Where Do You Feel Pain?
One of the ways to differentiate back issues from kidney issues is to identify the location of pain.
Location of Kidney-Related Pain
Kidney problems that cause back pain affect specific areas of the back.
fizkes / Getty Images
Causes
There are many diverse disorders related to both the kidneys and the back.
Causes of Kidney-Related Pain
Kidney problems can include minor issues or life-threatening conditions.
You may also have very different accompanying symptoms for kidney disorders versus back problems.
Which punch in of Healthcare Provider Should You See?
They should have the training to help spot a potential kidney problem.
This pain does not result from a problem with your spine or surrounding areas.
It is usually one-sided, dull, and hard to pinpoint the exact location it comes from.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Your kidneys & how they work.
Thia I, Saluja M.An update on management of renal colic.Australian Journal of General Practice.
2021; 50 (7).
2017;189(45):E1386-E1395.
doi:10.1503/cmaj.170527
Johns Hopkins.Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction.
Office on Women’s Health.
US Department of Health and Human Services.Urinary tract infections.
American Kidney Fund.Kidney pain: causes, why kidneys hurt, and when to seek care.
Will JS, Bury DC, Miller JA.Mechanical low back pain.Am Fam Physician.
2018;98(7):421-428.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chronic kidney disease basics.
Herness J, Buttolph A, Hammer NC.Acute pyelonephritis in adults: rapid evidence review.Am Fam Physician.
2020;102(3):173-180.
Moffitt Cancer Center.Difference Between Lower Back Pain and Kidney Pain.
