The kidneys are located in the upper part of the abdomen near the back muscles. If you feel pain in the back of your body between your ribs and buttocks, or even in your lower back radiating to your groin, you may have kidney disease. Immediately consult a doctor if you feel pain in the kidneys because the pain can be a symptom of several serious medical conditions. Treatment of kidney pain is determined by the cause, and your doctor can make the best recommendations for the situation at hand.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Relieve Kidney Pain
Step 1. Drink plenty of fluids
This is the single most important way to relieve kidney pain. You should drink between two and three liters of water per day when you are in good health, but you may need to drink more water to get rid of kidney stones. Water helps remove bacteria and dead tissue from the kidneys. Urine that is not excreted is an excellent medium for bacterial growth. By drinking large amounts of water, the flow of fluid in the kidneys can be created continuously so as to prevent the growth and proliferation of bacteria.
- Small kidney stones (<4 mm) can also be passed directly through the urine if the flow is adequate.
- Limit your intake of coffee, tea, and cola to one to two cups per day.
Step 2. Get enough rest
Sometimes lying in bed is very beneficial in reducing pain. If the pain is caused by a stone or injury to the kidney, excessive exercise or movement can cause the kidneys to bleed.
Lying on your side can make your kidney pain worse
Step 3. Use heat to reduce pain
A hot patch or warm washcloth can be used on the point of pain to temporarily relieve it. Heat will increase blood flow and reduce nerve sensation, both of these effects can reduce pain. Heat is especially beneficial if the pain is caused by muscle spasms.
Do not use excessive heat as it may cause burns. Use a hot patch, a cloth that has been soaked in hot (but not boiling) water, or soak in a warm bath
Step 4. Use analgesic drugs
There are several types of over-the-counter painkillers that can fight kidney pain. Paracetamol is the drug that is generally recommended for pain caused by infections and kidney stones. Consult your doctor before taking any painkillers, as some of them can worsen kidney problems or affect other medical conditions.
- Do not take high doses of aspirin. Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding and worsen vascular blockages, such as kidney stones.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be dangerous if you have decreased kidney function. Do not take ibuprofen or naproxen if you have had kidney problems before, unless directed by your doctor.
Step 5. Consult the use of antibiotics to the doctor
Antibiotics should be used if you have a urinary tract infection of any kind. Kidney stones can block the flow of urine so that it pools in the kidneys, which causes the growth of bacteria and triggers an infection. If this is the case, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
- Commonly used antibiotics in this kind of infection are trimethoprim, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and polypeptides. For mild to moderate infections, men should take antibiotics for 10 days, and women for 3 days.
- Always take the prescribed antibiotics, even if your condition begins to improve and your symptoms have disappeared.
Step 6. Avoid excessive intake of vitamin C
Vitamin C in general is very beneficial for the human body; especially for wound healing and bone formation. However, excess vitamin C will be converted to oxalate in the kidneys. Oxalates can turn into stones, so avoid consuming excess vitamin C if you have talent or a family history of kidney stones.
People prone to calcium oxalate stone formation should limit their consumption of oxalate-rich foods such as beets, chocolate, coffee, cola, nuts, parsley, peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries, tea, and wheat bran
Step 7. Drink cranberry juice regularly
Cranberry juice is an excellent natural remedy for kidney and urinary tract infections. Cranberry juice will start working within 8 hours after consumption by preventing the growth and development of bacteria. Cranberry juice can also help break down struvite and brushite kidney stones.
Avoid cranberry juice if you suffer from oxalate kidney stones as it contains high amounts of vitamin C and oxalate
Method 2 of 2: Knowing the Cause of Kidney Pain
Step 1. See a doctor if you suspect you have a kidney infection or pyelonephritis
Kidney infection begins with a urinary tract infection which then spreads to the kidneys. The infection can cause permanent kidney damage if not treated immediately. One or both kidneys can become infected and cause deep, dull pain in the abdomen, groin, back, or waist. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible:
- Fever, possibly accompanied by chills
- Frequent urination
- Strong and constant urge to urinate
- Burning or pain when urinating
- There is pus or blood in the urine (may be red or brown in color)
- Strong-smelling or cloudy urine
- Seek emergency medical help if you experience any of the above symptoms accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Step 2. Consult your doctor if you suspect you have kidney stones
Kidney stones are one of the main causes of kidney pain. Pain begins when the kidneys try to remove the stone and have difficulty in the process. This kind of pain usually comes in waves.
- Kidney stones are generally in the form of severe pain that comes suddenly in the lower back, waist, groin, or abdomen.
- Kidney pain can also cause other symptoms, including pain in the penis or testicles, difficulty urinating, or a strong and constant urge to urinate.
Step 3. Go to the ER if you suspect kidney bleeding
Bleeding can be caused by trauma, disease, or drugs. Some bleeding disorders can cause blood clots to form in the kidneys. Pain is felt when the clot reduces the blood supply to any part of the kidney. This kind of pain also occurs in waves, but is usually felt in the pelvis. The pelvis is located between the upper abdomen and back. Other symptoms of kidney injury include:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Blood in urine
- Sleepy
- Fever
- Difficulty or urinating a little
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Moist and cool skin
Tips
- Sufficient fluid needs. Removing any bacteria from the kidneys by drinking lots of water is very important.
- “Natural” remedies such as dandelion, apple cider vinegar, rosehips, and asparagus are not scientifically proven to be effective kidney stone treatments. Keep drinking plenty of water and see your doctor for other options.
