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Difference Between Kidney Pain and Back Pain

Kidney Pain vs Back Pain

Kidney pain and back pain are sometimes similar in their symptoms and hence are often confused with each other. However, there are some noticeable differences between the two. The back pain is often dull, aching intermittent and sudden. The kidney pain however occurs in waves or cycles and is severe and sharp. This is often accompanied with chills fever and painful urination.

Kidney Pain

Kidney pain occurs in the flank area of the body which is the lower part of the body and hence often confused with back pain. However kidney pain is usually very severe and is wave like and often accompanied with nausea and vomiting. Kidney pain if is due to kidney stone is known as colic. The kidney pain may occur due to kidney stone or due to infection & inflammation in the kidney.

Back Pain

With most common complaint, back pain also known as dorsalgia is often experienced in the back which originates from the muscles nerves bones joints and other structures attached to the spine. It can be mild to severe and can spread to arms and hands. Back pain is divided into neck pain, upper back pain, lower back pain and tail bone pain. It can be sudden, intermittent or chronic in nature. Back pain can be a sign of serious medical problem.

Difference between Kidney Pain and Back Pain

1. The back pain is caused mainly due to inflammation in the spine whereas kidney pain mainly occurs due to kidney stone.

2. The back pain is often dull, aching, intermittent and sudden in nature whereas kidney pain is often sharp and wave like accompanied with nausea and vomiting.

3. The back pain is mainly due to stress and sometimes dysfunctional family relationships. It also happens in the pregnant women. However kidney pain is mainly due to kidney stone. The stone blocks the ureter making the passage of urine painful.

4. There are a number of therapies and pain medications to treat back pain however kidney pain usually involves antibiotics and rest for long term

5. Back pains are not very serious and do not require immediate medical attention whereas kidney pain can be severe and requires immediate medical attention.

6. Back pain may not require surgery however kidney pain may require surgical removal of the stones if medication fails.

7. Back pain can be managed by hot water pack or massage, even exercise can be of great help but kidney pain requires immediate visit to the doctor.

Conclusion

Kidney pain and back pain have very similar symptoms and are often confused with each other. However back pain may be alleviated by some exercises and hot water pack but kidney pain requires immediate attention and a doctor should be seen without fail.