Understanding Kidney Pain vs. Back Pain

Back pain is an incredibly common problem. Most of the time, the problem arises from the spine and surrounding areas. However, an internal organ, like the kidney, can sometimes cause pain in your back or side. 

This article discusses the different characteristics of back pain and possible underlying causes.

Characteristics of Kidney Pain

Your kidneys are positioned below your rib cage on both sides of your spine. Because of the location of the kidney and the types of nerves involved, kidney pain may feel like it is coming from another part of your body—often your upper back.

This type of pain is sometimes called referred pain. Because of how these nerves work, it isn’t always obvious whether pain in your back is coming from a more external problem (e.g., a herniated disc) or an internal organ, like your kidneys.

Location

Pain from kidney injury is often described as flank pain, pain affecting the side of the body between the ribs and the hips. Alternatively, you might feel pain in your back near your lowest ribs.

While many experience pain on just one side of the body, it's not unlikely to have pain on both. The pain is often felt higher up your back, unlike low-back pain.

Causes

Many different problems with the kidney and related systems can cause pain. Some of these include:

• Kidney stones
• Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
• Kidney abscess
• Trauma to the kidneys
• Blood clot (thrombosis) of the kidney
• Kidney cancer
• Genetic conditions affecting the kidney (e.g., polycystic kidney disease)

Some people with kidney pain have additional symptoms. For example, a kidney infection might be the source if you’ve had a fever and recent signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Back Pain Not Related to Kidneys

Back pain not caused by kidney issues is extremely common. In fact, low-back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Most people suffering from back pain have a problem with the spine and surrounding areas rather than an internal organ like the kidney.

This type of pain is called mechanical back pain. Sometimes this problem is due to a specific anatomical issue, but often, an exact cause cannot be found.

Location

Pain arising from the spine usually affects the lower part of the back and often on both sides. It usually doesn't wrap around the sides of your body.

Causes

Some potential causes of back pain include:

• Disc herniation (part of the disc nucleus pushes out of the annulus; also called a bulging, slipped, or ruptured disc)
• Vertebral compression fracture (small breaks in the bones of the spine)
• Age-related degeneration of vertebrae and discs (spondylosis)
• Lumbosacral muscle strain (an injury causing low-back pain)
• Injury

How Do You Know If It’s Your Back or Your Kidneys?

A healthcare provider can help determine whether your pain is due to a back or kidney issue or another medical condition or injury.

Pain resulting from a kidney issue tends to have different characteristics than back-related pain. Pain from the kidneys tends to be dull; you might sense that it stems from deep within your body. It's often felt higher up your back and doesn't go away when you rest or shift positions.

In contrast, pain from a back problem is often felt in your lower back. It may feel like a stabbing sensation and may radiate down your legs. The pain may worsen during certain activities or improve when you rest or change your position.

If you don't usually have back pain and are experiencing new pain on your side or upper back without any known injury, a kidney problem, such as a kidney stone, may be causing it.

Which Type of Healthcare Provider Should You See?

If you have back pain but aren’t sure what is causing it, you should schedule an appointment with your regular healthcare provider. They should have the training to help spot a potential kidney problem. 

Basic blood work and urine tests can help flag most kidney problems. If you have an issue requiring diagnosis or care by a kidney specialist, your primary care provider will likely make a referral.

Summary

Because of its anatomy, kidney problems can sometimes (but not always) cause back pain. This pain does not result from a problem with your spine or surrounding areas. 

Pain from the kidneys is often felt on the upper back and may wrap around the side of your body. It is usually one-sided, dull, and hard to pinpoint the exact location it comes from. In contrast, pain from a spinal problem more often affects the lower back, affecting both sides; it may improve with rest or a change of position.

Although a kidney problem isn't the most common cause of back pain, it can indicate a more severe issue like kidney stones, a kidney infection, or another medical condition. If you have back pain, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for an evaluation to determine its cause.