric acid makes urine less favorable for the formation of stones.

• Preventing stone enlargement: Citric acid helps prevent small stones from becoming bigger stones by binding with existing calcium oxalate crystals. This can help you pass stones before they turn into larger ones.;

Recommended Reading: Is Pineapple Good For Kidney Stones

How Does It Occur

Normally the urinary tract does not have any bacteria or other organisms in it. Bacteria that cause UTI often spread from the rectum to the urethra and then to the bladder or kidneys. Sometimes bacteria spread from another part of the body through the bloodstream to the urinary tract. Urinary tract infection is less common in men than in women because the male urethra is long, making it difficult for bacteria to spread to the bladder.

Urinary tract infection may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease. Sometimes a stone in the urinary tract blocks the flow of urine and causes an infection. In older men, an enlarged prostate can cause a urinary tract infection by keeping urine from draining out of the bladder completely. Infection might also be caused by the use of a catheter used to drain the bladder or by urethral stricture, which is a narrowing of the urethra by scar tissue from previous infections or surgical procedures.

You may be more likely to have a UTI if you have diabetes or another medical problem that affects the immune system.

Causes Of Kidney Pain

There are a number of different things that can cause kidney pain, from infection to kidney stones and beyond. While alleviating your pain might seem like the #1 priority, never forego a doctor visit to get a treatment plan that will eliminate the source of the pain. Some common causes of kidney pain include infections along the urinary tract and kidney stones.

You May Like: Is Grape Juice Good For Kidneys

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.

When To Chill And When To Heat

Many of these conditions are treatable with medication as prescribed by your health care provider. And, for other situations, over-the-counter pain relievers may be enough to help. But you still may need further relief so here are a few tips to keep in mind when deciding between ice or heat for aching muscles and joints.;

Reminder: if any of these conditions are new or dont resolve quickly, be sure to contact your health care provider for more treatment options.

Acute injuries

First of all, do not use heat on acute injuries because that extra heat can increase inflammation and delay proper healing.;

When dealing with injuries, its best to predominantly choose ice if the injury is acute . The chill constricts blood vessels which numbs pain, relieves inflammation and limits bruising.

If youre sensitive to cold then ice may initially seem uncomfortable or even painful to apply. Heat can feel warm, cozy and be tempting to toss on an injury, says primary care sports medicine physician Anne Rex, DO. But dont be fooled! Ice wins to shut down swelling, inflammation and pain early on where heat may actually make an injury worse.

If youre dealing with lingering injuries then its okay to use heat. The increased blood flow relaxes tight muscles and relieves aching joints. This is especially helpful to improve range of motion on a joint that maybe isnt moving as well.;

Arthritis

Gout flare-ups

Headaches

Muscle strains and sprains

Tendinitis

Tendinosis

Don’t Miss: Is Watermelon Good For Your Kidneys

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.

What Is Sambong Capsule

Diuretic Sambong is a powerful diuretic that helps to detox the body and cleans the urinary tract plus get rid of excess water retention. Urinary Challenges Sambong is well known for treating urinary tract problems such as urinary tract infections and kidney and bladder stones.

Also Check: Is Grape Juice Good For Kidney Stones

Does Walking Help Pass Kidney Stones

When trying to pass a stone, patients should proceed as follows: Drink plenty of fluids to promote increased urinary flow which may help pass the stone. Be active. Patients are encouraged to be up and about walking which may help the stone pass.

Does A Heating Pad Help With Kidney Stones

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

Don’t Miss: Can Kidney Stones Affect Your Psa Count

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 don’t 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

For Urinary Tract Infections

Since three of the most common causes of kidney discomfort occur in the urinary tract, here are some remedies to relieve pain in the kidneys related to the urinary tract:

1. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key to relieving pain in the kidneys since water will help flush bacteria out of the body. Plus, staying hydrated will help clear out the urinary tract as a whole and work to eliminate any possible infections.;

Many specialists recommend the 8×8 rule, meaning you should drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day. However, water intake is highly dependant on you and your health, so take this article into consideration when determining your daily amount of water intake.;

