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Is that really your kidneys hurting - or your back?
Knowing which is the problem is key to finding relief
When we experience back pain, we often blame our kidneys, since these vital organs are situated in the lower back region. In fact, “My kidneys are hurting,” is one of the most common reasons for going to see the doctor. Sometimes the discomfort that we’re referring to can be acute, sometimes more diffuse and continuous.
While we know where the problem is we often don’t really know what it is. It may indeed be the kidneys themselves that are hurting, or it may actually be the muscles of the spine. Rocío Luque Calvo, a physiotherapist at Sanitas BluaU, says that whenever you have doubts, you should always get a medical diagnosis. She also offers us a series of useful tips to help tell the two issues apart.
Muscular pain
This is mechanical in origin, that is to say the pain is caused by a particular movement, by activity after a period of immobility, by bad posture, or a blow....
“It changes depending on the movement we make or the posture we adopt, and may increase or decrease,” Rocío explains.
She explains that while you may suffer muscular pain in any part of the back, “Renal (kidney) pain tends to appear in the lumbar (lower back) area and there is usually also discomfort in the lower abdomen, genitals or groin.”
Renal pain
Pain caused by a kidney problem doesn’t have a mechanical origin. “It doesn’t respond to postural changes or movements, and it occurs intermittently,” the specialist tells us. “While staying in the same position, you can experience a lot of pain ... or none at all.”
Renal colic, caused by kidney stones, is a sudden onset pain, and very sharp. “It is a deep pain which often starts at night, and may wake you up. It’s associated with urogenital symptoms, i.e. it causes stinging when urinating and frequent urination,” Rocío tells us. Due to the intensity of the pain we may experience sweating, nausea and even vomiting. Sometimes it may be accompanied by fever, indicating a serious condition which needs immediate medical treatment.
How are kidney problems diagnosed?
The doctor will listen to your symptoms. “If they consider that kidney stones may be causing the pain, they may order a urinary sediment test, which studies calcium, oxalate or uric acid levels. Kidney stones can also be diagnosed through an ultrasound scan in which the urinary tract will appear dilated.”
Treating your pain
Once you know whether it is the muscles of your back which are hurting, or your kidneys, you will have a better idea how to ease your discomfort. According to the specialist: “Simple muscular pain can be relieved with stretching, massage and dry heat. In the case of renal pain, dry heat may help, and the doctor may prescribe painkillers.”
If you suffer renal pain for more than a couple of hours, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. And if you have a fever, don’t wait, go straight go to the emergency room.
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