Kidney Pain Or Back Pain? How To Tell The Difference?

Are you having persistent pain in the lower back and struggling to do daily activities?

Ever wondered if the pain you are feeling in your lower back is kidney pain or back pain?

Most people often tend to confuse kidney pain with back pain. This may lead to a delay in getting the issue diagnosed.

You may not be aware, kidney pain is felt right below your ribs or on both sides of your spine. Back pain can be felt in the nerves, muscles, or bones in the back.

Both kidney pain and back pain have different causes.

It is important to know the difference between the two for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Mykare Health is here to help you understand the difference between kidney pain and back pain.

Understanding Kidney Pain

Apart from right below your ribs, kidney pain is also felt on your back, sides, or belly.

Kidney pain does not always mean that your kidneys are dysfunctional. It might also indicate that there are issues with your urinary system.

Common Causes Of Kidney Pain

Let’s dive into some common causes of kidney pain.

• Kidney infections: It is also called pyelonephritis. It is a type of urinary tract infection. Kidney infections can develop due to bacteria infections. It can be caused on one of the kidneys or on both.

• Kidney stones: Kidney stones are build ups or deposits that develop in the kidneys. Kidney stones can be small or big. Small stones may automatically leave your kidney but big stones may remain. It can be painful and cause difficulty while urinating.

• Polycystic kidney disease: In this condition, cysts form in the kidneys. It will cause severe pain with the growth of these cysts. Kidneys can become inflamed due to this condition, resulting in its dysfunction.

• Kidney cancer: Cancer or tumor developing in the kidneys can also lead to severe pain. People in their 60s and 70s are more likely to develop kidney cancer.

• Urinary retention: It is a condition where it is difficult to empty the urinary bladder completely. It can also lead to pain in the kidneys.

Understanding Back Pain

How would you differentiate kidney pain from back pain? By recognising how the back pain is felt and what are the causes behind it.

Back pain is one of the common health problems in adults. The pain can range from dull to sharp pain depending on the condition of the individual. Back pain can also develop with ageing.

The pain can be caused on the back or lower back regions. Also, ligaments, muscles or spine can be affected by back pain.

Common Causes Of Back Pain

• Strains: Muscle injury or overexertion can lead to back pain. Back pain can also occur with poor posture or sudden movements such as twisting. An injury to muscle can also cause back pain.

• Degenerative disc disease: Disks - spongy cushions separating two bones in the spine, can degenerate in individuals, especially among older adults. This will cause pain and stiffness in the back. The disks may get damaged which will lead to discomfort and pain.

• Spinal stenosis: It happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. Spinal stenosis typically occurs over time in an individual. It can affect one or more areas of the spine.

• Herniated discs: When the discs are compressed and irritated, this condition occurs. The nerves around these disks will get pressured, resulting in pain in the area.

• Age and physical activity: There is a risk of developing back pain as a person ages. The lack of regular physical activities can also lead to gradual back pain in adults.

Kidney Pain And Back Pain: Main Differences

It is common to confuse kidney pain with back pain. So, just remember these two factors: if the pain is in the lower back, it is probably back pain and if the pain is on your upper back, it might be kidney pain.

When To Seek Medical Help?

If you notice severe pain and discomfort in the lower back area, it might be due to kidney issues. It may also occur with nausea or vomiting.

The presence of blood in urine is also a concerning symptom of kidney issue. Difficulty in urinating is also an issue related to kidney dysfunction.

In case of back pain, you may experience weakness in legs or on your upper back. Bowel or bladder issues may also occur which should not be ignored.

If you have back pain, the pain will get worse during night time. It could also signify an underlying issue.

If you notice any of these signs, you should consult a healthcare expert immediately. Accurate diagnosis of your condition is important. Your doctor will further suggest medications or treatments according to your condition.