Although back pain can be caused by a number of factors such as osteoporosis, tumors, soft tissue injuries etc., most people are found often unaware that kidney stones could also be an important cause of low back pain. The pain because of kidney stones is mostly in the area of the back where the kidneys are located, i.e., around the sides of the spine just above the hips. Such pain usually creates tenderness in this area. Back pain due to kidney stones subsides with the passing of the stones.
Kidney stones can be of various types, calcium stones being the most common. Found in more men than women, calcium can combine with other substances, such as oxalate, phosphate, or carbonate to form the stone. Cystine stones form in those people who have cystinuria. Struvite stones are mostly found in women who have a urinary tract infection. Uric acid stones, more prevalent among men, can occur with gout or chemotherapy.
Back pain caused by kidney stones is often accompanied with blood passing out with urine. In order to get it properly treated, the location, size and type of kidney stones causing the pain must be determined at first. For this purpose, a doctor begins his/her diagnosis of your back pain by inquiring about your medical and family history and conducting a physical test. The presence of stone forming substances in your kidney can also be detected by analyzing your urine and blood.
X-ray or ultrasound study is performed to determine the size and location and size of the stone. Intravenous pyelogram are also used in some cases, in which a special dye is injected into the veins accumulates in the urinary system. It produces a white contrast in the place when an X-ray is performed. With the help of this dye, a doctor is able to find the precise location of the stone and determine the condition of the kidneys, ureters and bladders.
Many people fail to understand that the cause of their back pain is kidney stones and wrongly believe that it might have been caused by muscle strain only. They must be careful to consult a medical practitioner to find the exact cause of the pain; otherwise, the pain could spread to the rest of the body. There are a number of symptoms of kidney problems that lead to back pain. These symptoms include flank pain, swelling and weight gain due water storage water in the tissues, blood passing out with the urine, burning sensation or pain while urinating, increased urination and change in its color.
Back pain caused by kidney stones cannot be cured with the help of physical exercises or performing yoga. The problem needs attention from a medical practitioner who can prescribe the necessary course of treatment for a patient. Depending on the type of kidney stone, a doctor may prescribe medicine to decrease stone formation and/or help remove the substance that is causing the stone. Stones that do not pass on their own may have to be removed with surgery. Lithotripsy can also be used as an alternative to surgery. You should be careful as they tend to come back; so get the root cause treated to prevent recurrence.
