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One of the symptoms of a kidney stone is back pain. But, how can you tell if it’s a kidney stone or just a simple backache? Read on for the telltale signs.Your back is achy, yet you don’t remember hurting it, and that painkiller doesn’t seem to be helping. Could it be a kidney stone? Possibly, and almost definitely, if you have these other symptoms: 1. Pain on one side of your lower back or on the sides, underneath your ribsGeneral back pain, on the other hand, can be felt anywhere on your back. So if the pain is in your middle back or shoulders, chances are, it’s not a kidney stone. 2. Pain that comes and goes in waves and changes in intensityAs the kidney stone moves through your urinary tract, you’ll feel pain differently. With a backache, the pain is usually constant. “Kidney stone pain typically starts high up, near the kidney, migrates toward the abdomen and then eventually moves down toward the groin as the stone moves further down the ureter,” says Mike Nguyen, MD, a urologist at Keck Medicine of USC and associate professor of clinical urology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
3. Pain that doesn’t go away, when you moveIf it’s a backache, a change of position may momentarily alleviate the pain. With kidney stones, the pain won’t disappear when you move, and some positions may even make it worse. 4. Severe painBackache pain can range from mild to severe, while kidney stone pain is almost always severe. Kidney stones are rumored to be as painful as childbirth. “Kidney stone pain is typically severe and can be sharp or dull,” Nguyen says. “It usually occurs suddenly, without any provoking events.” 5. Blood in your urineKidney stones can cause your urine to be pink, red or brown. 6. Painful urination7. More frequent urinationKidney stones can make you feel like you need to urinate more, and when you do go, you may only go a little. “When a stone is almost ready to come out into the bladder, patients may feel the urge to urinate,” Nguyen adds. 8. Foul-smelling urine9. Nausea and vomiting10. Fever and chills, along with your back painThis 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. TopicsDr. Mike Nguyen Kidney stones Anne Fritz is a freelance health and lifestyle writer. Because your kidneys are located below your ribcage and towards your back, it can be difficult to tell whether the pain you’re experiencing is back pain or kidney pain. Since back pain is so common, it’s easy for people who are actually experiencing kidney issues to brush the pain off as “normal” back pain. This can be dangerous, especially if the underlying cause of kidney pain is a condition that requires immediate medical treatment. Your symptoms can help you determine whether you’re experiencing back or kidney pain. The type of pain and its severity can also help you understand the source of your pain. In this guide, I’ll break down the causes of back and kidney pain, and provide you with tips for identifying the source of your pain. I’ll also tell you when it’s best to talk to your doctor. Experiencing back pain? Chat with a doctor today for just $35Chat Now Causes of Kidney Pain
In very rare cases, severe dehydration may lead to kidney pain. Severe dehydration can eventually build up waste in your kidneys, causing pain. This is why it’s important to drink an adequate amount of water for your age, weight, and level of physical activity. A person who doesn’t drink enough fluids over time may become dehydrated and eventually experience kidney pain. This occurs only in very severe or prolonged cases or when you have other health problems—mild dehydration that you experience in everyday life would not be expected to cause kidney pain. How to Identify Kidney PainIn some cases, back pain may subside when you move, while kidney pain tends to be a constant ache. So if you’re able to shift your body and the pain lessens or goes away, it may be back pain. If you are experiencing lower back pain, you can probably rule out kidney pain. The kidneys are located higher up in the back. Kidney pain tends to be in the mid-to-upper back region on the sides, not in the center. Still think your pain may be in your kidneys? Here are some key symptoms and pain indicators you should look out for if you suspect you have a kidney issue. SymptomsThe most common symptoms experienced with kidney pain include:
Type of painThe type of pain varies depending on the cause of your kidney pain. If due to an infection, kidney pain is usually described as a constant, dull ache. In the case of kidney stones, the pain may be sharp and come in waves as the kidney stone moves. It’s normal for a person to experience kidney pain in either one or both sides of their body. LocationYour kidneys are located just below your rib cage, with one on either side of your spine. Kidney pain is usually experienced higher up on the back, and not in the center. Additional symptomsSome symptoms of kidney infections or kidney stones may seem similar to those of bladder infections or urinary tract infections, like cloudy urine or a painful burning sensation while urinating. If these urinary tract symptoms are accompanied by pain or some of the other following symptoms, you may have a kidney infection or kidney stone:
