Pain is a common symptom that can indicate a variety of health issues. Two types of pain that are often confused are kidney stone pain and back pain. While these conditions can cause significant discomfort, understanding the differences in their locations and symptoms can help you identify the cause and seek appropriate treatment. The kidney stone pain area usually includes the lower back, sides, and lower abdomen, while back pain often affects the lower, upper, and middle back and can spread to the buttocks and legs if nerves are involved.

Kidney stones are relatively common, affecting about 1 in 10 people over their lifetime. They tend to occur more frequently in men, with an estimated risk of 11%, compared to 9% in women. In 2020, low back pain (LBP) impacted 619 million people globally, and this number is expected to increase to 843 million by 2050, mainly due to population growth and ageing. Low back pain (LBP) can affect individuals of any age, with the majority of people experiencing it at least once in their lifetime.

So, to help you understand the distinct characteristics of kidney stone pain and back pain, let’s review the various symptoms and factors that can be used to differentiate between the two.

Understanding Kidney Stone Pain

Kidney stones are solid deposits of minerals and salts that form in your kidneys. They can cause a lot of pain when they move through the urinary tract.

Kidney stone pain usually starts in your back, just below the ribs. As the stone moves, the pain can spread to your lower abdomen and groin and can also affect your sides and lower back. This pain is very sharp and comes in waves, making it extremely intense. You might also experience pain when urinating, and your urine could look pink, red, or brown due to blood. Nausea and vomiting are common because of the severe pain. Additionally, you may feel the need to urinate frequently, even if only a small amount comes out. This is because kidney stones make it more difficult for you to completely empty your bladder, leading to an increased need of frequent urination.

Understanding Back Pain

Back pain is a common problem that can be caused by many different things, like muscle strain, herniated discs, or spine issues. Back pain usually happens in the lower back because it carries most of your body's weight, but it can also affect the upper and middle back. If a nerve is involved, like with a herniated disc, the pain might spread to your buttocks, thighs, and legs. Back pain often feels like a dull, aching pain that gets worse when you move. 

You might also feel stiffness and have trouble bending or twisting. Muscle spasms or cramps are common and can make it hard to move. If a nerve is affected, you might feel tingling or numbness in your legs. Generally, one of the key causes of back pain is due to an increased incidence of a sedentary lifestyle and working while sitting. Long hours of sitting without movement and changing posture can lead to the type of back pain mentioned above.

Key Differences Between Kidney Stone Pain and Back Pain

Knowing the differences between kidney stone pain and back pain can help you figure out what’s causing your discomfort and how to treat it effectively. 

Pain Nature and Onset

Kidney stone pain typically begins very suddenly and is characterised by a sharp, intense sensation. This pain is often described as colicky, meaning it comes in waves, which correspond to the stone moving through the urinary tract. The pain is usually very severe and often described as one of the most intense pains someone can experience. The intense pain is caused by the stone irritating and causing spasms in the ureter as it moves.

In contrast, back pain generally starts gradually. It can slowly change from a constant, dull ache to a sharp, stabbing pain. In the case of kidney stones, intense pain happens because the stone irritates and causes spasms in the ureter as it moves. The cause of back pain can vary widely, including muscle strain, ligament sprain, herniated discs, or spinal conditions.

Pain Location

Kidney stone pain usually begins in the back, just below the ribs on one side, and can spread to the lower abdomen and groin as the stone moves through the urinary tract. It can also radiate to the sides (flanks) and lower back. As the stone moves closer to the bladder, the pain may shift to the front of the body. 

In contrast, back pain is typically centred in the lower back but can also affect the upper and middle back, depending on the specific condition. If the pain involves nerve compression, such as with sciatica, it can radiate to the buttocks, thighs, and legs, causing additional symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness.

Associated Symptoms

Kidney stones often cause various urinary symptoms, including hematuria (blood in the urine), dysuria (pain during urination), increased frequency of urination, and a persistent urge to urinate even when the bladder is empty. The severe pain from kidney stones can also lead to nausea and vomiting. In some cases, fever occurs if there is an associated urinary tract infection. 

On the other hand, back pain is commonly accompanied by stiffness, making it difficult to bend, twist, or perform everyday activities. Muscle spasms or cramps in the back are also frequent. If nerves are affected, such as with a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, you might experience additional symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs or feet.

Kidney Stone Pain Treatment

Kidney stone pain can be very intense and often needs quick medical help. Kidney stones treatment varies based on the sizes, types, and locations of the stone. Here are some common treatments:

• Hydration: Drinking a lot of water can help flush out smaller stones. Aim to drink enough fluids to keep your urine clear or nearly clear.
   
• Medications: Pain relief medicines like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or opioids can help manage pain. Alpha-blockers might be prescribed to relax the muscles in the ureter, making it easier for the stones to pass.
   
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break stones into smaller pieces that can be passed in the urine. ESWL is often used for stones that are too big to pass by themselves.
   
• Ureteroscopy: In this procedure, a thin scope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter. The stone is either removed or broken into smaller pieces using a laser.
   
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: For larger stones, this surgical procedure involves making a small incision in the back and inserting a nephroscope to remove or break up the stone.
   
• Dietary Changes: Preventing kidney stones long-term may involve changes in diet, such as reducing sodium intake, limiting animal proteins, and eating more fruits and vegetables.

Back Pain Treatment

The treatment for back pain varies based on its cause, severity, and duration. Here are some common options:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Short periods of rest combined with gentle activities and avoiding activities that make the pain worse can help in initial recovery.
   
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help with mild to moderate back pain. 
   
• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can create an exercise program to improve flexibility, strength, and posture. Physical therapy might also include techniques like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy.
   
• Hot and Cold Therapy: Using heat or cold packs on the painful area can help reduce pain and swelling.
   
• Chiropractic Care: Spinal manipulation by a licensed chiropractor can provide relief for some types of back pain, especially if the pain is related to spinal misalignment.
   
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief in specific areas, like the epidural space or around nerve roots.
   
• Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, practising good posture, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can help prevent and manage back pain.
   
• Surgery: In severe cases, when other treatments don't work, surgical options like discectomy, laminectomy, or spinal fusion might be considered to address structural issues in the spine.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you have severe pain and aren't sure if it's from kidney stones or back problems, you should see a doctor. Get medical help right away if you have intense pain that comes in waves, blood in your urine, fever with chills, or trouble urinating. These symptoms might mean you need quick treatment. Getting a proper diagnosis will help you get relief from your symptoms and treat the underlying condition that’s causing the pain.

Conclusion

While kidney stone pain and back pain can feel similar, their locations and accompanying symptoms provide clues to their origins. Recognising these differences can help you determine the cause of your pain and seek the right treatment. If in doubt, always consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

For more details regarding the differences between kidney stone pain and back pain, consult with our specialists today at MASSH. We specialise in various minimally invasive and non-invasive treatment options for kidney stones and can even help you alleviate back pain with our functional and preventative medical treatments. Check out our website to learn more about treatment options at MASSH and request a call back today.