Pain in your back can be confusing because it might come from different places, like your kidneys or muscles. Even though kidney pain and back pain can feel the same, they have different causes. Knowing how to tell them apart can help you figure out when to see a doctor.

How to Differentiate Kidney Pain from Back Pain

Where You Feel the Pain Can Help You Know the Cause

Kidney pain usually happens in the upper back, just under the ribs, on both sides of the spine. Sometimes, the pain moves to your lower belly or groin. This pain often feels deep and steady, and moving your body doesn’t make it better or worse.

Back pain, on the other hand, usually happens in the lower back and can spread to your buttocks or legs. It usually gets worse when you move, sit for a long time, or lift things.

You might also notice that kidney pain makes your back sore when you press on it, while back pain often feels more like a muscle ache or tightness.

How the Pain Feels Is Different for Each Condition

Kidney pain is often a deep, dull ache that doesn’t go away. If the pain comes from kidney stones, it may come and go in waves. Moving your body usually doesn’t change the pain, but things like infections or dehydration can make it worse.

Back pain can feel like a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain. It usually gets worse when you move, sit for too long, or lift something heavy. Back pain might come and go or stay for a long time, depending on the cause.

What Causes Kidney Pain and Back Pain

Kidney pain can be caused by:

Kidney infections
Kidney stones
Polycystic kidney disease
Kidney injury
Swelling in the kidneys due to urine buildup

Back pain is usually caused by:

Muscle strain
Herniated discs
Sciatica (nerve pain)
Bad posture
Spinal problems

Other Symptoms That Can Help You Know the Difference

If you have kidney pain, you might also notice:

Fever and chills
Needing to pee often
Blood in your urine
Feeling sick to your stomach
Burning pain when you pee
Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy

With back pain, you might experience:

Stiffness in your lower back
Muscle spasms
Pain that gets better with rest
Pain that spreads down your legs
Trouble bending or moving your back

Who Is More Likely to Get Kidney or Back Pain

People who have had urinary tract infections, don’t drink enough water or have kidney disease are more likely to have kidney pain. Eating too much salt or not staying hydrated can increase the risk of kidney stones.

People who lift heavy things, sit for long hours, or have bad posture are more likely to have back pain. Not exercising and having weak muscles can also cause long-term back problems.

When You Should See a Doctor

If you think you have kidney pain, especially if you have a fever, changes in how you pee or feel very uncomfortable, see a doctor right away. A kidney infection can lead to serious problems if you don’t treat it.

If your back pain is severe, lasts a long time, or comes with numbness, weakness, or problems with using the bathroom, you should also see a doctor. These could be signs of a more serious problem with your spine.

How Doctors Find Out What Is Causing Your Pain

To check for kidney pain, doctors may do:

A urine test to look for infection or blood
Imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan
Blood tests to check kidney function

For back pain, doctors usually:

Do a physical exam
Take X-rays or an MRI scan
Check how well you can move your back

Treating kidney pain might include antibiotics for infections, pain medicine, and drinking more water. If you have kidney stones, you might need medicine or a procedure to break them down.

Treating back pain often includes resting, physical therapy, and pain relievers. In some cases, surgery might be needed if the problem is serious.

How to Prevent Kidney and Back Pain

To avoid kidney pain, you should:

Drink plenty of water
Keep good hygiene
Eat less salt and protein
Follow a healthy diet
Get treatment for urinary infections quickly

To prevent back pain, try:

Sitting and standing with good posture
Exercising regularly, especially for your core muscles
Lifting things correctly using your legs
Using supportive chairs and workspaces