Many people experience back pain – especially with age. Despite this, when you experience back pain, it is important that you ensure your back pain isn’t something more than wear and tear associated with age. One problem that can be linked with back pain is pain from the kidneys that can be disguised as back pain.
The kidneys are located under the lower portion of the ribs in the back. Their primary function is to filter out waste and from within the body. The kidneys eliminate unwanted waste by filtering it out of the blood stream then passing them out of the body in urine and other fluids.
Identifying Kidney Pain
If you experience deep pain in your back, whether it is only on one side or both, it can be hard to determine whether you are having kidney pain or back pain. The kidneys are also near other bones and muscles, so jot down your symptoms before discussing your back pain with your healthcare provider if you are not certain of what is causing pain in your back. Contact your local back pain treatment provider in Brookhaven, GA to get help from the area’s best chiropractic professionals.
Several indicators exist that can signal whether back pain is kidney related, including the severity, the location and the nature of the pain.
If your pain is constant and dull and is located in the flank region, there is a chance it could be the kidneys. Although back pain is often felt in the upper or lower back, kidney pain is more often experienced in the middle, near the lower back parts of the ribcage. Kidney pain might be tender to the touch and may also spread to the abdomen or inner thighs.
Other symptoms that are often presented alongside kidney pain include vomiting, nausea, difficulty urinating, painful urinating and/or blood in the urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor to have it checked out.
Kidney Pain Causes
Many factors can contribute to kidney pain, including:
- Kidney stones, which are mineral and salt deposits that have formed within the kidneys. These can cause extreme shooting pains until they pass through the body by way of urination.
- Pyelonephritis, which is an infection that has a direct impact on the kidneys. It can be caused by urinary tract infections or might be an isolated issue. Either way, antibiotics often help to treat this condition.
- Blood clots in the veins connected to the kidneys (renal vein thrombosis) or bleeding in the kidneys can also lead to kidney and back pain.
- Various forms of kidney disease, including polycystic kidney disease, which is a condition that is inherited and causes cysts to grow on the kidneys, leading to damage and also chronic kidney disease. CKD is defined as the loss of kidney function over a period of time and requires medical treatment promptly.
Should You Have Your Back Pain Examined?
Regardless of the cause of your back pain, it is recommended to have a chiropractor or other healthcare professional look at it. Treatment can help you lead a better quality of life and/or help to rule out other conditions, such as kidney problems.
If a problem with your kidneys is suspected, a series of tests can be ordered to examine how well the kidneys function in your body. Glucose levels, lipid levels and estimated GFR levels are measured, as well as others.
Listen to your body. If you think something is wrong with it, get help so you can live the best life you can without pain that can be treated.