Description

where is referred kidney pain ?

**Where is Kidney Pain Felt and What Does it Mean?**

Kidney pain, while not as commonly talked about as back pain, can be an important symptom signaling something is amiss with these essential organs. In this post, we’ll break down where you can expect to feel kidney pain, why you feel it there, and what it means if you’re experiencing it.

### Location of Kidney Pain

First and foremost, to understand where kidney pain is felt, we must start with where the kidneys are located. The kidneys sit deep within your body towards the back, just beneath the lower ribs, and are protected by the ribcage on the abdomen’s back wall. Each is positioned on either side of the spine in the middle to upper back.

Kidney pain is specifically described as flank pain, a term referring to discomfort felt on either side of your spine, roughly between the upper part of your hip and your lower ribs. In more straightforward terms: if you find the bottom of your ribs and draw an imaginary line towards the spine, that’s the area where the kidneys reside and the area from which you might feel kidney pain.

### What Causes the Pain?

Kidney pain is typically a result of a problem within the kidney itself (known as intrinsic pain) or sometimes the pain can occur due to nearby structures affecting the kidneys (extrinsic pain). For instance:

– An infection within the kidney (pyelonephritis)
– Formation of kidney stones
– Trauma or injury to the kidney
– Obstruction within the urinary tract
– Tumors or cysts affecting the kidney

### Symptoms to Watch Out For

When the kidneys are the source of pain, it tends to be persistent and severe. Depending on the cause, the pain may be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, or changes in your urination (frequent urination, painful urination, bloody or foul-smelling urine).

### Referral of Pain

It’s also important to note that pain associated with the kidneys can refer to the groin or abdomen. Such referred pain can be confusing and may lead you to believe you’re experiencing pain associated with your back or even your abdominal structures such as the stomach or intestines. This makes it crucial to look at the timing, nature of the pain, and other symptoms to properly interpret where the pain is truly originating.

### When to Seek Medical Attention

Persistent or severe kidney pain should always be taken seriously. If you suspect kidney pain, it’s vital to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Delaying treatment can sometimes result in serious complications like the infection spreading to the blood or permanent damage to the kidneys.

### Conclusion

Kidney pain is a specific type of discomfort felt in a uniquely defined area of the body. It’s important to understand the symptoms and location so you can recognize them and seek out proper medical attention if you experience them. If you have any concerns about kidney pain or related symptoms, consult a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and the best possible treatment.

The kidneys are not just important, but they are critical to your health, and having a good understanding of your body can be a key factor in maintaining your overall well-being.