Sanjay Reddy Sanjay Reddy Asked 5 months ago

How to tell between kidney and back pain?

Lately, I've been having this dull ache in my lower back, sometimes radiating to my side. My friend, whose father had kidney stones, suggested it might be kidney pain, not just a muscle strain. How do you actually differentiate between back pain and kidney pain?

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10 answers

Kabir Malhotra Kabir Malhotra Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago
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Hey buddy, don't stress too much about it! Usually, back pain is lower down and changes when you bend or stretch, but kidney pain feels deeper, higher up near your ribs, and doesn't care if you sit or lie down. Just keep an eye on it and talk to a doc if it doesn't settle.

Ishaan Verma Ishaan Verma Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

Bro, if you sat in a bad posture during exams, it is probably just muscle pain which gets better when you stretch. Kidney pain is apparently on another level and doesn't change even if you lie down. Better get it checked if it's hurting constantly.

Manpreet Kaur Manpreet Kaur Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago

I have spent years dealing with back issues and once had a kidney stone too. For back ache, warm sesame oil massages and a hot water bag work like magic. But when it was my kidney, nothing relieved the deep ache and I had a mild fever too, which was my cue to rush to the clinic.

Divya Nair Divya Nair Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago

I am feeling this dull ache on my right side towards the back, and I am so worried it might be a kidney infection. Does anyone else get this where the pain doesn't go away even after taking rest? Should I get an ultrasound done immediately?

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Amit Saxena Amit Saxena Joined May 2026 5 months ago

I always end up googling my symptoms and panicking that my kidneys are failing when it's just a muscle pull. But seriously, if the pain comes with burning when you pee or a fever, that is a clear kidney sign. Please visit a doctor to clear your mind and stay safe.

Harish Bhatia Harish Bhatia Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

At my age, I have seen both. Back pain is very common and usually acts up when you lift heavy things or stand for too long. But kidney pain is a constant, boring ache deep inside your upper back, often on one side. Don't let it linger, get a simple urine test done to be sure.

Kamla Devi Kamla Devi Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago

For a simple back strain, drinking warm milk with a pinch of turmeric and taking rest helps a lot. But if the pain is deep, doesn't ease with resting, or if you feel nauseous, it could be a kidney issue. In that case, home remedies won't work, so go see a doctor immediately.

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Sanjay Rao Sanjay Rao Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago

Just take a moment to rest and observe where the pain is. If it's a sharp pain that moves to your groin, it might be kidney-related. I hope you feel better soon, please take care and consult a doctor.

Blessy Kurian Blessy Kurian Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

Normally, muscular back pain is localized and tender when you press on it directly. Kidney pain is located higher up, under the ribcage, is usually constant, and might be accompanied by changes in urine color or frequency. It is best to get a quick consult with a physician to rule out any infection.

Ritu Sharma Ritu Sharma Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

It is extremely risky to guess between the two on your own. Kidney issues can escalate very quickly and cause serious damage if left untreated. Please book an appointment with a doctor and get a professional opinion instead of waiting.

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