You can get back pain for a variety of reasons. In fact, there are dozens of possible causes. Typically, there’s nerve damage in the spine, or an injury to the interconnected network of muscles, tendons and ligaments in the back. Such is not always the case, however.
Your discomfort may actually be the result of a kidney problem. Kidney stones can trigger sharp, relentless pain in the lower back on either side of your spinal column (this area is often called the “flank.”)
So how do you know whether your back pain comes from a spinal or muscular injury versus a renal problem?
One of the best ways to tell is the location of your pain. Kidney pain usually happens in the “flank” region, which is just below the bottom of your rib cage.
Kidney pain is also often acute. In other words, it happens suddenly. You can go from “no pain” to “great discomfort” in a relatively short period of time.
Kidney stones typically cause back pain as they move out of the kidneys and down the urinary tract toward the bladder. Sometimes a kidney stone will become lodged in a ureter, which obstructs the flow of urine from a kidney to the bladder. This is likely to cause severe pain.
Another typical symptom of a kidney problem is discoloration of your urine. If it’s darker than normal, you may have a kidney or bladder issue.
People with kidney problems – or other urinary tract disorders – usually feel the need to urinate a lot. But most of the time, very little urine is produced.
Kidney stones and kidney infections will also usually cause a burning or stinging sensation during urination too.
Sometimes, a kidney stone problem “cures” itself by passing out of the body in your urine stream. Surgery or shock wave therapy (which breaks up the stones) isn’t always necessary. The more water you drink, the more likely it is this will happen. When this happens, your back pain comes to an end.
Kidney stones, although they can cause extreme pain and discomfort, are not considered a threat to life.
A kidney infection, however, can lead to kidney failure. When kidney failure is left untreated, it is potentially fatal. Therefore, if you even suspect your back pain is coming from a kidney infection, it’s best to call a doctor right away.
Are you searching for additional articles on similar subjects? Click on renal failure. Neal Kennedy is a retired radio and TV talk show host with a special interest in topics related to health and fitness. You can read more of his articles about kidney problems at http://www.kidney-problem.org.