Main causes and treatments for kidney pain

The pain in the kidneys can indicate different health problems, such as changes in the functions of the kidney itself, infections or spinal problems, which can cause different symptoms such as pain, changes in the color of urine and burning when urinating.

The treatment of pain is done according to the cause of the problem, which may include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, rest and massage.

Main causes and treatments for kidney pain

Main causes of kidney pain

Here are the main causes of kidney pain and what to do to alleviate and treat the problem:

1. Stones in the kidneys

The presence of stones in the kidneys causes the appearance of intense pain that can radiate to the belly or to the genital organ, it can also cause pain when urinating and urine pink, red or brown, due to the presence of traces of blood. See more about kidney stones.

How to treat: The treatment is done according to the type of stone formed, which may include the use of analgesics, alterations in food or laser treatment, which breaks the stones into smaller pieces, facilitating the elimination of urine.

2. Infection

The symptoms of infection in the kidneys are strong and deep pain in the back, pain and burning when urinating, frequent urination and urine with strong odor. In some cases, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting may also occur.

How to treat: Drink plenty of water to help eliminate the microorganism that causes pain and use antibiotics, under the guidance of a general practitioner or a urologist.

3. Cystic cyst or kidneys

The symptoms of the presence of cysts in the kidneys only appear when the cyst is already large, causing pain, bloody urine, high blood pressure and frequent urinary tract infections.

How to treat: The treatment should be recommended by a nephrologist and can be done with the use of medications, when the cyst is small, or through surgery that is done to remove the larger cysts.

4. Hydronephrosis

It is the swelling of the kidney due to the accumulation of urine, causing deep pain in the back, urine with blood fever and chills.

How to treat: You should go to the doctor to remove accumulated urine and identify the cause of the problem, which may be kidney stones, severe urinary infection or the presence of a tumor in the kidneys.

5. Thrombosis or ischemia of the renal vein

It is when enough blood does not reach the kidney causing cell death and pain. It is similar to what happens in the ACV or when you have a heart attack.

How to treat: Only medical examinations can detect the problem, and treatment can be done with the use of drugs or surgery, depending on the seriousness of the problem.

6. Injuries and blows

Injuries and blows to the back, especially at waist level, can cause inflammation and pain in the kidneys.

How to treat: Place a bag of hot water on your back and rest, and you can also use analgesics. If the pain persists, you should seek medical help.

7. Cancer

The pain caused by kidney cancer usually only appears in advanced stages of the disease, and is characterized by pain on one side of the belly and on the back, and blood in the urine.

How to treat: The treatment is done with a medical oncologist and depends on the stage in which the tumor is located, which may include surgery, cryotherapy, radiofrequency and the use of medications to relieve symptoms. Kidney tumors usually do not respond well to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Signs and symptoms of kidney problems

Point out the symptoms you have and know if you can have any kind of kidney involvement:

1. Frequent urination to urinate Yes

2. Urinating in a small amount Yes

3. Constant pain in the back or flanksYesNo

4. Swelling of the legs, feet, arms or faceYesNo

5. Itching all over the body YesNo

6. Extreme tiredness for no apparent reason Yes

7. Alterations in the color and smell of urine YesNo

8. Presence of foam in the urine YesNo

9. Difficulty sleeping or lower sleep quality YesNo

10. Loss of appetite or metallic taste in the mouth Yes

11. Feeling of pressure in the belly when urinating YesNo

Pain in the kidneys during pregnancy

Pain in the kidneys during pregnancy is usually caused by alterations in the spine, due to the effort that the pregnant woman makes due to the weight of her belly. It is rarely related to renal alterations, but in cases in which this pain is accompanied by symptoms such as painful urination, the gynecologist should be consulted to identify the cause of the problem and avoid complications.

To relieve the discomfort you can place a hot water bottle in the painful region and lie down in a comfortable chair, trying to keep your feet elevated. This position relieves pain in the back and deflates the feet because it promotes the circulation of the legs.

When to go to the doctor

It is recommended to seek medical help whenever the pain in the kidneys is very strong, preventing the performance of normal routine activities, or when the pain becomes more frequent. Although there are many causes of kidney pain, it can also often be related to spinal problems, and therefore physiotherapy can also be a treatment option