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Kidney stones are a common urological condition that can lead to significant discomfort, often causing pain in the lower back or abdomen. In India, approximately 12% of the population is prone to developing kidney stones, and of those, around 50% may experience renal damage, which can sometimes result in kidney loss1. This highlights the critical importance of early detection and medical intervention to remove the stones and prevent serious complications. In this blog post, we will explore the connection between kidney stones and back pain, shedding light on how these stones can cause discomfort.
Synopsis
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are small, hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and travel to the urinary tract, causing blockages and severe pain. The stone forms when minerals and salts in the individual’s urine crystallise to form solid masses. Individuals developing this condition experience pain ranging from mild discomfort to excruciating aches, affecting the individual's sleep and ability to carry out daily tasks.
An individual may develop kidney stones if they suffer from dehydration, consume a diet high in protein, salt, and sugar, are obese, suffer from digestive diseases, have had gastric surgery, or take supplements that can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. The kidney stones mostly do not cause any symptoms and can be passed through urine with adequate hydration, medication, or surgery. When left untreated, they can cause severe complications like urinary tract infections and kidney damage.
Do kidney stones cause back pain?
Kidney stones typically don’t cause pain when they first form, but pain occurs when the stone moves within the kidney or reaches into the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. If the stone is small, it may cause mild discomfort or tightness in the lower back or hip, but larger stones tend to cause sharper, more intense pain, especially during physical activity or when changing positions.
Kidney stones can indeed cause significant back pain, often felt in the lower back, side, or upper abdomen. This pain typically comes in waves and is intense and sharp. It happens when a stone, typically 3 millimetres or larger, becomes lodged in the ureter, causing a buildup of pressure and swelling in the kidneys and renal tubules. This swelling can put pressure on surrounding muscle tissue, leading to spasms. This activates the nerve fibres that transmit pain signals to the brain, resulting in radiating pain across the back, groin, and abdomen.
Common symptoms of kidney stones
Apart from the common symptom of kidney stone back pain, it can also cause the following symptoms:
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Pain or burning sensation while urinating: Individuals develop this symptom when the stone reaches the junction between their ureter and bladder.
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Urgent need to pee: Individuals with kidney stones that have moved to the lower urinary system may need to go to the bathroom urgently or more frequently.
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Haematuria: Blood in urine is a common symptom among individuals with kidney stones.
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Urinary infection: Individuals with long-standing kidney stones may develop an infection that causes the urine to become cloudy or foul-smelling. This is often considered a surgical emergency.
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Block in urine flow: A blockage in the ureter may stop or slow the flow of urine, making the individual urinate a little each time they go. If the urine flow stops, it is considered a medical emergency.
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Nausea and vomiting: The kidney and GI tract have a shared nerve connection; kidney stones can trigger these nerves, setting off symptoms.
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Fever and chills: These symptoms along with kidney pain are an indication of a severe complication warranting immediate attention.
How to Differentiate Kidney Stone Pain from Other Types of Pain?
Individuals with back pain caused by kidney stones experience it higher in the back along with pain in the upper abdomen and sides. The pain is often sharp and occurs in waves. However, individuals with back pain can experience it anywhere in the back, especially the lower back. The pain can vary widely and is associated with muscle stiffness and spasms.
What to Do If Kidney Stones Cause Back Pain?
Individuals with small kidney stones can flush them out of their bodies by drinking adequate water or hydrating fluid. However, if you experience extreme pain, fever, or vomiting while passing a kidney stone, seeking medical care right away is essential. The health care provider may prescribe medication to help ease the passage of larger stones, or surgical intervention such as Shock Wave Lithotripsy, Ureteroscopy, or Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy may be recommended.
Conclusion
The lower back, upper abdomen, and sides are the main areas where kidney stones cause pain. Understanding the real causes of your back pain can help with early detection and timely care, which helps prevent complications. Therefore, don’t ignore your back pain that could be associated with kidney stones—seek timely guidance and care from our experts at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar.
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