Back pain is very common, but sometimes it can be a sign of a kidney problem. Kidney diseases such as kidney stones, infections, or even kidney cancer can cause pain that radiates from your back around to your abdomen. So how do you know if constant back pain may be related to your kidneys?
What are the kidneys and what do they do?
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine behind the abdomen. Each kidney is about 4-5 inches long. The kidneys filter waste products and extra fluid from the blood to make urine. They also help regulate blood pressure, red blood cell production, and calcium absorption.
What causes kidney pain?
There are a few different conditions that can cause pain originating from the kidneys:
- Kidney stones – Hard deposits of minerals and acid salts that form inside the kidneys. Kidney stones cause sharp, severe pain in the back that radiates to the groin.
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) – Pain from a kidney infection is usually intense and comes on suddenly, often with fever and urinary symptoms.
- Kidney cancer – Larger kidney tumors may cause a dull ache in the back or side.
- Polycystic kidney disease – Cysts forming in the kidneys can stretch the kidney capsule and cause a dull, aching pain.
Where is kidney pain located?
Kidney pain is most often felt in the flank area, which is in the back, just below the ribs. But kidney pain can radiate to the sides and front of the abdomen. The pain is usually located higher than pain from other common causes of back pain.
Kidney pain locations include:
- Flank area – Pain felt just below the ribcage on one or both sides of the back.
- Abdomen – Kidney pain can radiate to the front of the abdomen, usually just above the groin.
- Groin area
- Side of the body, above the hip bone
What does kidney pain feel like?
Kidney pain can feel like:
- A dull ache or soreness in the back or side
- Sharp, stabbing pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
- Pain that radiates from the back around to the abdomen, groin, or genitals
- Pain that comes on very suddenly and severely
- Pain on one or both sides of the back or abdomen
The pain may be constant or intermittent depending on the underlying cause. Kidney pain can range from mild to excruciating.
How is kidney pain different from back pain?
There are some key differences between muscle and skeletal back pain and kidney pain:
Location
Kidney pain is higher up, under the ribs while back pain is usually lower. Kidney pain tends to be felt behind the abdomen while back pain is centered in the spine.
Type of pain
Back pain related to muscular or skeletal causes is often described as soreness, tension, stiffness, or an ache. Kidney pain is more likely to be a severe, sharp pain that comes in waves.
Radiation
Kidney pain often radiates from the back around to the side, abdomen, groin, or genitals. Back pain usually sticks to one area and does not radiate throughout the torso.
Onset
Back pain often develops gradually over time. Kidney pain tends to have a sudden onset and may be accompanied by other symptoms like fever, nausea, and changes in urination.
Other symptoms that may accompany kidney pain
In addition to back pain, kidney issues can also cause:
- Painful or frequent urination
- Urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the hands and feet (edema)
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Severe back pain that comes on suddenly
- Pain in your side or abdomen in addition to back pain
- Back pain accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting
- Pain when you urinate or changes in urinary function
- Any symptoms of a urinary tract infection (burning when peeing, frequent urination)
- Blood in the urine
Seeking prompt medical treatment is crucial if kidney disease or cancer turns out to be the cause of your back pain. Many kidney conditions can be treated more effectively when detected early.
What tests diagnose kidney pain?
If kidney issues are suspected as a cause of back pain, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests:
- Urinalysis – Checks a urine sample for signs of infection, blood, protein, or excess waste products.
- Blood tests – Measure kidney function and check for electrolyte imbalances.
- Imaging tests – CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI to get pictures of the kidneys and urinary tract.
- Kidney biopsy – Removal of a small sample of kidney tissue to test for disease.
What conditions cause kidney pain?
Some specific diseases and disorders that can cause flank pain or back pain originating from the kidneys include:
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. They can cause excruciating pain that begins in the back and radiates to the lower abdomen as stones move through the urinary tract.
Kidney infections
Bacteria such as E. coli can infect the kidneys leading to swelling and inflammation. This causes sudden, severe pain with fever, nausea, and frequent urination.
Kidney cancer
Renal cell carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer in adults. Large kidney tumors may press on nearby tissue causing a dull ache in the back or side.
Polycystic kidney disease
PKD causes numerous cysts to grow in the kidneys. These cysts enlarge over time and can rupture, creating pressure and pain.
Glomerulonephritis
This kidney inflammation prevents normal filtering of the blood. Lower back pain and urinary issues may result as the kidneys swell.
Interstitial nephritis
This condition inflames the kidney tubules and surrounding structures. It leads to reduced kidney function and causes lower back pain.
Pyelonephritis
A kidney infection that causes the kidney to swell and become inflamed. The infection causes fever, nausea, and intense flank pain.
Muscle strain
Straining the muscles between the ribs can cause pain that feels similar to kidney pain. Treatment involves rest, ice, pain medicine, and avoiding reinjury.
How is kidney pain treated?
The treatment for kidney pain depends on the underlying condition. Possible treatments include:
- Antibiotics for kidney infections
- Surgery or lithotripsy to break up kidney stones
- Biopsy or surgery for suspected cancer
- Draining of kidney cysts
- Diuretics and fluid intake for kidney swelling
- Immunosuppressants for kidney inflammation
- Pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Drinking plenty of water to flush out the urinary tract
If a serious kidney condition is causing persistent back pain, treating the underlying disease is the most effective way to relieve the pain.
Home remedies for kidney pain
You can try these home remedies to get temporary relief from mild to moderate kidney pain:
- Apply a heating pad to the lower back and abdominal area for 20 minutes a few times a day.
- Take over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
- Drink lots of water, especially if you have kidney stones.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks as these can irritate the kidneys.
- Get plenty of rest until the pain improves.
- Take warm baths to provide relief from muscle tension.
See your doctor if home treatments do not provide relief within a day or two. Severe or persistent kidney pain should always be evaluated by a medical professional.
How can I prevent kidney pain?
Making healthy lifestyle choices can keep your kidneys functioning well and prevent many common kidney disorders:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- Maintain normal blood pressure.
- Control blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
- Eat foods low in sodium and fat.
- Get regular exercise appropriate for your age and fitness level.
- Avoid smoking and excess alcohol intake.
- Take steps to avoid falls and injuries if you are elderly.
See your doctor for regular checkups so any kidney issues can be detected early. Make sure any existing medical conditions you have are well controlled.
When to seek emergency treatment
You should seek emergency care if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden, crushing pain in your back that radiates to the abdomen
- Fever over 102°F (39°C)
- Vomiting and inability to keep down fluids
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
- Blood in the urine
- Confusion, drowsiness, or fainting
- Difficulty breathing
These symptoms can indicate a serious kidney problem requiring urgent medical treatment. Call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room for evaluation.
Conclusion
Back pain can sometimes be a sign of an underlying kidney problem. Kidney pain typically occurs high in the flank area and may radiate around to the front of the abdomen or down to the groin. It is often a severe, sudden pain. Other symptoms like fever, nausea, and urinary changes may also be present.
Kidney stones, infections, cysts, and even cancer can cause back and kidney pain. Seek prompt medical attention if your back pain is unusual, severe, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Catching and treating any kidney issues early can help prevent complications.
With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, kidney pain and damage can often be managed or reversed. Making healthy lifestyle choices and staying on top of any medical conditions are the best ways to keep your kidneys working properly and avoid related back pain.
