How to Tell the Difference Between Kidney Pain and Back Pain Easily

How to Tell the Difference Between Kidney Pain and Back Pain Easily

When you have back pain, you may not immediately know what the cause is. It can be very difficult to differentiate between back pain and kidney pain. However, it's all in the details. To distinguish kidney pain from back pain, you should focus on pinpointing the exact location of the pain, considering its consistency, and identifying other symptoms you may be experiencing. If you can clarify these details, you should be able to distinguish between the two types of pain.

Assess the pain



 If the pain you're experiencing is coming from these areas, it's most likely caused by an injury to the back muscles, not the kidneys. These areas are often susceptible to back pain, and it's more common for back pain to spread to these areas than kidney pain.
  • A back muscle problem can affect the function and pain levels of various muscles in the back of the body, including the gluteal muscles.
  • If you experience significant pain, numbness, or weakness, especially in your legs, you should call your doctor immediately for treatment 

 Kidney pain is most often located on the side or back in the area called the flank. This is the area at the back of the body where the kidneys are located..
  • Pain in other parts of the back, such as the upper back, does not originate from the kidneys.


 If lower back pain is accompanied by abdominal pain, it is more likely related to the kidneys. Back pain tends to be located in the back of the body. An infection or enlargement of the kidneys can cause inflammation toward the front of the body in addition to the back..
  • If your abdominal pain is not accompanied by back pain, it is unlikely to be related to your kidneys.

 In most cases, kidney pain is constant. The intensity may decrease or increase slightly throughout the day, but the pain never completely disappears. In contrast, back pain often disappears, only to reappear later. .
  • In most cases, the cause of kidney pain (such as urinary tract infections and kidney stones ) does not go away without treatment. However, back muscles can heal on their own and the pain may disappear.
  • Some types of kidney stones may go away naturally without treatment However, it is always important to consult a doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and know the cause of your pain.

 If you only feel pain on one side of your flank, it is likely caused by a kidney problem. The kidneys are located along the flank, and a kidney stone can only cause pain in one kidney.

Differentiate these two types of pain from the symptoms


 One way to distinguish between these two types of pain is to recall something that may have triggered your back pain. If you've recently been lifting a lot of heavy weight or bending over for a prolonged period, your pain is more likely to be coming from your back than your lower back..
  • If you've been standing or sitting longer than usual recently, it could be causing back pain.
  • Also, if you already have a back injury, it's likely that the new pain you're experiencing is related to that injury.


 Since the kidneys are part of the urinary system, symptoms of kidney infection and disease can occur during urination. Look for blood in your urine and note any increased pain when urinating..
  • If the pain is coming from the kidneys, your urine may also be cloudy or dark.
  • You may also experience the urgent urge to urinate if you have kidney problems, such as kidney stones 


 Sometimes with back pain, numbness can be felt associated with nerve compression and blood flow to the gluteal and leg muscles. These problems are a common symptom in people with sciatic nerve-related back pain .
  • Numbness can even spread to the toes in extreme cases.

Get a medical diagnosis


 It's essential to seek treatment from a healthcare professional if you have medical problems that cause pain. If you don't get them treated promptly, they could lead to more serious problems in the future..
  • Call your doctor's office and describe your symptoms to the nurse. They will schedule an appointment at your convenience for a consultation.
  • If you're in pain, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever for temporary relief. However, for chronic pain, it's best to seek medical attention to hopefully treat the underlying problem rather than simply relying on medication.

 During your doctor's appointment, they'll ask you questions about your symptoms, including how long they've been going on and how severe they are. They'll then perform a physical exam, which involves feeling for painful areas. At this point, they may be able to give you a general idea of ​​the cause of the pain, but they'll likely also perform other tests to make a more specific diagnosis. .
  • If your doctor suspects a serious back problem, such as a distal hernia or kidney problem, they will order an imaging test. This may include an X-ray, a CT scan, a spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or an ultrasound.
  • If the doctor suspects a kidney problem, he or she will order blood and urine tests to check for abnormalities in your blood count and protein levels, among other things.


 Once your problem has been diagnosed, your doctor will suggest a treatment plan, the goal of which is to treat the pain you're experiencing and the underlying cause. This means they'll likely prescribe a pain reliever and medication to treat any injuries or infections you may have.
  • If you experience kidney pain caused by kidney stones, a common cause of this type of pain, your doctor will prescribe pain medication and suggest surgery if the stones are large and do not pass naturally 
  • If you have back muscle strain , a common cause of back pain, your doctor can give you tips for managing the pain and recommend muscle-building and physical therapy options 


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