At some point in life, it is common to feel back pain. After all, bad posture, too much time in one position, lack of physical activity, and other everyday problems fill the list of reasons for muscle pain. However, the discomfort can indicate signs that something is not right, such as kidney inflammation or kidney stones. But how do you know if it is just back pain or kidney pain? Here,Learn the differences between each one.

See also: Necrotizing fasciitis: infection "eats" muscles and body tissues

Back pain or kidney pain: what are the differences?

At first, back pain can start mild, with a feeling of heaviness and tension in the affected area, and pain when performing certain movements. It usually appears after a long period of standing in an awkward position, carrying heavy weights, or after physical activity, so if it is related to these situations, it usually disappears after resting or taking a warm shower,for example.

However, if there is a major muscle injury, it can become chronic and last for months until it is properly treated. Another type of back pain can originate in the nervous system, which causes a stabbing sensation when moving and radiates to places close to the inflammation. In general, this type of discomfort is associated with the sciatic nerve, a large nerve ending that runs through the limbsfrom the lower back to the feet.

In turn, kidney pain comes suddenly and affects one side of the body, in the lumbar region, just below the ribs. However, the discomfort is not relieved with rest or other postures, and depending on the problem, it tends to get more intense. In addition, the person has fever and nausea, typical symptoms of a "kidney crisis" and needs to go to the hospital. Finally, another evidence is the alteration in theurine: blood in the pee, difficulty in urinating, and not emptying the bladder completely are some examples.

Diseases and conditions that cause kidney pain

Here are some health problems that cause intense discomfort and need immediate medical help:

• Urinary Tract Infection.
• Renal calculus.
• Pyelonephritis.
• Renal failure.

What to do if I am unsure between back pain or kidney pain?

First of all, it is fundamental to observe the intensity and duration of the pain and not take medication on your own. If the discomfort is persistent, seek medical help to identify the cause. A professional diagnosis is irreplaceable, as it includes clinical evaluation and specific tests (laboratory and imaging) to discover the problem.

Why can't I self-medicate?

When we are in pain, all we want is for it to go away. Then we have the urge to resort to anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers, a habit that can cause health risks. Check out the dangers of this seemingly harmless practice:

• Adverse reactions, such as allergies.
• Intoxication due to inadequate dosage.
• Resistance of the organism to treatment with other types of drugs: Often the prolonged use of a drug requires higher dosages and the administration of stronger drugs to combat the problem.

References: Cleveland Clinic; Kidney Hospital; NHS UK.