Kidney discomfort might be confused with lower back pain because the kidneys lay on the lower back muscles. Additional symptoms may help distinguish what kind of pain.
Kidney Pain
Infection and injury are possible because the kidneys filter blood waste and pollutants. If kidney stones obstruct, excess calcium, oxalate, and phosphorous might cause discomfort.
Location
Back, groin, and thigh renal discomfort may occur. Kidney discomfort is below the rib cage on both sides of the spine. Pain might sometimes seem inside. Depending on the kidney ailment, people may feel discomfort on one or both sides. Kidney pain can radiate to other areas of the body, such as:
- the sides
- abdomen
- groin
- thigh
Type and severity of pain
Small kidney stones generally pass without discomfort. Larger stones may cause severe discomfort that intensifies when they travel from the kidney to the ureters. Kidney infections may produce a constant aching.
Accompanying symptoms
Kidney diseases may produce murky or bloody urine, uncomfortable urinating, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, fever, dizziness, and exhaustion.
Severe renal disease may cause bad breath, metallic taste, shortness of breath, swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet, confusion, irregular heartbeat, and muscle cramps.
RELATED: 9 Ways To Take Better Care of Your Kidneys
What Causes Kidney Pain
Conditions that cause kidney pain include:
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- kidney stones
- kidney infections
- blood clots in the kidneys
- trauma or injury to the kidneys
Back Pain
Back pain is caused by muscular, bone, or nerve issues. The cause determines the back pain’s location, intensity, and symptoms. Around 80% of individuals will have lower back discomfort, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Location
Back pain can occur anywhere in the back. However, most people experience pain in their lower back.
Type and severity of pain
Muscle soreness is dull. Muscle discomfort may be minor to severe and vary with stretching. Nerve pain may