Back pain has become a common problem these days, but is every back pain related to muscles or spine? No, sometimes this pain can also be caused by kidney stones. Know the real reason.

Back Pain or Kidney Stone: Back pain is a very common complaint that troubles people of all ages, from young to old. But the cause of every back pain is not the same. Sometimes it is just muscle fatigue or a spinal problem, which is commonly called back pain. But sometimes this pain is caused by kidney stones, which is important to identify because its treatment and severity are both different. If this difference is not recognized at the right time, the pain of kidney stone can become unbearable and can also damage the kidney.

Dr. Himanshu Verma, HOD in Nephrology Department at Safdarjung Hospital, explains that the pain of kidney stone is usually severe on one side and in the lower back, which can spread to the stomach and thigh. Its pain is not constant and keeps coming and going. Along with this, there may be problems like frequent urination and foam in urine or blood in it. On the other hand, normal back pain usually remains in the waist. It is caused by muscle tightness or wrong posture. There may also be a problem of the spine in this. If you have back pain, then get ultrasound and urine test done for correct diagnosis.

Talking about the symptoms of back pain, it occurs when there is excessive stress on the muscles or sitting in the wrong position for a long time puts pressure on the spine. This pain starts slowly and increases gradually. Some people feel it as soon as they wake up in the morning, while some feel it after sitting or bending for a long time in the office. This pain mostly occurs in the middle or lower part of the waist and is affected by body movements, that is, the pain can increase or decrease when walking, getting up, bending. Also, this pain is sometimes accompanied by stiffness and muscle fatigue.

What is the pain of kidney stones like?

Dr. Verma explains that if a stone is formed in the kidney and gets stuck in the urethra, then a very sharp, jolting and sudden pain can start. This pain usually starts from one side of the waist i.e. the back and can spread to the lower abdomen, thigh or genital area. This is called radiating pain. This pain does not reduce by sitting, walking or lying down, rather it persists and sometimes increases. Along with the pain of kidney stone, there may also be complaints of vomiting, burning sensation in urine, bleeding, foul smell of urine or frequent urination.

How to identify whether this pain is back pain or stone?

Back pain is usually muscle or bone related and is relieved by rest, stretching or painkillers. But the pain of stones starts suddenly, is very intense and is not relieved even by common painkillers.

In case of stone pain, movement does not make any difference whereas in case of back pain, the pain may change with walking or changing position. Apart from this, if there is any change in urine like blood, burning sensation or colour, then it may be a sign of stone.

Therefore, do not take back pain lightly. It is wise to identify the correct cause in time and start treatment as per the need.