Content

• Steps

When you have back pain, you may not immediately know what is causing the pain. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between back pain and kidney pain. However, the difference is shown in the details. You need to focus on pinpointing the exact location, continuity of the pain, and other associated symptoms. If you can recognize specific features, you will be able to distinguish between kidney pain and back pain.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Pain assessment

1. 

   Be aware of pain spreading throughout your lower back and buttocks. If pain occurs in these areas, chances are you have pain from damage to the back muscles, not the kidneys. Back pain usually occurs in these areas and also usually spreads to the entire area, while kidney pain does not spread as widely.
   • Lesions in the back muscles can affect the function and severity of pain in the muscles below the body, including the glute.
   • If you experience widespread pain, weakness or numbness, especially pain in your legs, you need to seek medical attention promptly.

2. 

   
   
   Notice pain in the middle of the ribs and hips. Kidney pain most often occurs in the side or behind the hip. This is the back area of ​​the body, which is also the site of the kidneys.
   • Pain that occurs in other areas of the back, such as the upper back, is not pain caused by the kidneys.

3. 

   
   
   Recognize abdominal pain. If the lower back pain is accompanied by abdominal pain, then it is more likely that the pain is related to the kidneys. Back pain is usually localized in the back of the body. An enlarged kidney or infection can cause inflammation in the front of the body, not just the back.
   • If your stomach ache is only without back pain, then the pain is probably not related to the kidneys.

4. 

   
   
   Watch for ongoing pain. In many cases, pain from the kidneys is usually continuous. The pain may decrease or increase slightly during the day, but it never completely goes away. On the contrary, back pain usually stops completely and returns at another time.
   • Most causes of kidney pain, including urinary tract infection and kidney stones, will not go away on their own without treatment. Meanwhile, the back muscles can heal on their own and the pain may stop.
   • Some kidney stones can pass from the body without treatment.However, you still need to see a doctor to have your doctor evaluate the cause of your kidney pain.

5. 

   Note that pain is only on one side of the lower back. If the pain occurs on only one side, it is likely kidney pain. Two kidneys are located along the flanks, and a kidney stone can cause pain in only one kidney. advertisement

Part 2 of 3: Recognize other symptoms

1. 

   Consider possible causes of back pain. One way you can tell the difference between back pain and kidney pain is to think about what activity you have done in the past that might cause back pain. If you have recently been lifting heavy loads or bending for a long time, your pain is probably back pain, not kidney pain.
   • If you've been standing or sitting for longer than usual lately, that could be the cause of your back pain.
   • Also, if you have a back injury, it is possible that the new pain is related to the previous injury.

2. 

   Watch for problems in the urine. The kidneys are part of the urinary tract, so infections and other kidney problems often manifest in the urine. Watch for blood in your urine and increased pain when urinating.
   • The urine may also be cloudy or dark if the pain is caused by the kidneys.
   • You may have an urgent need to urinate when there is a kidney problem, such as a kidney stone.

3. 

   Note the numbness below your back. In some cases of back pain, you may experience numbness caused by pinched nerves and problems with blood circulation down the buttocks and legs. This is a common symptom in people with back pain related to the hip nerve.
   • The numbness can even spread down the toes in severe cases.
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Part 3 of 3: Reception of a medical diagnosis

1. 

   Contact your doctor if your pain does not go away. It is important that you receive specialist treatment to address the causes of the pain. If not treated in time, they can become a more serious problem and make you even more painful in the future.
   • Call your doctor and describe the symptoms to the clinic staff. They will arrange an appointment for you to visit.
   • Managing pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever is a temporary solution if you are distressed by the pain. However, you should seek medical attention to completely deal with long-term pain instead of just relieving pain with medication.

2. 

   Seek medical attention and get tested. When you visit your doctor, you will be asked about your symptoms, including when the pain occurred and the extent of pain. Your doctor will also feel your pain for examination. After the examination, your doctor can give you a quick overview of the cause of the pain, but you may also need to do some tests to get an accurate diagnosis.
   • Whether you suspect a serious back problem, such as a herniated disc or a kidney problem, your doctor often conducts imaging tests. These tests may include x-rays, ultrasound, spine resonance imaging, or computer tomography.
   • If a kidney problem is suspected, your doctor will order blood and urine tests to look for abnormalities in blood counts, protein measurements, and more.

3. 

   Treat the cause of the pain. Once the cause of the pain has been identified, the doctor will recommend a treatment regimen. This regimen will help relieve the pain and treat the cause of the pain. This means that you will probably be prescribed pain relievers and medicine to treat an existing infection or injury.
   • If you have kidney pain caused by kidney stones, a common cause of kidney pain, your doctor will prescribe painkillers and discuss surgical options if the stones are large and unable to do so on their own. elimination.
   • If you have spasms, a common cause of back pain, your doctor will talk to you about pain management, muscle care, and physical therapy.
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