Back Pain Can Signal Kidney Problems   by Palma Wargo

in Health / Wellness    (submitted 2012-02-17)

Back Pain Can Signal Kidney Problems

Pain of any sort is your body's way of telling you something is not right. Though it is often harmless, back problems can also signal a myriad of serious health conditions, so you should not take it lightly. Most vital organs are positioned in an individual's torso, and severe back pain can signal that at least one organ is not functioning correctly. When the kidneys are not performing correctly, for example, the patient often experiences back problems.

Because back pain is a frequently experienced ailment, it is helpful to be aware of the distinctions between a harmless backache and pain that could be the result of a severe kidney condition. If you believe that your back problems may be caused by kidney problems, visit the doctor or emergency room promptly, since kidney ailments can result in extreme illness or even death. The information contained in this article is meant to help you decide if your back pain is being caused by a kidney issue or if it is harmless. Be sure not to diagnose yourself, though. If you regularly experience back problems, do not hesitate to speak to your physician about performing tests to eliminate any severe illnesses as the cause.

The kidneys sit near the middle of the back, protruding below the rib cage. A grown man's fist is similar in size to each kidney. While the top portion of each of your kidneys is kept safe by your ribs, the bottom section is not. Your physician will probably want to test you for kidney problems if your back pain generally arises near the middle of your back.

If your kidneys become infected, they will become inflamed. Inflammation is the method by which the body attempts to contain an infection within a single area. Inflamed kidneys generally result in extreme back problems between your hip and lower rib cage. If you have a kidney infection, you will probably experience sharp, stabbing pains combined with a perpetual ache.

One of the best ways to determine if you have a kidney infection or a simple muscle ache is to lightly touch the painful area. If you have a kidney infection you will notice that it causes extreme pain to touch the region, and you may feel some form of swelling in your back. Kidney infections are also often accompanied by nausea and feverishness. These additional symptoms are not present if you have simply strained your back muscles.

Kidney infections are not usually difficult to clear-up if you visit the doctor or emergency room quickly. If, however, you allow the infection to last for a prolonged period without care, you may be putting yourself in grave danger. Though kidney infections are not often deadly, death can occur if the infection is allowed to enter the bloodstream and affect the rest of the body.

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