How To Identify Kidney Pain
The kidneys are two important organs in the body that create urine by filtering excess fluid and wastes from an individual's blood. The kidneys are also responsible for the regulation of blood pressure, keeping minerals balanced, production of certain hormones, and regulation of bone strength. Pain in the kidneys can be caused by the presence of kidney stones, urinary tract infection, pyelonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, injury, trauma, or renal cancer. Back pain due to an issue with an individual's bones, nerves, or muscles can be mistaken for kidney pain and vice versa. Back pain due to nerve issues will typically occur on just one side of the back. Back pain is more prevalent among the general population than kidney pain is.
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Location Of Pain
The location of pain can provide a better idea of whether an individual is experiencing pain in their kidneys or another tissue in the body. The main area where kidney pain is known to occur is in an individual's flank, which refers to the middle to upper back on either side of the spine. Pain in the kidney feels more like it is coming from deep inside of the body rather than a painful sensation that occurs just under the skin. The pain location may be described as the lower back part of an individual's ribcage, as the kidneys are located in that region. Kidney pain can occur on just one or both sides of an individual's spine, depending on its underlying cause. Kidney pain has also been known to manifest in the middle of an individual's sides a couple of inches above the navel. Pain that occurs due to other issues an individual may have in their back will be located underneath the region where kidney pain typically manifests. Changes in position can make a large difference in back pain, but position changes typically do not significantly alter the severity or location of pain when it is due to the kidneys.
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Type And Severity Of Pain
An individual can help determine whether they are experiencing kidney pain by the type and severity of their pain. The type and severity of kidney pain depend on what is causing it. Kidney stones are known to produce sudden, intense, and sharp pain when they irritate the inside of the kidney and move into the ureters. Nerve pain is often mistaken for stone related kidney pain because it also produces sharp and intense stabbing pain. However, nerve pain radiates to other parts of the body differently than kidney pain. Kidney stone pain will only ease up once the stone is inside of the bladder or once it has been expelled from the body. Pain that occurs due to a kidney infection is usually a deep and dull ache sensation that remains stable and constant over time. Position changes do not alter it. This type of soreness will only improve upon several doses of antibiotics that successfully kill the infection-causing bacteria. Pain that occurs due to muscle and bone issues in an individual's back will not improve upon treatment with antibiotics and will fluctuate significantly with activity levels and position changes.
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