Back pain is extremely common, but not all back pain comes from the muscles or spine. Kidney infection back pain usually occurs in the flank area, which is the side of the back below the ribs, and is often accompanied by fever, chills, urinary symptoms or nausea. A kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis, is a serious urinary tract infection that spreads to one or both kidneys and requires prompt medical treatment.

Recognizing the difference between kidney infection pain and ordinary back pain is important because delaying treatment may increase the risk of kidney damage, bloodstream infection and other complications.

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides expert evaluation and treatment for kidney infections, recurrent urinary tract infections and kidney related complications.

Can a Kidney Infection Cause Back Pain?

Yes.

A kidney infection commonly causes flank or upper back pain, usually on one side, although both kidneys can be affected.

The pain occurs because the infected kidney becomes inflamed and the tissues surrounding the kidney become irritated.

Kidney infection pain is often deeper and more persistent than muscular back pain.

Where Is Kidney Infection Back Pain Felt?

The pain is usually located:

• Below the ribs

• On the right or left side of the back

• Near the flank

• Sometimes radiating toward the abdomen or groin

Unlike muscle strain, kidney infection pain is often associated with systemic symptoms such as fever and chills.

Common Symptoms of a Kidney Infection

Back pain is usually not the only symptom.

Patients may also experience:

• Fever

• Chills

• Painful urination

• Frequent urination

• Urgent need to urinate

• Cloudy urine

• Foul smelling urine

• Blood in the urine

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fatigue

• Generalized weakness

Older adults may present with confusion or reduced alertness.

How Is Kidney Infection Back Pain Different From Muscle Pain?

Kidney infection pain and muscular back pain often have different characteristics.