Q. I have been feeling pain on both sides of my spine in the flank area, especially when I lay down at night and in the morning before I get up. Could this be a problem with my kidneys? A. First, please be aware that most types of kidney disease (such as those caused by diabetes and high blood pressure) do not cause pain. Kidneys rarely hurt, except in the cases of kidney stones and kidney infection. Pain caused by the kidneys is typically felt in the flank area, which is in the back, just at the lower edge of the ribs on either side of the spine. Kidney pain usually is sharp, severe, and occurs in waves. What isn't kidney pain It is rare for the kidneys to cause dull, aching pain. People sometimes equate back pain with kidney pain, but dull aching pain in the back -- especially the lower back or the middle of the back -- is usually due to muscles, ligaments, or even vertebrae and disks in the spinal column. Musculoskeletal pain typically gets worse with movement, and is relieved by heat or massage. Common causes of kidney pain 1. Kidney stones: The pain caused by kidney stones occurs when a stone becomes lodged in the ureter, the slender tube that connects the kidney with the bladder. Urine flow is then blocked, which causes urine to back up into the kidney. As a result, the kidney swells and enlarges, stretching the pain-sensitive capsule, or thin covering around it. The pain caused by kidney stones is referred to as "colic," meaning that it comes in waves as opposed to being a steady continuous pain. Pain from kidney stones is described as being almost as severe as that of childbirth. Patients with renal colic usually find it very difficult to hold still, and are in constant motion, pacing and writhing. Often the pain is so severe that it causes nausea and vomiting. Although the pain starts in the right or left flank area, it may move as the stone travels down the ureter. The pain may move around the side of the trunk to the lower part of the abdomen in the front and even travel down to the groin. 2. Kidney infection (also known as "pyelonephritis"): Pain caused by kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is related to infection and inflammation within the kidney tissue. Infection causes the kidney to swell and stretches the pain-sensitive capsule surrounding the kidney, leading to exquisite tenderness over the kidney. Patients with kidney infection are very sensitive to even the lightest touch in the flank area. They are usually quite ill with the infection, and generally have high fever, nausea, and vomiting as well. Infection of the kidney is far more serious than the much more common condition of bladder infection. Pyelonephritis needs to be treated promptly with intravenous antibiotics in order to prevent spread of infection to the bloodstream. 3. Kidney cancer: Rarely a kidney tumor, or cancer, can grow and stretch the kidney capsule slowly, or involve nerves in the kidney area, causing pain. 4. Blocked urine flow: There are some conditions that may cause a gradual blockage to urine flow (not a sudden blockage like that of a kidney stone); in these cases the kidney may be stretched and cause a dull aching pain. 5. Polycystic kidney disease: A hereditary disease called polycystic kidney disease can lead to massive enlargement of the kidneys over a period of years and can sometimes cause a dull aching pain, which is usually felt in the front of the abdomen rather than in the back. 6. Other less common causes of kidney pain: Uncommon causes of kidney pain are bruising or bleeding within the kidney (for instance, due to injury), or "infarction" of the kidney, where the blood supply is suddenly cut off because the artery supplying blood to the kidney becomes blocked. Remember, it is uncommon for the kidneys to be a cause of a dull aching pain. In fact, it is extremely unusual for a slowly-occurring blockage from the conditions listed (even cancer) to cause any pain at all. The kidneys remove waste products and excess fluid from the bloodstream. These two organs sit on either side of the body just below the rib cage. The kidneys rest against the back muscles, which can make it difficult to tell the difference between kidney pain and back pain. When trying to determine whether the pain is coming from the back or kidneys, people need to take into account:
In this article, we discuss the main characteristics and causes of kidney pain and back pain. We also cover when to see a doctor. The kidneys filter out waste and toxins from the bloodstream, which makes them susceptible to infection and damage. Excess calcium, oxalate, and phosphorous can accumulate in the kidneys to form kidney stones, which can be painful if they cause a blockage. LocationKidney pain occurs below the rib cage on either side of a person’s spine. It can also feel as though the pain is coming from deep within the body. People may experience pain on one or both sides of the body depending on whether a condition affects only one kidney or both kidneys. Kidney pain can radiate to other areas of the body, such as:
Type and severity of painSmall kidney stones often pass through the urinary system without causing much pain. However, larger stones can cause a sharp, intense pain that typically worsens when the stone moves from the kidney to the ureters. The ureters are tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder and form part of the urinary system. A kidney infection can cause a dull ache or soreness that remains stable. Accompanying symptomsConditions that affect the kidneys can cause other symptoms, such as: Signs of severe kidney damage or problems can include:
Conditions that cause kidney pain include: Back pain is very common. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, around 80 percent of adults will experience lower back pain at some point during their lives. Back pain occurs as a result of problems affecting the muscles, bones, or nerves in the back. The location, severity, and accompanying symptoms of back pain vary depending on the cause. LocationBack pain can occur anywhere in the back. However, most people experience pain in their lower back. Type and severity of painMuscle pain feels like a dull ache or soreness. Certain body movements can trigger or worsen muscle pain, the intensity of which can range from mild to severe and may fluctuate in response to stretching. People with nerve pain may experience a burning or stabbing sensation that travels to other areas of the body. Sciatica is a form of nerve pain that affects the back. People develop sciatica when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched or compressed, which causes a burning pain in the lower back that radiates through the buttocks. Bone pain can result from vertebral fractures or an irregularly shaped spine. This type of pain comes on suddenly. Bone pain ranges from moderate to severe and usually worsens in response to movement. Accompanying symptomsOther symptoms that may accompany back pain include:
Share on PinterestA person may develop back pain due to poor posture. Straining a muscle or ligament in the back is a common cause of back pain. People can strain their backs from overstretching, lifting too much weight, or using incorrect lifting techniques. Other causes of back pain can include:
Medical conditions that can cause back pain include: A person can often treat mild back pain at home with rest, heat therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, people should see a doctor for pain that results from a traumatic injury. It is important for people with symptoms of kidney stones or a kidney infection to see a doctor. A person should also seek medical attention for any of the following symptoms:
The kidneys sit below the rib cage on either side of the spine and rest against the muscles of the back, which means that it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between back pain and kidney pain. Kidney pain can occur on one or both sides of the back just below the rib cage. Causes of kidney pain include UTIs, kidney stones, and blunt force trauma to the kidneys. Back pain can affect the entire back, but most people experience pain in the lower back. People can develop back pain from heavy lifting, poor posture, and sitting or standing for too long. Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and infections, can also cause back pain. Recognizing the difference between kidney pain and back pain can lead to earlier diagnosis and a better treatment outcome. Last medically reviewed on April 14, 2019
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