The kidneys are located on either side of the body, below the rib cage, and since they rest on the back muscles, it can be difficult to distinguish between kidney pain and back pain. Here’s how to differentiate between the two types of pain:
**Kidney Pain**
Kidney pain occurs below the rib cage on either side of the spine. The person may feel as if the pain originates from deep within the body. In this case, they may experience pain on one side of the body or both, depending on whether the condition affects one kidney or both.
Kidney pain can also radiate to other areas of the body, such as the sides, abdomen, and thigh. Attention should be paid to the type of pain and its intensity; often, small kidney stones pass through the urinary system without causing much pain. However, larger stones can cause sharp pain that increases when the stone moves from the kidney to the ureter, which is the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder.
Kidney inflammation causes a mild, steady ache accompanied by symptoms such as cloudy urine, painful urination, a frequent urge to urinate, nausea, and constipation or diarrhea.
The condition of kidney fibrosis is associated with symptoms like swollen legs, muscle cramps, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and a metallic taste.
**Back Pain**
Back pain is very common. According to studies, about 80% of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. The location, intensity, and accompanying symptoms of back pain vary depending on the cause. These pains can occur anywhere in the back.
Certain movements in the body typically lead to muscle pain or aggravate it, with intensity ranging from mild to severe. Those suffering from nerve pain may experience a burning sensation or stabbing pain that radiates to other areas of the body.
Back pain can be accompanied by tingling, difficulty walking or standing, and stiffness in the spine or neck.
