How To Identify Kidney Pain

The kidneys are two important organs in the body that create urine by filtering excess fluid and wastes from an individual's blood. The kidneys are also responsible for the regulation of blood pressure, keeping minerals balanced, production of certain hormones, and regulation of bone strength. Pain in the kidneys can be caused by the presence of kidney stones, urinary tract infection, pyelonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, injury, trauma, or renal cancer. Back pain due to an issue with an individual's bones, nerves, or muscles can be mistaken for kidney pain and vice versa. Back pain due to nerve issues will typically occur on just one side of the back. Back pain is more prevalent among the general population than kidney pain is.

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Location Of Pain

The location of pain can provide a better idea of whether an individual is experiencing pain in their kidneys or another tissue in the body. The main area where kidney pain is known to occur is in an individual's flank, which refers to the middle to upper back on either side of the spine. Pain in the kidney feels more like it is coming from deep inside of the body rather than a painful sensation that occurs just under the skin. The pain location may be described as the lower back part of an individual's ribcage, as the kidneys are located in that region. Kidney pain can occur on just one or both sides of an individual's spine, depending on its underlying cause. Kidney pain has also been known to manifest in the middle of an individual's sides a couple of inches above the navel. Pain that occurs due to other issues an individual may have in their back will be located underneath the region where kidney pain typically manifests. Changes in position can make a large difference in back pain, but position changes typically do not significantly alter the severity or location of pain when it is due to the kidneys.

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