Recognizing the characteristics of back pain due to kidney problems

Many people think back pain is the same as kidney disease. In fact, not all back pain is caused by kidney problems. For that, let's get to know the characteristics of back pain due to kidneys so as not to misinterpret it.

The characteristics of back pain due to kidneys

Back pain alias low back pain which, in fact, is pain in the lower back, being one of the conditions most commonly used as a benchmark for kidney disease. In fact, not all back pain marks a problem with your kidneys.

The kidneys are located in the upper abdomen on the right and left sides of the body, opposite the back muscles. When there is a kidney problem, one of the symptoms is back pain. Usually, low back pain caused by the kidneys is located in the lower back, precisely between the lowest ribs and the buttocks.

This pain usually affects one side of the body but is not impossible on both sides. This pain often develops down the pelvis, groin, or into the abdominal area.

Reporting from Kompas, Dr. dr. Nur Rasyid, Sp. U., Urologist Specialist at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, stated that one easy way to recognize the characteristic of back pain due to kidney is pain that will not go away even if you change your position. In fact, common back pain will generally improve and decrease when you sit or lie down.

In addition, regular low back pain will generally reduce the pain with a massage. Meanwhile, back pain due to kidneys will actually be more painful if pressed or massaged.

Other symptoms that mark kidney disease apart from back pain

Apart from back pain, another way to recognize kidney disease is to pay attention to the various other symptoms that arise. As for some of the common symptoms that usually appear, namely:

• Fever and chills.
• Loss of appetite.
• Dizziness or headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• The color of urine looks more cloudy or even mixed with blood.
• Urine smells bad.
• Have anemia.
• The feeling of fatigue is quite severe.
• Itching or rash on the skin.
• Urinating more or less frequently than usual.
• Pain when urinating.

Back pain due to kidney disease is usually caused by urinary tract infections or kidney stones. To know for sure your health condition, you should consult a doctor and perform an ultrasound procedure (USG). Through ultrasound, the condition of the kidneys will be clearly seen. If your kidneys have problems, you will be advised to do a urine test to see what type of disease you are experiencing.

Apply a healthy lifestyle to maintain kidney health

The kidneys have many important tasks, ranging from filtering body waste to producing the necessary hormones. Due to its very important task, you need to maintain kidney health. The trick is to change an unhealthy lifestyle to be healthier. Here are various habits that must be applied to keep your kidneys healthy:

Drink enough water

To keep your kidneys healthy, start by drinking enough water. Drinking enough water helps optimize the function of the most important part of the kidneys, which is to get rid of toxins in the body. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

Get regular exercise

Weight gain and hypertension are both risk factors for kidney disease. To prevent these two conditions, you should exercise regularly to keep your body and kidneys healthy. However, don't overdo it because it can suppress your kidney function.

Quit smoking

Smoking damages blood vessels which means it can reduce blood flow in the kidneys. When the kidneys are not supplied with sufficient blood flow, it will be very difficult to work optimally. Therefore, stop smoking right now for a healthier kidney and body.

Avoid eating salty foods

Did you know that salty foods can disrupt the balance of minerals in the blood. If left untreated, this can make the kidneys work harder and ultimately disrupt their normal overall function. Therefore, replace foods high in salt with healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and nuts.