Your Indianapolis Chiropractor

There are dozens of possible injuries, disorders, illnesses and conditions that cause back pain. Typically, there’s nerve damage in the spine, or an injury to the interconnected network of muscles, tendons and ligaments in the back. But sometimes neither of these possible causes are responsible for your discomfort.

The trouble may, in fact, be a kidney problem. It could be a kidney infection, kidney stone, or some other kidney disorder. Anyone who has ever had a kidney stone will tell you it’s some of the worst pain they’ve ever experienced.

How can you tell you’re dealing with a kidney problem and not nerve or muscle damage?

One of the best clues is the location of your discomfort. Kidney pain usually occurs between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the hips. It is more likely to happen toward your sides - not so much near the spinal column, which is typical in cases where nerve damage has taken place.

Kidney pain is also often acute. In other words, it happens suddenly. You can go from “no pain” to “great discomfort” in a relatively short period of time.

Kidney stones are among the most common causes of back pain caused by kidney problems. Pain often occurs as these pebble-like masses move out of the kidneys and down the ureters toward the bladder. Kidney stones that become “stuck” in the ureters and obstruct the flow of urine to the bladder are likely to cause extreme discomfort.

Besides back pain, one common symptom of a kidney stone or kidney infection include darker-than-average urine.

People with kidney problems - or other urinary tract disorders - usually feel the need to urinate a lot. But most of the time, very little urine is produced.

It’s not unusual to feel a burning or stinging sensation when urinating.

Kidney stones don’t always have to be removed through surgery or shock wave treatment. They sometimes pass out of the body on their own dueing urination. This is more likely to take place if you drink a lot of water. When this happens, your back pain comes to an end.

Kidney stones, although they can cause extreme pain and discomfort, are not considered a threat to life.

A kidney infection, however, can lead to kidney failure. When kidney failure is left untreated, it is potentially fatal. Therefore, if you even suspect your back pain is coming from a kidney infection, it’s best to call a doctor right away.

Would you like additional information on similar subjects? Click on kidney failure. Neal Kennedy is a retired TV and radio reporter with a special interest in kidney health. You can read more of his articles about kidney problems at http://www.kidney-problem.org.