Causes of Back PainAnything that puts pressure on or damages the spine or muscles of the low back can cause back pain. Sometimes, the cause can be as simple as overuse over a long period of time. Other times, the source may be an injury from a traumatic event or from participation in high-impact contact sports. Injury or accident is one of the more common reasons for back pain. An unexpected twist or sudden motion can result in muscle strain or muscle spasm. The pain experienced is usually greatest during the first 48-72 hours following the injury, and then gradually gets better over the course of days or sometimes weeks. More severe injuries, like a fall, may require hospitalization and more recovery time. Most back pain is acute, meaning it lasts a few days up to four weeks. When back pain lasts for 12 weeks or longer, it is classified as chronic back pain. Another common cause of back pain is a ruptured or herniated disc. Between the vertebrae of your spine, cushioned discs allow the bones of your spine to rotate and bend without rubbing against one another. But sometimes, these discs can be pushed out of place—by heavy lifting, bending, or for unknown reasons. When this happens, the bulge from the disc creates pressure on the spine’s nerve roots. Other causes of back pain can be categorized in the following groups:
How to Identify Back PainNearly 80% of Americans have experienced low back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain isn’t limited to just the lower region, though. Below are a few parameters you can use to find out if the pain you’re experiencing is back pain. SymptomsThe following symptoms are common with back pain. Note that the symptoms you experience will depend on the underlying cause of your pain.
Type of painThe severity and type of pain you experience will depend on the cause of your back pain. Mild strains, “throwing out your back,” and other muscle injuries will often cause focal pain in the side of your low back that may be sharp or dull, and changes with motion. These typically get better within about a week with over-the-counter medications and supportive treatments. Spine injuries such as a herniated disk will tend to cause sharp pain in the center of your back. These injuries are sometimes associated with pain that travels to the hip or side of the leg. The duration of these will depend on your specific condition. LocationLow back pain is one of the most common locations people experience back pain; if you are experiencing low back pain, it’s unlikely that you are experiencing kidney pain. You can also experience upper back and mid-back pain, though. Additional symptomsThere are other symptoms you may experience with back pain—and many of them indicate a serious medical problem that requires immediate attention. Below are several symptoms to keep an eye out for:
Experiencing back pain? Chat with a doctor today for just $35Chat Now When to See a DoctorIf you are experiencing severe pain, or if your pain spreads or worsens over time, tell your primary care physician. Ignoring the pain or trying to “tough it out” may only make matters worse. If experience any of the following severe symptoms, you should contact a healthcare provider immediately:
How K Health Can HelpDid you know you can access online urgent care with K Health? Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and is based on 20 years of clinical data. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does it feel like when kidneys hurt? Kidney pain is in the upper low back or mid-back, on the sides. It can be dull and throbbing or sharp and stabbing depending on the underlying cause. Is it a pulled muscle or kidney pain? To determine whether you have a pulled muscle or kidney pain, you should assess your symptoms. Certain symptoms, like cloudy urine or dark urine, pain while urinating, or blood in urine, are typically associated with kidney issues. What are the first signs of kidney problems? Typically, the initial warning signs of kidney problems tend to be related to urination. Changes in urination—like color, frequency, and output—can all indicate a kidney issue. K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. How can you tell the difference between back pain and kidney problems?Back problems usually affect your lower back. Kidney pain is felt higher and deeper in your body than back pain. You may feel it in the upper half of your back, not the lower part. Unlike back discomfort, it's felt on one or both sides, usually under your rib cage.
What does kidney back pain feel like?Kidney pain typically feels like a constant dull ache deep in your right or left flank, or both flanks, that often gets worse when someone gently hits the area. Most conditions usually affect only one kidney, so you typically feel pain on only one side of your back.
What are the first signs of kidney problems?Symptoms. Nausea.. Vomiting.. Loss of appetite.. Fatigue and weakness.. Sleep problems.. Urinating more or less.. Decreased mental sharpness.. Muscle cramps.. What part of your back hurts from kidneys?You feel kidney pain in the area where your kidneys are located: Near the middle of your back, just under your ribcage, on each side of your spine. Your kidneys are part of the urinary tract, the organs that make urine (i.e., pee) and remove it from your body.
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