Lower Back Pain May Be A Sign Of A Kidney Condition
Dozens of possible diseases and conditions can contribute to back pain. Of course, back pain often results from an injury. 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.
A problem with either or both of your kidneys can also cause severe back pain. It could be a kidney infection, kidney stone, or some other kidney disorder. Anyone who has ever had a kidney stone will tell you it’s some of the worst pain they’ve ever experienced.
How can you tell you’re dealing with a kidney problem and not nerve or muscle damage?
One of the best clues is the location of your discomfort. Pain from a kidney problem usually doesn’t occur close to the spinal column. It will present more toward your sides or “flanks.” Generally, you’ll feel it below the bottom of the rib cage and above the hips.
Many times, pain from kidney disorders is described as “acute.” In other words, it comes on fast and it comes on strong.
Kidney stones are a typical cause of back pain, which occurs when they love out of the kidneys, into the ureters, and down toward the bladder. Kidney stones tend to be extremely painful when they cause a blockage in the ureters.
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.
Individuals with kidney stones or a kidney infection often feel a stinging or burning sensation during urination too.
Medical intervention isn’t always necessary when you have a kidney stone. Sometimes stones pass out of the body on their own during urination. This is more likely to occur if you drink a lot of water. 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.
Do you still want additional articles on similar topics? Click on kidney failure. Neal Kennedy is a retired TV and radio talk show host with a special interest in topics related to health and fitness. You can read more of his articles about kidney trouble at http://www.kidney-problem.org.