Key facts. Kidney pain is usually felt in your back, under the ribs, to either side of your spine. It may be caused by kidney stones, kidney infection or other kidney problems. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding urinary infections can help prevent kidney pain.
What does kidney pain feel like? Kidney pain often feels like a dull ache that gets worse if someone gently presses on that area. While it is more common to feel kidney pain on only one side, some health problems may affect both kidneys and cause pain on both sides of your back.
In comparison, kidney pain is typically located higher on your back and it often feels deeper. Most of the time, kidney pain symptoms occur under your ribs, to the right or left of your spine. Kidney pain may also radiate to other areas, such as your abdomen or groin.
The most prominent symptoms of kidney stones are severe abdominal or lower back pain. When patients visit the emergency room or their primary care doctor to discuss these symptoms, they can be mistaken as either appendicitis or general lower back pain.
Urine Tests
One of the earliest signs of kidney disease is when protein leaks into your urine (called proteinuria). To check for protein in your urine, a doctor will order a urine test.
Kidney checkup: two simple tests
CKD is evaluated using two simple tests – a blood test known as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and a urine test known as the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR). Both tests are needed to have a clear picture of your kidney health.
Kidney pain is often felt on one side, under the rib cage, in the middle part of the back. Some people refer to this area as the “flank.” Type of pain: Kidney pain comes from a deeper place than the muscles. This means it usually doesn't get worse with lifting, twisting, or bending like muscle pain does.
The kidneys are located in your lower back on either side of your spine under your rib cage. Kidney pain will be felt where the kidneys sit. The pain can feel like a dull ache that gets worse when pressed against. Sometimes the pain radiates into the lower abdomen and groin area.
The pain can be sharp or a dull ache, and it may come and go. It's usually worse on one side, but it can occur on both flanks.
Severe loss of kidney function causes metabolic wastes to build up to higher levels in the blood. Damage to muscles and nerves can cause muscle twitches, muscle weakness, cramps, and pain. People may also feel a pins-and-needles sensation in the arms and legs and may lose sensation in certain areas of the body.
For example, kidney pain is often felt on either side of the spine between the ribs and hips while back pain usually occurs in the lower back or butt.
Time. The timeline is another way to distinguish back pain from kidney pain. Back pain can come and go and can be triggered by certain movements like bending over or sitting up. Pain associated with the kidneys on the other hand generally remains dull and stable and is usually not changed with movement.
The most common cause of kidney pain is from kidney stones, and this will not improve when you lie down and rest. Similarly, any symptoms of kidney inflammation or kidney failure will not let up with rest.
Usually, people with kidney stones have more pain in the late night and early morning. This is due to the fact that people normally urinate less during the late night and early morning and at this time the ureter remains constricted.
Stage 1 CKD means you have a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 90 or greater, but there is protein in your urine (i.e., your pee). The presence of protein alone means you are in Stage 1 CKD. At stage 1 CKD, you may not notice any effects on your health.
Analyzing a sample of your urine (urinalysis) may reveal abnormalities that suggest kidney failure. Blood tests. A sample of your blood may reveal rapidly rising levels of urea and creatinine — two substances used to measure kidney function.
Changes in urine color, transparency, and smell
A pinkish or reddish hue may indicate the presence of blood in the urine, while a greenish tone could be a sign of a bacterial infection. Cloudy non-transparent urine may be another sign of infection, but it may also suggest an abnormal level of salts in the liquid.
You're Always Tired
One common tipoff is fatigue. You may feel spent, weak, or have trouble concentrating. Kidneys make a hormone that tells your body to create red blood cells. If you have fewer of them, your blood can't deliver as much oxygen to your muscles and brain as they need.
Light-Brown Urine.
Light-brown or tea-colored urine can be a sign of kidney disease/failure or muscle breakdown.