Have you ever been bothered by a pain in your back? Most of the time, we think of it as a simple backache caused by lifting something heavy or sitting in an awkward position. However, not all back pain is that simple. Sometimes, it can be a sign of a problem with your kidneys. So today, let's talk about what renal pain is and how to distinguish it from regular back pain.
What exactly is the difference between kidney pain and back pain?
It's very common to confuse the two. But there are some clear differences between these two pains. If we understand this correctly, we can quickly identify if there is a problem.
Think about your body. Your kidneys are located on either side of your spine, just below your rib cage, on the outside. That means they're right on top of your back. But back pain usually comes from the middle of your back, or more commonly, the lower back.
Let's look at this difference a little more clearly.
| Characteristic of pain | Kidney Pain | Back Pain |
|---|---|---|
| Where the pain comes from | Be on the upper back, under the ribs, on the right or left side of the spine. | Usually in the middle or lower back. |
| How it feels | It's like a deep pain coming from inside the body. Sometimes it's sharp, and it comes and goes like a wave. | It feels like muscle pain. The pain may increase when moving or bending. |
| Spreading pain | It can spread to the abdomen, groin area, or both sides of the pelvis. | Sometimes it can spread from the buttocks to the legs. |
| Other features | It can be accompanied by fever, chills, nausea/vomiting, pain when urinating, and changes in urine color. | There are usually no flu-like symptoms (unless there is another infection). |
What are the main causes of kidney pain?
Okay, now let's look at what causes kidney pain. It's not just one thing. It can be caused by a problem anywhere in your urinary system.
- Kidney Stones: This is the most common cause. Mineral salts in the body accumulate and can form stones as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pearl. These stones can get stuck in the urinary tract when they try to pass out with urine, causing severe pain.
- Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): This condition occurs when bacteria enter the kidneys and cause an infection. Along with pain, symptoms may include fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting .
- Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR): This is when urine flows back up from the bladder, through the ureters, to the kidneys. This condition is most common in young children and infants.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: This is a genetic condition. In this condition, fluid-filled cysts (cysts) form inside the kidneys. As these cysts grow, the kidneys become swollen and painful, and the function of the kidneys may decrease.
- Urinary Retention: This is when the bladder is unable to empty completely. This can cause the urine to fill up and put pressure on the kidneys, causing pain.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Pain can also be caused by a narrowing of the ureters (ureteral stricture) or a blockage at the ureteropelvic junction (where the kidney connects to the ureter).
- Injury or Trauma to the Kidneys: Accidents and falls while playing sports can cause damage to the kidneys and cause pain.
- Renal Cancer: This is most common in people between the ages of 60 and 70. Symptoms may include blood in the urine, pain in the urethra, or a lump on the side.
If there is kidney pain, what kind of tests will a doctor do?
If you have kidney pain, your doctor will likely run several tests to determine the exact cause.
Remember, these tests are done to find the exact cause and provide you with the most appropriate treatment. So don't be afraid.
| Test | What do you see in this? |
|---|---|
| Urinalysis | The urine is checked for blood, infectious cells (white blood cells), and protein. These can give an idea of kidney-related diseases. |
| Imaging Tests | An examination such as an ultrasound or CT scan can clearly see the appearance of the kidneys and urinary system, and whether there are stones or blockages. |
When should you see a doctor immediately?
Kidney pain can sometimes be a sign of a serious condition. So, if you have any of the symptoms below along with your pain, see a doctor right away without delay.
If the pain is unbearable, if you can't stop vomiting, if you have a high fever, or if you are not urinating at all, it is best to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Keep an eye out for these signs:
- Fever and chills.
- Nausea or vomiting to the point where food and drink cannot be kept down.
- Abnormal change in urine color (dark or brown).
- Burning or pain when urinating.
- Blood in the urine.
- The need to urinate frequently.
- Passing stone-like pieces with urine.
- Extreme fatigue and lifelessness in the body.
Temporary relief from pain
You can try these things to reduce the pain until you can see a doctor.
1.Drink plenty of water: This helps flush out bacteria in the urinary tract. But stay away from sugary drinks, caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea), and alcohol.
2. Apply a warm compress: Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the painful area (back, stomach, or side) can provide relief.
3. Painkillers: You can take a painkiller like paracetamol. However, if your doctor has told you that you have a pre-existing liver or kidney problem, do not take any painkillers without medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Kidney pain is different from regular back pain. It is a deep pain that is usually felt in the upper back, on either side.
- Kidney pain can have many causes, including stones and infections. Therefore, it is important to know the exact cause.
- If you have symptoms like back pain, fever, vomiting, changes in your urine, or blood in your urine, don't ignore it. See a doctor immediately.
- Do not self -diagnose and self-treat. Always seek advice from a qualified medical professional. Your health is very valuable!
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Kidney Pain / Renal Pain? How is it different from back pain?
Kidney pain is not just a simple backache! The kidneys are located in the back of the chest where the rib cage ends (in the middle of the back) (Flank area / Costovertebral angle). 'Backache' is felt in the lower back (in the groin area) and changes when walking/bending. But 'kidney pain' is a deep/dull ache that often comes on only one side (in the middle of the back) and sometimes spreads to the groin, making it unbearable (Colicky) and deadly!
💬 What are the main causes of this unbearable kidney pain?
There are two main reasons for this: 1) 'Kidney Stones' - When a kidney stone forms and breaks through the ureter and travels down, it causes severe/dizziness-like pain (Renal Colic) that makes you want to bend over and scream. 2) 'Severe Kidney Infection' (Pyelonephritis / Kidney Infection) - When bacteria in the urine go directly to the kidney and start to rot/infect it, this pain occurs along with high fever, chills, and vomiting (if not treated immediately, it can lead to death).
💬 What are the home remedies for kidney pain like this? When should I go to the hospital?
When you have pain, definitely drink plenty of water (if it's a stone, it will pass). However, if 1) you have fever/chills along with the pain, 2) you vomit uncontrollably, 3) you have dark 'bloody' urine (Hematuria) or your urine burns like fire (Dysuria / UTI), 4) you can't even talk/lift your head because of the pain, you should go to the emergency room/CT scan of a hospital immediately without waiting even a second!
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