What kidney problems cause back pain? Which issues can cause back pain?
Are you having back pain since your kidneys have been affected? Do you know that there are certain kidney problems that can cause back pains? Also, persistent back pain could mean you might have kidney-related issues. So here you will get to know what kidney problems cause back pain? Here are a few things you might want to know before consulting a doctor.
What is the purpose of a Kidney?
The kidney is one of the vital organs of the human body. They help in removing the toxins from the body. The main function of the kidney is to purify and cleanse the blood. Kidneys help in getting rid of extra fluid, acids, and toxins by converting them into the urine.
You have a pair of kidneys, just below your rib cage, one on each side of the spine. They are the size of a fist and look similar to beans. If you ever think that your kidneys are not important, go visit a person on dialysis. They also help in hormone making which is essential in maintaining your blood pressure, making bones strong, and in the production of Red Blood Cells (RBC)
Even though all this has sound irrelevant, it was important to tell you about the importance of Kidneys.
How bad is Kidney pain?
Now that you know where your kidneys are you are able to know if the pain is in the kidney or not. However, sometimes, back pain, and stomach pain. Yet a Kidney pain might be dull and is often at back, in areas where kidneys are, or in the stomach. the kind of discomfort is associated with Kidney pain. If you are having pain in the lower rib cage area, you must consult a doctor. Kidney pain is related to back pain. Thus, constant back pain might be actually kidney pain.
What are some common symptoms of Kidney Pain?
Some of the common symptoms of kidney pain which is related to back pain are:
- constant light pain in the kidneys
- a slight pain under the rib cage, or in the stomach
- pain in either of the kidneys or at both
- wave-like pains that are very sharp in back
- pains that spread along the stomach
Some rare symptoms of kidney pain?
The symptoms of your kidney pain depend on its cause. With kidney pain you may also have:
- Slight fever which seems constant
- nausea and vomiting
- pain while urination
- cloudy and unclear urine
- blood clots in urine
What kidney problems cause back pain?
Kidney pain has many possible causes. These organs are connected to others like your bladder and ureters, where you store and get rid of urine.
Kidney pain can be because by various reasons. These can be minor issues or even major issues. Some of the usual causes of kidney pain are:
1. Stones in Kidney
The development of stones in the Kidney is not unusual. There are various reasons for stone development in kidneys. However, kidney stones can cause severe, sudden, and pinching pain in the kidney. Mineral deposits grow large enough in the kidney and settle at the ureter. Thus, resting in the tube (ureter) which connects the kidney and bladder). A larger stone might cause an inability to pass urine. Back pain in the case of kidney stones is very common. Kidney stones can cause severe back pains. Otherwise, you will feel intense pain while urination. Men face more issues with kidney stones than females.
2. Infection in kidney
Infections in the kidney also cause back pains. Back pains thus are related to kidney issues. Infection can be in one of the kidneys of both. It can cause discomfort in the kidneys, and pain in the back, under the ribs, or in the stomach. However, infection in the urinary tract can also have the same symptoms.
3. Cysts in Kidneys
While small cysts might not cause any pain or show any symptoms. Yet a larger-sized one is done. Kidney cysts are also kidney problems related to back pain. Cysts in the kidneys can cause back pain and side pain.
4. Swelling in Kidneys
Kidneys can swell when they are not able to drain the urine completely. This can cause the kidneys to swell. It can affect one or both kidneys.
5. Polycystic Kidney disease
This is also a cyst-related disease. This can also cause back pain. Polycystic kidney disease is a cause of back pain. However, this disease is genetic in nature. so those whose
6. Kidney cancer
The most dangerous of kidney disease, yet the most silent one. In the early stages of kidney cancer, there is no pain or discomfort. However with time, as cancer develops, constant pain is felt in the belly, side, or back. Kidney cancer in later stages causes back pain.
7. Kidney Tumor
The kidney tumor or mass will definitely give you pain. The lower back pain and pain between ribs, on the side or on the hips are common symptoms of a Kidney tumor. A kidney tumor is a cause of back pain.
How to differentiate between kidney pain and back pain?
It’s easy to confuse kidney pain for just back pain. How do you know the difference?
Lower back pain vs. upper back pain
Usually, the back pain is related to the lower back. However, back pain that is triggered due to kidney issues is related to the upper back.
Location. It could be your kidney and not your back if you feel it higher on your back. Back problems usually affect your lower back. Kidney pain is a constant pain that you feel near your rib cage and on the sides. However, back pain, often triggers when you move or workout or get a strain. Thus, kidney pain is constant, while usual back pain is occasional.
What to do if you have symptoms of kidney pain?
Consult a doctor regarding symptoms and pain. Also, do not take anything lightly. Opt for a urine test, ultrasound or CT scan to be clear!
