Back pain is extremely common, but not all back pain is related to the kidneys. Kidney back pain usually occurs in the upper back or side below the ribs and may be caused by kidney stones, kidney infections, urinary obstruction, or other kidney disorders. Understanding the difference between kidney pain and muscle or spine related back pain is important because kidney problems often require prompt medical treatment.

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, a super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for kidney stones, kidney infections, chronic kidney disease, urinary obstruction, and other kidney disorders.

Where is kidney back pain felt

Kidney pain is usually felt in the flank region, which is located:

• Below the ribs

• On one or both sides of the back

• Near the upper abdomen

• Around the kidney area

Unlike ordinary lower back pain, kidney pain is often deeper and may be associated with urinary symptoms.

Common causes of kidney back pain

Several kidney conditions can cause back or flank pain.

Common causes include:

• Kidney stones

• Kidney infections

• Urinary obstruction

• Hydronephrosis

• Kidney cysts

• Polycystic kidney disease

• Kidney swelling

• Trauma affecting the kidneys

A medical evaluation is important to determine the exact cause.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are one of the most common causes of severe kidney back pain.

The pain may:

• Begin suddenly

• Become extremely intense

• Radiate toward the groin

• Occur in waves

• Be associated with nausea and vomiting

Blood in the urine is also common.

Kidney infection

A kidney infection can cause:

• Fever

• Chills

• Flank pain

• Burning during urination

• Frequent urination

• Nausea

• Vomiting

Fever with kidney area pain should be treated as a potentially serious medical condition.

Hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis occurs when urine cannot drain properly from the kidney.

It may cause:

• Flank pain

• Swelling of the kidney

• Reduced urine flow

• Recurrent infections

• Kidney function impairment

Treatment focuses on relieving the obstruction.

Kidney pain versus muscle back pain

Kidney pain often differs from muscle pain.