Could My Lower Left Back Pain Be a Kidney Problem?

Many people with a general understanding of the body will know that the kidneys are situated in the lower left quadrant of the back.

The kidneys are on either side of the back of the lower abdomen, in front of the spine and are sophisticated waste processors.  They sift the waste products from your blood and pass it into your urine.

Is it muscle strain or kidney pain? 

Typically kidney pains can have a rapid onset and is related to a kidney infection, disease or the presence of kidney stones. 

As the discomfort can spread out from the the lower left side, it can feel very similar to a low back injury or strain. 

Many people describe kidney pain as  sharp and stabbing.

In contrast, muscular strain tends to be felt in the middle of the back, rather than in the area of the kidneys.

If this is a new incidence of back problems, ensure that you visit your doctor who can ask further questions about your symptoms and administer a simple test to help with diagnosis.

If at any point you experience severe or chronic discomfort in your back or side that will not go away, seek medical advice.

Questions your doctor may ask:-

• when did the pain start?
• where is the it?
• is it constant or does it vary?
• does anything ease the pain or make it disappear?

Making a note of your concerns and any questions you wish to ask is advisable, to make the most of your appointment with the doctor.

What next?

Most problems related to the kidneys can be treated effectively and quickly - often only lasting as long as the infection itself, or until the kidney stones are passed.

Problems relating to the back often take time to heal and there are preventative measure you can take at home to help reduce the likelihood of further recurrences.

Obtaining Further Info

Exercises to prevent further recurrences of spasm or muscle strain.

Relief & Treatment - releif for muscle strains and trauma