Flank pain can be a distressing experience for many individuals, causing discomfort and interfering with daily activities. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and taking preventive measures can make a significant difference in managing and mitigating flank pain. This blog post will explore helpful insights to embark on the appropriate flank pain treatment at the right time.
Flank pain describes discomfort on either side of the lower back, directly below the ribs. It may indicate an underlying problem and present as a severe, throbbing, or dull ache. Right flank pain is the soreness felt on the right side, whereas left flank pain particularly refers to pain on the left side. These localized identifiers help identify plausible reasons and limit the range of possible diagnoses. Left flank pain is generally caused by illnesses such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or inflammation of the left kidney. Right flank pain, on the other hand, can be related to similar disorders affecting the right kidney or organs in that area.
Growing individuals experience episodes of flank pain and associated spasms. Low back pain prevalence in the U.S. increased from 32.2 million in 1990 to 45.1 million in 2021, with projections estimating 53.2 million affected by 2030 and 57 million by 2050 in high-income North America, reflecting a growing burden of musculoskeletal conditions.
Typical flank pain causes include the following:
Hard mineral deposits accumulating in the kidneys can cause significant flank discomfort when clogging the urine tract.
Along with other symptoms like frequent urination and a burning feeling, kidney, bladder, or ureter infections can cause flank pain.
Overexertion, rapid movements, or injuries to the muscles in the flank area can cause localized pain.
Gallstones, pancreatitis, and other conditions can cause pain radiating to the flank area.
Issues such as herniated discs or spinal misalignment can cause referred pain to the flank area.
Several common signs include:
The major sign of flank pain is generally described as severe, dull, or throbbing pain just below the ribs.
Fever may be present when an infection, such as a kidney or urinary tract infection, is the root of the flank pain.
It is possible to experience frequent urination, urgency, discomfort or burning feeling during urination, murky or blood-tinged urine, or trouble initiating or halting urine flow.
Flank pain caused by conditions such as kidney stones, kidney infections, or gastrointestinal issues may trigger feelings of nausea and lead to episodes of vomiting.
Flank pain can signify an underlying kidney problem, with symptoms appearing—
Flank pain and dehydration are related to symptoms appearing—
Seek medical attention in the following scenarios:
It is imperative to get medical help if the pain is severe, ongoing, or worsens over time.
See a doctor if flank pain is accompanied by symptoms like fever, blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss.
Suppose you already have a background of kidney stones, infections, or diseases. In that case, you should see your doctor for an evaluation and treatment of flank pain.
It is best to visit your doctor about any new or persistent flank pain if you have underlying medical issues, including diabetes, hypertension, or a weakened immune system.
Take into account the following methods to assist in reducing flank pain—
Flank tenderness refers to pain or discomfort felt on the sides of the lower back, often signaling issues with the kidneys or urinary tract. It's a key symptom doctors check when diagnosing infections, stones, or inflammation in that area.
You should be concerned about flank pain if it's severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, painful urination, blood in urine, or unexplained weight loss. These may indicate serious conditions like kidney infection, stones, or other internal issues requiring prompt medical attention.
If your flank hurts, the area on the side of your lower back, it could mean there’s a problem with your kidneys, muscles, or nearby organs—it can result from infection, kidney stones, or even muscle strain.
Yes, flank pain can definitely be muscular, especially if it starts after physical activity, heavy lifting, or awkward movement. Muscle-related pain usually feels sore or tight and may improve with rest.
Take the reins of your well-being today and visit Metro Urgent Care. We understand that discomfort, whether from flank pain or other health concerns, can disrupt your daily life. Our team of dedicated medical professionals is committed to providing timely, compassionate, and expert care to address your needs. Whether you're seeking relief from flank pain or require assistance with other health issues, trust Metro Urgent Care for prompt and reliable treatment.
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