Handsome young man is moving, having pain in his back while packing, standing among cardboard boxes
Understanding what is causing back pain that comes out of nowhere, whether a spinal issue or a kidney issue, can be quite challenging. Doing a self-examination, retracing steps, and constantly thinking about it is exhausting. The right healthcare professional with experience in spinal issues, an understanding of various health conditions that can contribute to spine pain, and making the correct diagnosis can help develop the proper treatment plan or refer the individual to the proper specialist.
Table of Contents
The organs are located below the ribs, close to the middle/thoracic back. Healthy kidneys support and help with:
Individuals with a kidney condition can sometimes experience back pain caused by the disease or condition. Kidney problems like:
These can easily be mistaken for mid and upper back pain. However, persistent soreness or irritation could mean a more significant health issue associated with the kidneys could be present.
If there is a feeling of kidney pain, it can come from one of two places and/or both. This could be distension/ballooning of the capsule called the ureter that surrounds the kidneys. The ureters are the tubes attached to each kidney and transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Urine contains salts and minerals. These minerals can clump together, creating a kidney stone and blocking the ureters. The ureter contracts from the stone that is creating the blockage.
When there is a blockage from a stone, the urine can back up and cause the capsule to expand, causing pain. The pain location is usually on one side and is categorized as a dull ache – meaning the pain is constantly present and causing discomfort. Chronic back pain caused by nerve compression is typically on one side, like sciatica.
The pain from a stone can be only slight unless the stone is trying to move. Then the pain can be severe and last several minutes before it passes. However, if the pain is excruciating and a kidney stone is suspected, go to the hospital and get an examination. Collecting the stone is crucial when it passes to be analyzed. A stone analysis will help determine the proper treatment to prevent another kidney stone/s from developing.
A kidney infection could be another cause of back pain. Bacteria typically cause kidney infection/s. A dull throbbing could be sensed in the middle and/or upper back.
Signs and symptoms associated with infection often include back, side, and groin pain as well as a combination of symptoms like:
Causes that can increase the chances of developing an infection.
Older individuals can develop kidney infections without any underlying conditions. Rare genetic diseases like polycystic kidney disease and Fabry disease can cause kidney pain and be mistaken for back pain.
There is no quick and easy way to determine if it is back or kidney pain. Especially if a constant aching is present. Seeing an experienced doctor or chiropractor is recommended for getting a formal and accurate diagnosis. A physical exam, family and personal medical history will be collected, and various tests. Tests can include:
Pain medications and specific fluids are usually prescribed along with time to pass the stone. Antibiotics can be prescribed for kidney infections, chiropractic treatment can be suggested for spinal alignment/myofascial tense muscle release, and home remedies can help treat discomfort. These can include:
Tozzi, P et al. “Low back pain and kidney mobility: local osteopathic fascial manipulation decreases pain perception and improves renal mobility.” Journal of bodywork and movement therapies vol. 16,3 (2012): 381-391. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2012.02.001
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The information herein on this blog site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & wellness blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on dralexjimenez.com, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.
Our areas of chiropractic practice include Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicine, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
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We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP*, CFMP*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807
New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Texas & Multistate
Texas RN License # 1191402
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Masters in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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