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.
How to tell the difference between kidney pain and back pain
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.
Kidney pain
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.
Location
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
Causes of kidney pain
Conditions that cause kidney pain include:
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- kidney stones
- kidney infections
- blood clots in the kidneys
- trauma or injury to the kidneys