Where do kidneys ache?

Are you experiencing a sharp pain in your back and wondering what it could be? Don’t worry, we are here to talk about one of the most common causes: kidney pain! Although the kidneys are essential components of our body, they can cause discomfort when something goes wrong. In this article, we’ll chat about where kidneys ache and things you should know.

Introduction

Before diving into where kidneys ache, let’s briefly discuss their importance. Our bodies contain two fist-sized bean-shaped vital organs located on either side of the spine – these are called kidneys! They play an essential role in cleaning up waste from our bloodstreams through urine formation.

It’s important to note that people might experience kidney pain differently based on its root cause; Hence below is a summary to help figure out if this may be the case:

  1. Back (spine): Need relief by lying down or sleeping.
  2. Muscles: Will hurt regardless of position but lessen with little movement.
  3. Organs such as kidneys/pancreas/tumors etc.: Brought about by physical exertion regardless.

If none fit perfectly – don’t panic! Just see a professional :).

Causes Of Kidney Pain

Kidney pains can happen for various reasons; Here are some main culprits:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

So there is good bacteria & there’s bad bacteria – sometimes more anti-bacterial measures need taking than (Insert top-notch singing voice) ‘Simply Smiling At Them’

When harmful bacteria enter your urinary tract via your urethra (a fancy term for pee hole), it causes swelling/inflammation resulting in bladder infections, including UTIs!

Symptoms

Do not fret (ever notice “do not” calms better?), they’re all manageable with appropriate medication:

  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Strong-smelling urine
  • Feeling like you need to pee constantly

Kidney Stones

Whelp, stones in your kidneys are definitely not desirable. These suckers stem from mineral buildup formed from urine & concentrate within the inner kidney passage connecting towards the bladder.

Symptoms

You’ll feel crystal-clear on this one:

  • Sharp pains that come and go (depending on size)
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Urinary difficulties i.e., painful urination etc.

Alcohol Consumption & Dehydration

Looking for a loud night out? ‘Drown yourself’ in alcohol Not so fast cowboy; As much as we love ourselves some happy hour cocktails, it is essential to stay hydrated while doing so as part of minimizing our hangover discomforts afterwards! If not careful enough (cue 4-second dramatic movie-like effect music) kidney pain might find its way through frequent alcohol consumption/dehydration via lack of fluids needed by the body.

Symptoms

It’s important to drink water when you’re feeling any dehydration symptoms or if they don’t subside after a few hours:

- Dry mouth/throat
- Lightheadedness / dizziness 
- Dark yellow pee

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure/hypertension can cause significant damage to one’s renal tissues over time leading up to chronic kidney disease/chronic renal failure.

Symptoms

The following may either develop gradually over time (somewhat slow onset means – staying patient is key!) or suddenly (requiring urgent attention!):

– Stiff muscles/joints/bones
– Fatigue/sleep issues/easily run-down-exhaustion

Location Of The Pain

Now we know why/kidneys ache let’s take a look at where the action happens!

Kidney pain can be anywhere within the lower back region, but most commonly it’s felt in one or both sides of your flanks (an area/waist near a hip). Other areas where kidney pains may be felt include:

  • The belly ‘if you’re lucky’ might experience side stomach pain.

  • Groin area which usually hurts if stones move down to your ureters.

When To See A Doctor

It’s time to talk about seeking attention. Suppose the pain is severe/lingers and not relieved by analgesics like Advil/Motrin; In that case, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your medical provider for proper diagnosis/treatment.

Do keep in mind urgent intervention is needed when signs/symptoms such as fever/chills/blood whilst urinating/eventual loss of consciousness occur!

Ways To Relieve Kidney Pain

Reducing inflammation alongside adequate fluid intake proves incredibly useful – Here are some other tips:

  • Take over-the-counter medications
    • Acetaminophen [Tylenol] & Ibuprofen [Advil/Motrin]

Always check-in with our healthcare team 1st upon deciding new medication(s)

  • Try Heat Therapy

    (ahh… nothing beats a heating pad on sore muscles!)
    – Place hot water bottles/heating pads around the painful kidneys

          – Never use Ice Packs instead, folks!
    

Rest Up!

Now we know just having chronic anxiety/eyeballing stress cannot solely cause kidney ache but cherish broken hearts folk…The “pain” surprisingly shows up covering more room than anticipated when Doctors said…’There aren’t any physically detectable issues’:

They lied? 

Hell no - Physiological studies reported major changes in levels of circulating stress hormones like Cortisol during perceived psychological burden, driving disruption levels among sensitive subjects/students.

Upgrading from Tylenol™? Meeting with a Healthcare Professional will be your best bet to treat what’s coming your way to ultimate wellness:

  • Certain infections and only prescribable antibiotics are effective
  • Narcotics (all the cool kids know its “codeine” section) for severe kidney stones pain or ‘renal colic,’ given their strength/weakening effect on central nervous systems

Kidney pain is no black widow spider – it’s nothing to freak out about but have an understanding of that would keep you prepared for any situation. Knowing where kidneys ache & why they ache doesn’t hurt one bit!

Remember always see professional advice/solutions pertaining to personal health !

(‘ Filling-in’ gaps: Whether you’re noticing urinary tract infection symptoms/flank pains etc., taking strategic precautions with alcohol/hydration/dietary changes can help lessen potential damages noted by doctors.

Wishing healthy kidneys!

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