2. Drink Cranberry Juice

While not scientifically proven, cranberry juice is known to be a remedy for urinary tract infections. If you choose to alternate between cranberry juice and water, be sure to choose a cranberry juice that isnt packed full of additional sweeteners. A cranberry supplement or pure cranberry juice is always the best way to go!;

3. Take Probiotics

Its no secret that probiotics are beneficial for you, especially when it comes to fighting bacteria and kidney pain. Studies show that probiotics can improve kidney function and assist in processing waste too.;

4. Drink Parsley Juice

You can also mix parsley into a smoothie to make drinking it more bearable. Check out these recipes for inspiration!;

5. Take a Warm Epsom Salt Bath

6. Apply Heat

7. Use Non-Aspirin Pain Killers

Don’t Miss: Keto And Kidneys

What Causes Kidney Stones And Home Remedies For Kidney Stones

Home Remedies for Kidney Stones: What Works?

• 1. Water. When passing a stone, upping your water intake can help speed up the process. Strive for 12 glasses of water per day instead of the usual 8.
• 2. Lemon juice. You can add freshly squeezed lemons to your water as often as you like. Lemons contain citrate, which is a chemical that prevents
• 3. Basil juice. Basil contains acetic acid, which helps break down the kidney stones and reduce pain. Its also full of nutrients. This remedy has
• 4. Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. Acetic acid helps dissolve kidney stones.

How To Safely Apply Ice And Heat

You can apply ice and heat in lots of ways. Our experts generally recommend up to 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off:;

• Ice packs: Frozen peas or corn, ice cubes in a baggie or frozen gel pack. You can ice beyond 48 hours, until swelling, tenderness or inflammation are gone.
• Ice massage: Freeze water in a Dixie cup, peel back the top, and massage the tender area until its numb. .
• Cold masks: Place a cold mask, available at drugstores, over your eyes or lay a towel soaked in cold water over your forehead and temples.
• Moist heat: Enjoy a bath, shower, hot tub or whirlpool using warm, not hot, water .
• Heat wraps: Drape a heat wrap, available at drugstores, around your neck like a scarf .
• Heating pads: To avoid burns, remove heating pads if the area becomes uncomfortably warm.

You May Like: Is Pomegranate Juice Good For Kidney Stones

Do This When You Suffer Emergency Kidney Pain At Home

Whether you are alone at home, or have family with you, you should recognize that kidney pain is a health emergency. However, since people are cagey about visiting a hospital, or even a doctors chamber these days; it is best to be prepared before kidney pain strikes you or a loved one. If any of you have been infected with UTI, make a practice of increasing your fluid intake. Keep an eye on how much water you drink daily, but do not drink too much tea or coffee, which have a diuretic effect on the body, and could leave you dehydrated. Some doctors recommend drinking eight ounces of water eight times a day. It can translate into drinking two liters of water daily.;

How To Control Emergency Kidney Pain At Home

There is something terrifying about kidney pain. That sharp, cramping pain, which is not quite like the usual lower backaches, is pain occurring due to some distress related to the kidneys. You might feel it on only one side. In rarer cases, you could experience it on both sides of the back to the right or left of the spine but inside the rib cage. You might be able to differentiate kidney pain from the commoner backache which assails many, especially those who are desk bound for the greater part of the day, when you find that no degree of change of posture eases the pain. Such pain might come in waves, sometimes radiating from the lower abdomen or back to the groin.

Read Also: Does Red Wine Cause Kidney Stones

Scanty Or Cloudy Urine Indicates Infection

Due to the inconveniences imposed on us by modern life when we are outdoors most of the day, but may not have access to hygienic washrooms, people, especially women, try to withhold urine for long hours. This ensures that they might not realize when their urinary output becomes scant, cloudy, or even smelly. Infection might set in because an individual had to use a less than hygienic washroom.;

Avoid Alcohol And Coffee

The kidneys most important role is to filter out harmful substances and toxins, and both alcohol and caffeine can require extra work from the kidneys. This may hinder the process of healing from an infection. Alcohol and antibiotics also shouldnt be mixed, so avoid alcohol during your treatment for this reason as well.

Read Also: Reducose Weight Loss