Your Las Vegas Chiropractor

Dozens of possible diseases and conditions can contribute to back pain. Of course, back pain often results from an injury. Most people assume their back pain is being caused by nerve damage or a spinal injury. Sometimes, there can also be a problem with the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the back. But sometimes, neither of these is the real source of 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.

So how do you know whether your back pain comes from a spinal or muscular injury versus a renal problem?

One of the best clues is the location of your discomfort. Pain from a kidney problem usually doesn’t occur close to the spinal column. It will present more toward your sides or “flanks.” Generally, you’ll feel it below the bottom of the rib cage and above the hips.

Pain from a kidney disorder sometimes comes on very quickly. Everything seems fine - but a few minutes later you’re dealing with severe discomfort.

Kidney stones sometimes cause back pain when they move from the kidneys down to 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.

Generally speaking, most people with kidney or bladder disorders feel the need to urinate more often than usual. However, when they try, they often find that not much urine is actually produced.

Kidney stones and kidney infections will also usually cause a burning or stinging sensation during urination too.

Medical intervention isn’t always necessary when you have a kidney stone. Sometimes stones pass out of the body on their own during urination. This is more likely to occur if you drink a lot of water. In most cases, your back pain will stop as soon as you pass the stone.

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

However, the same cannot be said for a kidney infection, which can lead to kidney failure. Kidney failure can be fatal. Therefore, if you even suspect your back pain is coming from a kidney infection, it’s best to call a doctor right away.

Do you need more articles on related subjects? Click on renal failure. Neal Kennedy is a retired radio and television talk show host with a special interest in kidney health. You can read more of his articles about kidney health at http://www.kidney-problem.org.