By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2010-07-22 18:41:29 | Word Count: 664
Back pain is one of the top ailments for the average person, with about 80% of people suffering from some form of it, be it upper, middle, or lower back pain. However, back pain is almost always a symptom of some medical problem, not a diagnosis itself. This is important to realize because once you discover the cause of your back pain, you can take the necessary steps to treat and manage it so you dont have to suffer it daily.
There are many causes of back pain, including structural issues due to age or weight, spinal or back injuries, certain medical conditions or diseases such as arthritis or endometriosis, and infections and tumors. Even something as common as stress can cause back pain. Medical problems can be a top cause of back pain, as there are so many diagnoses which carry back pain as a symptom. Kidney infections in particular can be a common cause for back pain, especially in adult and pregnant women. Because an undiagnosed kidney infection can cause a variety of serious problems, including kidney deterioration if left untreated, it is imperative to properly diagnose and treat them. If you have back pain that is consistent with the symptoms of a kidney infection, then the next step is to see a doctor and be tested for the infection.
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How do you know if your pain is kidney-related? First, consider where your kidneys are located. These organs are located on either side of your body, just below the diaphragm in your lower back. If you have lower back pain rather than upper or middle, then theres a chance its from the kidneys. Kidney pain will be felt on the sides of the spine, just above your hips. It also includes tenderness in the pain area, and will increase in pain if there is direct pressure applied to the spot. The pain actually comes from the kidneys themselves, but presents itself as lower back pain. This is often why when someone has lower back pain, they may dismiss it as just that, and overlook that it could be coming from the kidneys.
Pain related to a kidney infection will appear very suddenly and rapidly, and will usually last for the duration of the infection. It can be a tricky process to find it, as sometimes the pain will radiate to the abdomen or other areas of your body. This is why its important to get a proper diagnosis. Consider the other symptoms of a kidney infection as well. You may have fever, chills, and pain and/or blood while urinating.
The lower back pain from a kidney infection will only disappear when the infection is properly treated. An untreated kidney infection can be life-threatening, and a simple urinary analysis should be able to diagnose you. Antibiotics will likely be prescribed, and should alleviate any or all back pain associated with the infection. A heating pad can also help, and pain medications can also be requested if it becomes unbearable.
