Connection between pain in the lower back and the kidneys

 

What is the connection between pain in the lower back and the kidneys?

Various health conditions can cause low back pain, and a number of these conditions are related to the kidneys. Lumbar pain that is sharp and comes in waves is a common symptom of a trapped kidney stone or a kidney infection. Although dull and constant back pain is rarely a symptom of a kidney problem, it can be as serious as cancer. Since most kidney problems require a doctor, a person suffering from low back pain and kidney pain should contact their healthcare professional. Meanwhile, over-the-counter pain medication and heat can help the sufferer relieve the pain.

To determine if there is a connection between lower back pain and the kidneys, the sufferer must understand how kidney-related back pain usually feels or may visit nephrologist as nephrology doctors can accurately investigate. Many individuals confuse chronic, continuous back pain with renal disease, but back pain caused by these organs is usually sharper and more random. To put it another way, most kidney disorders that cause back pain produce strong, rapid waves of pain rather than a chronic, lingering ache. Still, a dull pain in the lower back may be connected to the kidneys. A dull, aching and constant pain can mean anything from kidney cancer or polycystic kidney disease to a blocked urine flow or a spasm from the bladder that mimics kidney pain.

Several other common health conditions can cause a link between lower back pain and the kidneys. For example, a kidney stone placed in the ureter can cause sharp pain that comes in waves. A kidney infection can also cause a sharp and aching back pain when the kidneys swell and stretch. Both of these conditions can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and fever. Other types of low back pain associated with kidney problems include an injury that has caused bleeding in the kidneys and an artery blockage that causes the blood supply to the organ to shut down.

It is impossible to treat a kidney disease properly until the person knows exactly what the problem is. Most health conditions associated with lower back pain and kidney problems require the attention of nephrology physicians. Kidney infections also usually require prescription antibiotics. Until he can see healthcare professionals, a person who experiences lower back pain may use painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Heat can also help relieve back pain, so that the sufferer can try a hot shower or bath or use a heating pad.