Kidney infections can cause back pain and other symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, and frequent urination. Antibiotics are the typical treatment, and drinking lots of water can help prevent infections. Women and people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible. Back pain can have many causes, including muscle strains and spinal disc problems.
A kidney infection is a bacterial infection that starts in the urethra or bladder and travels up to the kidneys. A kidney infection and back pain are sometimes related because back pain is one of the symptoms of a kidney infection. A kidney infection is a serious medical condition that requires immediate treatment and care.
A kidney infection and back pain often go hand in hand, especially if the pain is in the lower back where the kidneys are located. The pain may not be limited to this area, however, as it can radiate to other areas of the back. If gentle pressure on the area above the kidneys makes the pain worse, it is likely a sign of a kidney infection.
Other symptoms of a kidney infection include fever and abdominal pain. A kidney infection can also affect the bladder and urethra, causing frequent urination or a persistent strong urge to urinate, pain when urinating, and blood or pus in the urine. If left untreated, a kidney infection can lead to permanent kidney damage. The kidneys filter the blood, so a bacterial infection in the kidneys can spread into the bloodstream if left untreated.
Treatment for a kidney infection with back pain is typically a course of antibiotics. If the infection is severe, hospitalization may be required. In the hospital, a person will receive intravenous antibiotics to fight the infection. Heat and over-the-counter medications can help relieve back pain caused by a kidney infection. Drinking lots of water can help prevent kidney infections, because more fluids passing through your body can help it clear bacteria from your urethra.
Women are more likely to get kidney infections and back pain because a woman’s urethra is much shorter than a man’s, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder and kidneys. Kidney stones can also increase the risk of kidney infections. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to all types of infections, including kidney infections.
Although a kidney infection and back pain may be related, back pain is a very common problem with many causes. Strains due to overloading the back muscles through activities such as heavy lifting can lead to back pain, however, this pain typically goes away after a week or two. Problems with the discs surrounding the spinal cord, such as bulging discs putting pressure on a nerve, can also cause back pain.
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