Kidney pain (2024)

FAQs

Kidney pain? ›

Dull or sharp pain in the low back (often confused for kidney pain) is more likely due to a muscle pull, spinal issue, such as sciatica, or an injury. Kidney pain is usually felt higher up in the back and very rarely that low.

Dull or sharp pain in the low back (often confused for kidney pain) is more likely due to a muscle pull, spinal issue, such as sciatica, or an injury. Kidney pain is usually felt higher up in the back and very rarely that low.

Kidney pain vs back pain

In comparison, kidney pain is typically located higher on your back and it often feels deeper. Most of the time, kidney pain symptoms occur under your ribs, to the right or left of your spine. Kidney pain may also radiate to other areas, such as your abdomen or groin.

Dehydration (when the body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to work as it should) Kidney cysts (fluid-filled pouches that form on or in the kidneys) Kidney stones (Hard buildups of minerals and salt that form inside the kidneys.) Kidney trauma, which could be caused by an accident, a fall or contact sports.

Sodas. According to the American Kidney Fund, a recent study suggests that drinking two or more carbonated sodas, diet or regular, each day may increase your risk for chronic kidney disease. Carbonated and energy drinks have both been linked to the formation of kidney stones.

Kidney pain probably won't go away when you shift your body. However, back pain might lessen when you adjust your position.

Back pain due to muscle problems is usually felt in your lower back. Pain due to kidney problems may feel deeper and higher in your back, under your ribs. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What analgesics are safe for people who have kidney disease? Acetaminophen remains the drug of choice for occasional use in patients with kidney disease because of bleeding complications that may occur when these patients use aspirin.

How can I check my kidneys for pain at home? ›

Nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, urinating either too much or too little. However, these are usually in the later stages, but they can also happen in other disorders.

Drink plenty of water: Drinking enough water is essential to help flush out the kidney stones. Aim to drink at least 2.5 liters of water per day. Reduce sodium intake: Eating too much sodium can increase the amount of calcium in your urine, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Lie on the side of your body where you experience the pain. In other words, if the stone is in your left ureter, lie on your left side; if it's in the right ureter, lie on the right. Doctors have found that lying on the side with the affected kidney can increase blood flow, which helps push the stone out of the ureter.

Most people who are diagnosed and treated promptly with antibiotics feel completely better after about 2 weeks. People who are older or have underlying conditions may take longer to recover. If your symptoms show no sign of improvement 24 hours after treatment starts, contact a GP for advice.

As mentioned, the time frame for these symptoms can be as short as a week or up to a month and beyond. So, even if it feels like your kidney stone pain has subsided, it's important to reach out to your doctor since sporadic pain is common with this condition.

Acetaminophen is the drug often recommended for occasional use in patients with kidney disease. But everyone with kidney disease should rely on their doctor or other health care professional for a personal recommendation. It is important to know that any drug can be harmful if used at high doses or very frequently.

While occasional use of cold drinks may not pose significant risks to kidney health, excessive consumption, particularly of sugary and artificially flavoured beverages, can have a severe impact on renal function and general health, especially in those with kidney disease.