Nephrologist shares how to tell if your lower back pain is a kidney problem, and not just a sore muscle

Ways to tell if your lower back pain is a kidney problem (Picture Credit: Pexels)

Most of us have brushed off a backache at some point, maybe from sleeping in an awkward position or lifting something heavy. But when that dull ache lingers, especially low down on one side, it may not just be a pulled muscle. Doctors are now urging people to look a little deeper, as some back pain could be the first red flag for kidney trouble.

Your kidneys are located near the back, just below your ribs on either side of the spine. Dr Bhanu Mishra, Consultant Nephrologist at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, says, “When there's a problem, the pain can feel like regular backache, but kidney pain is usually deeper, higher up, and doesn’t improve with movement or rest like muscle pain often does.”

According to Dr Mishra, the signs are often subtle but important. “Kidney pain is easy to confuse with muscular pain, especially in the early stages. But when the discomfort is persistent, one-sided, or comes with other symptoms, it shouldn’t be ignored. We’ve seen many patients delay coming in, thinking it’s just back strain, only to find out they’ve had a progressing kidney condition.”

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Dr Mishra shares symptoms that suggest kidney involvement

The pain doesn’t let up: If your backache doesn’t improve with rest, it might be something more.
Fever or chills appear: These can signal infection in the kidneys, like pyelonephritis.
Changes in urine: Blood in the urine, foul smell, or cloudy appearance are key red flags.
Swelling in legs or feet: Fluid retention can be a sign the kidneys aren’t filtering properly.
Nausea or vomiting: These systemic symptoms often go hand-in-hand with serious kidney issues.Burning or pain while urinating: This could be a urinary tract infection or early sign of kidney stones.

Dr Mishra warns that ignoring the signs can be dangerous. “Kidney infections can easily escalate and even spread to the bloodstream. Stones, too, can grow and block the urinary tract, causing intense pain or damage. And chronic kidney disease often creeps in without loud symptoms, until it’s quite advanced.”

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However, most causes of kidney pain can be diagnosed quickly with simple tests.
“A basic urine test or ultrasound often gives us enough to start treatment early,” says
Dr Mishra. “The sooner we catch it, the better the outcome.”

Faqs on lower back pain and its relation with kidney problem:

1. How can I tell if my lower back pain is caused by a kidney problem rather than muscle strain?
Kidney pain is usually deeper, located higher on your back (just below the ribs on either side of your spine), and often comes with other symptoms like fever, nausea, or changes in urination. Muscle pain tends to be more superficial and related to movement or posture.

2. What other symptoms might indicate my lower back pain is related to a kidney issue?
Look for symptoms such as painful or frequent urination, blood in your urine, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or swelling in your legs and ankles.

3. Can kidney stones cause lower back pain, and what does that pain feel like?
Yes, kidney stones can cause severe, sharp pain that may come in waves. This pain often radiates from the lower back to the abdomen or groin and can be accompanied by nausea or blood in the urine.

4. When should I see a doctor if I have lower back pain and suspect a kidney problem?
Seek medical help immediately if you have severe pain, fever with chills, difficulty urinating, blood in your urine, or if the pain doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter pain relief.

5. Are there any simple tests or signs at home that can help me determine if my back pain is kidney-related?
You can check for tenderness by gently pressing on the area just below your ribs on either side of your spine. Kidney pain often causes discomfort here. However, a proper diagnosis requires medical evaluation, including urine tests and possibly imaging.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis