Kidney Pain vs. Back Pain
Kidney pain and back pain can often be confused for one another if the same area of your back is in pain, however what that aching pain can be is more clear if you visit a doctor. Your kidneys are located in the lower half of your abdomen, near your back. Pain that is centered around the kidneys is often felt in the lower sections of the back, which can cause confusion if this is an area that commonly is subject to strain in your daily activities. If the upper area of your back hurts, into the shoulder area, that is a more clear sign that there is no trouble with your kidneys, that you are experiencing back pain.
Your kidneys are two organs that lie within the back abdominal cavity of the torso. They are used to maintain proper water and electrolyte balances, as well as regulate the blood of any waste that should be excreted through the urine. Pain that is truly coming from the kidneys is sharp and harsh, heat and massage do not seem to have an effect on the pain that comes in waves. Some of the common causes of kidney pain include kidney stones and kidney infections. Kidney stones are severe and the pain is sometimes compared to childbirth, although the pain of a kidney infection is sharp and flanking with sensitivity to the touch. Some of the more severe causes of kidney pain include kidney cancer, polycystic kidney disease, blocked urine flow, and bladder spasms.
Back pain in the lower half of a back is caused by many different things. Pulled muscles are common if you have trouble twisting, bending, or even sitting. These same symptoms can also mean that you suffer from a herniated disk. Stiff and sore joints in addition with a stiff and sore lower back is a sign of arthritis either flaring or onsetting. Pregnancy is commonly responsible for lower pressure in the back as the ligaments in the abdomen stretch for childbirth. Severe debilitating pain of any part of the back can also be caused by a spinal fracture which is particularly severe and you should go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Typical back pain can be helped with massage and a heating pad application. This is a great way to tell if you are experiencing kidney problems or just a soreness in your back.
A person unsure of the cause for their pain should definitely seek the professional opinion of a physician.
Summary
1. Kidney pain and back pain can often be confused for one another, and for a clear diagnosis you should visit your physician.
2. The pain in the lower part of the back can be caused by pulled muscles, herniated disks, arthritis, pregnancy, or fracture of the spine. Kidney pain can be caused by kidney stones, kidney infection, kidney cancer, and polycystic kidney disease.
3. Back pain can be remedied with a heat compress and massage. Kidney pain will not be alleviated this way.