The kidneys remove waste products and excess fluid from the bloodstream. These two organs sit on either side of the body just below the rib cage. The kidneys rest against the back muscles, which can make it difficult to tell the difference between kidney pain and back pain.
When trying to determine whether the pain is coming from the back or kidneys, people need to take into account:
- the location of the pain
- the type and severity of the pain
- any accompanying symptoms
In this article, we discuss the main characteristics and causes of kidney pain and back pain. We also cover when to see a doctor.
The kidneys filter out waste and toxins from the bloodstream, which makes them susceptible to infection and damage. Excess calcium, oxalate, and phosphorous can accumulate in the kidneys to form kidney stones, which can be painful if they cause a blockage.
Kidney pain occurs below the rib cage on either side of a person’s spine. It can also feel as though the pain is coming from deep within the body.
People may experience pain on one or both sides of the body depending on whether a condition affects only one kidney or both kidneys.
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 often pass through the urinary system without causing much pain. However, larger stones can cause a sharp, intense pain that typically worsens when the stone moves from the kidney to the ureters. The ureters are tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder and form part of the urinary system.
A kidney infection can cause a dull ache or soreness that remains stable.
Accompanying symptoms
Conditions that affect the kidneys can cause other symptoms, such as:
- cloudy or bloody urine
- painful urination
- a persistent need to urinate
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation or diarrhea
- fever
- dizziness
- fatigue
Signs of severe kidney damage or problems can include:
- bad breath
- metallic taste
- shortness of breath
- swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet
- confusion
- irregular heartbeat
- muscle cramps
Straining a muscle or ligament in the back is a common cause of back pain. People can strain their backs from overstretching, lifting too much weight, or using incorrect lifting techniques.
Other causes of back pain can include:
- poor posture
- standing or sitting for an extended period
- muscle spasms
- muscle tension
- injuries to the back, such as fractures or falls
- damaged, dislocated, or ruptured discs
- abnormal curvature of the spine
- tumors
Medical conditions that can cause back pain include:
- inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and spondylitis
- osteoporosis
- shingles
- cancer of the spine
- infections
- cauda equina syndrome, which affects the nerves at the base of the spinal cord
- abdominal aortic aneurysm
- endometriosis
A person can often treat mild back pain at home with rest, heat therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, people should see a doctor for pain that results from a traumatic injury.
It is important for people with symptoms of kidney stones or a kidney infection to see a doctor.
A person should also seek medical attention for any of the following symptoms:
- persistent or severe pain that does not improve after rest
- back pain that gets worse over time
- pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down the legs or into the arms
- difficulty walking or standing
- swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet
- unexplained weight loss
- sudden bladder or bowel problems
- fever
- irregular heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- Summary
The kidneys sit below the rib cage on either side of the spine and rest against the muscles of the back, which means that it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between back pain and kidney pain.
Kidney pain can occur on one or both sides of the back just below the rib cage. Causes of kidney pain include UTIs, kidney stones, and blunt force trauma to the kidneys.
Back pain can affect the entire back, but most people experience pain in the lower back. People can develop back pain from heavy lifting, poor posture, and sitting or standing for too long. Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and infections, can also cause back pain.
Recognizing the difference between kidney pain and back pain can lead to earlier diagnosis and a better treatment outcome
Exercises and tips for better posture
The term posture describes the position of a person’s body when standing, sitting, or lying down.
Good posture can boost more than a person’s self-confidence. It also offers long term health benefits, such as:
- reduced back pain
- decreased risk of injury
- reduced stress on the muscles and joints
- improved circulation, digestion, respiration, and flexibility
As people start improving their posture, they may gain a greater awareness of their body. A person may begin noticing when their muscles feel tense and become more attuned to misalignments in various areas.
Over time, the body will learn to correct bad posture naturally.
In this article, we discuss effective exercises and other tips for better posture.
Standing
- Stand with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder width apart.
- Stand tall, as if a string is pulling upward from your head, and let your arms relax by your sides.
- Pull your belly button gently toward your spine.
- Keep your chin parallel with the floor.
Sitting at a desk or table
- Sit with your back straight and shoulders back.
- Keep your feet flat on the floor. Do not cross your legs or ankles.
- Rest your forearms on the table while keeping your shoulders back.
- Your chin should be parallel to the floor, and your ears should align with your collar bone.
Lying down
People can have good posture while lying on their back or side. Make sure to keep the spine aligned and avoid twisting at the waist. Placing a pillow underneath or between the legs can help relieve back pain.
People should avoid sleeping on their stomachs because this position forces the neck to twist, putting excessive stress on the neck, shoulders, and back.
Maintaining proper posture requires adequate muscle strength, joint motion, and balance, according to the American Chiropractic Association.
The following exercises focus on increasing muscle strength and flexibility for better posture.
Source - Medical News Today
No comments:
Post a Comment