How to differentiate between back pain and kidney pain?

Have you ever been confused whether your pain is back pain or kidney stones? Sometimes the feeling we feel can be so confusing that it’s hard to pinpoint its source.

Differentiating between kidney stone pain and back pain is one of the common dilemmas many people face. Both conditions can cause discomfort, but they happen differently.

For this reason, urologist and prostate cancer surgeon Dr. Nitin Srivastava explains how to differentiate between back pain and kidney stone pain, as reported by specialist medical website “OnlyMiHealth”.

Pain caused by kidney stones

Kidney stones are small hard deposits that form in the kidney and cause severe pain as they pass through the urinary tract.

Key features of kidney stone pain include:

Kidney stone pain usually originates in the kidney itself

“It often spreads to the left or right side of the lower back,” says Dr. Srivastava.

Kidney stone pain is often described as sharp and stabbing

According to Webb MD, this can be very painful and may cause waves as the stone moves.

back pain

On the other hand, back pain can have different causes and manifest differently than kidney stone pain. Here are some key points to consider:

Site:

Back pain can occur in various areas of the back, including the lower and middle back. It is not limited to a particular region.

Nature of pain:

Back pain is often described as dull or aching, although it can vary in intensity. It can persist over time and is not characterized by the sharp, stabbing sensations associated with kidney stones.

Diffuse pain:

Back pain sometimes radiates from the lower back to the hips and thighs. However, the presence of urinary symptoms can help differentiate it from kidney stone pain.

What is the difference between back pain and kidney stone pain?

To differentiate between kidney stone pain and back pain, it is important to consider additional symptoms and factors:

Urinary tract symptoms

Kidney stones are often associated with urinary symptoms such as blood in the urine, frequent urination, and a strong urge to urinate. If these symptoms are accompanied by back pain, you may have kidney stones.

Pain with movement

As already mentioned, kidney stone pain is on one side and radiates downward as the stone moves through the urinary tract. Back pain can also radiate, but is unlikely to be as severe and localized.

If you are not sure what is causing your pain, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. He or she may perform tests such as imaging scans, urinalysis, and physical examinations to determine the exact source of your discomfort.

It is important to recognize key differences such as location and nature of pain and associated symptoms, which will help make an informed decision about medical care.

Remember that timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to effectively manage kidney stones and back pain.