The kidneys are located on both sides of the body, just below the rib cage. They rest on the back muscles, which is why it can be difficult to distinguish between common back pain and kidney pain.
To determine the source of the pain, we must consider:
- The exact location of this pain
- The type and magnitude or severity of this pain
- Accompanying symptoms
Kidney pain
Kidney pain can occur on one or both sides of the back (lumbar area), depending on whether one or both kidneys are affected. This pain can radiate to different areas of the body such as the abdomen, groin, or thigh.
Kidney pain is often accompanied by:
- Blood in the urine
- Painful urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Generally, kidney pain is caused by:
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones or renal calculi
- Kidney infections
- Blood clots
- Trauma or injuries
The most common kidney pain is renal lithiasis , caused by stones that form in our kidneys.
Small stones can pass through our urinary system without causing significant pain, but larger kidney stones can cause acute, sharp pain, especially as the stone moves from the kidneys to the ureter.
In cases of acute pain, kidney stones or renal calculi are usually treated with:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, preferably intramuscularly
- Hydration, although over-hydration should be avoided as it could lead to more pain.
- Applying heat to the area of renal colic reduces pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Once a kidney stone has occurred, there is a 50% risk of recurrence within the next 5 years and up to 85% within the next 10 years. To prevent new episodes, it is important to:
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and stay in shape
- Stay hydrated
- Regulate urinary pH depending on the type of stone and medical recommendation
Back pain
Back pain is very common, with 80% of adults experiencing it at some point in their lives.
Back pain is caused by muscular, bone, or nerve-related problems. Pain can occur on any side of the back, although it commonly appears in the thoracic region.
Kidney pain is often accompanied by:
- Pain throughout the spine
- Sharp pain in the nape of the neck
- Difficulty getting up due to muscle spasms
- Difficulty walking
- Weakness in the legs
- Inability to empty the bladder
- Loss of bladder control
- Diarrhea or constipation
Generally, back pain is caused by:
- Poor posture
- Sitting or standing for a long period
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle tension
- Back injuries or falls
- Damage, dislocations, or herniated discs
- Abnormal curvature of the spine
- Tumors
- Osteoporosis
- Cancer
- Infections
- Specific syndromes
- Abdominal aneurysm
- Endometriosis
Back pain is usually mild, but it will depend on the cause. For example, nerve-related pain, such as sciatica, presents as a burning pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the leg, causing severe pain that can immobilize us. In contrast, people with bone-related back problems, which may be due to fractured vertebrae or sharp bones, experience pain that usually appears suddenly, and its intensity will depend on each case.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324969.php
https://www.barnaclinic.com/blog/urologia/me-duele-la-espalda-puede-ser-un-colico-nefritico/
