Back pain stems from various causes such as muscle strain, poor posture, injury, or spinal conditions. The pain intensity varies widely, ranging from dull and persistent to severe and sudden, depending on the underlying cause.

According to doctor Vu Xuan Manh, from the Urology - Andrology Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, lower back pain can also indicate certain kidney and urinary tract conditions like stones, infections, or urinary tract obstruction. If not detected and treated appropriately, some conditions may lead to hydronephrosis, severe infection, impaired kidney function, or even life-threatening sepsis if the infection spreads to the bloodstream.

Doctor Manh highlights specific characteristics of back pain and accompanying symptoms that suggest urinary tract disease.

Severe, colicky pain radiating to the groin

Pain from ureteral stones typically appears suddenly and severely in the lower back or flank, potentially radiating to the lower abdomen, groin, or genitals. Patients often experience restlessness, struggling to find a comfortable position. The pain may occur in waves as the stone moves through the ureter.

Depending on the stone's location and the degree of obstruction, patients may also experience painful urination, frequent urination, blood in the urine, nausea, or vomiting. When a stone obstructs urine flow, pressure in the urinary tract increases, which over time can lead to hydronephrosis and affect kidney function. If obstruction is accompanied by infection, the risk of severe complications rises.

Doctor Manh examines a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Back pain accompanied by fever and chills

Lower back pain accompanied by fever and chills may signal pyelonephritis, a form of upper urinary tract infection. Patients may also experience painful urination, frequent urination, cloudy urine, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting. The pain is typically located in the lower back, potentially on one or both sides.

This condition requires attention, especially when infection occurs alongside obstruction due to stones or urinary tract abnormalities. Without timely treatment, bacteria can spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis and becoming life-threatening.

Dull pain with changes in urine volume

Some cases of urinary tract obstruction can cause dull lower back pain due to urine retention above the point of blockage. Patients may notice a reduced urine output, difficulty urinating, or changes in their urination habits. Prolonged fluid retention can increase pressure on the kidneys and impair their function.

However, back pain with reduced urine output is not always due to urinary obstruction. Dehydration, certain kidney diseases, or other systemic conditions can also decrease urine volume. If the condition persists or noticeable urinary abnormalities appear, patients should seek medical evaluation to determine the cause.

Back pain with blood in urine

Blood in the urine can appear when the urinary tract is damaged by stones, infection, or other conditions. When accompanied by lower back pain, patients should seek medical attention to find the cause, rather than assuming it's merely a result of physical activity or injury.

However, blood in the urine does not always cause pain, nor should it be automatically assumed to be due to kidney stones. Depending on the case, doctors may order urine tests, ultrasound, or other imaging diagnostics to examine the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

Doctor Manh advises individuals experiencing persistent, recurrent back pain of unknown cause, or accompanied by urinary abnormalities, to seek medical evaluation to identify the source. Particularly, sudden severe pain, pain with fever and chills, severe vomiting, blood in the urine, or very low urine output require early assessment, as some urinary tract diseases can cause obstruction, infection, and impair kidney function if treatment is delayed.

By Thu Giang