This is a very important question as well as a diagnosis. A lot of low back pain problems are actually not low back problems. In fact, they are Kidney problems. One of the side affects of Kidney problems is actually low lack pain. Other common complaints are:
- Kidney pain is usually sharp and severe and occurs in waves, where back pain is a more steady pain that throbs.
- A kidney stone, which does not always show signs of pain (just when they are moving) will start on the flank side of the back and move towards the groin. Where back pain generally stays in the same area and feels better with hot packs or ice.
- A Kidney infection will have high fever, nausea and vomiting and be very sensitive to the touch. Back pain will not have any of these symptoms.
Lower back pain can be just as debilitating as Kidney problems. The reasons for the pain can be related to muscular-skeletal system of the human body. This can be a disc problem that is causing a misalignment with the spine and compressing the nerve tissue.
It could be a back spasm or a pulled muscle due to standing all day or sleeping in the wrong position which caused a distortion of the pelvis.
“The bottom line is that kidney problems can often be mistaken for lower back pain because of the its location.”
Dr. James Lee of Austin Chiropractic
The kidney can cleanse itself if you consume enough amounts of fluids, which can come from foods such as fruits and vegetables as well as water and other liquids.
Water – Dr. James Lee recommends staying hydrated and keeping your urine diluted becuase important for keeping your kidneys healthy. Staying hydrated is especially important if you exercise frequently or in hot weather. In these cases you need to drink more water than usual to make up for the fluid lost by sweating.
It is important to note that if you have kidney disease, you may not need as much water, because damaged kidneys cannot get rid of extra fluid as well as they should. Depending on your stage of kidney disease and your treatment, your doctor may tell you to limit fluid consumption.
Healthy Eating
Dr. James Lee believes a balanced diet ensures you get all the minerals and vitamins your body needs. Fruits and vegetables improve your kidney function. If you suffer from kidney disease, you may have some nutritional restrictions that your doctor recommended. You may need to avoid certain foods if you have kidney damage.
Beneficial Foods Include
- Apples – apples are high in antioxidants and fiber and have anti-inflammatory compounds which can improve kidney function.
- Berries– berries are very rich in antioxidants and contain many disease fighting qualities. They help to flush out uric acid from the kidneys thus keeping them healthier. Cranberries and blueberries are the best choice, as they contain a substance that washes away the urea and uric acid from the kidneys. Also red grapes are very good for the kidneys.
- Lemon juice – you can add to your water half a cup lemon juice a day, as lemon juice helps to reduce kidney stone formation. You can also use apple cider vinegar instead of a lemon: simply mix 6 teaspoons or so in about a gallon of purified water and drink throughout the day.
- Pumpkin seeds – pumpkin seeds are very good for the kidneys as they are wonderfully rich in a number of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Pumpkin seeds can promote healthy kidney function by reducing the risk of kidney stones.
- Watermelon – watermelon contains a lot of water and also has a function of diuretic which can make people produce more urine so as to remove more wastes from the body.
Herbs and Spices
- Dandelion – dandelion leaves are one of nature’s best diuretics. They strengthen the kidneys, clearing water retention and promotes urination, and thus soothe irritations in the urinary system. Fresh or dried, all parts of the plant can be brewed into a refreshing tea that has diuretic properties.
- Ginger – ginger contains antioxidant compounds beneficial for kidney function. It also has cleansing properties and it purifies the blood and kidney of all toxins.
- Juniper – Juniper berries improve kidney function. They are used for urinary tract infections and kidney and bladder stones. Don’t take juniper berry if you have a kidney inflammation. Don’t use it continuously for more than 4 weeks, and don’t take juniper berry during pregnancy.
- Marshmallow root – the root of the marshmallow plant is a diuretic and is good for the kidneys. It helps to treat urinary problems such as urinary tract infection, kidney stones and bladder infections. Marshmallow root is considered a safe herb although it is recommended to take it several hours after taking prescription medications as it may inhibit their absorption.
- Nettle – used to benefit the blood and treat urinary tract infections. It has diuretic effect and keeps water flowing through the kidneys and bladder, washing bacteria away. Its high iron content makes it a great blood builder as well. Steep fresh or dry nettles in hot water for 10-15 minutes for a detoxifying, diuretic tea.
- Parsley – helps flush kidneys of all the toxins and is also beneficial for treating kidney stones and urinary tract infection. You can either include this food in your salad or other dishes or prepare parsley tea.
- Red clover – another diuretic herb that stimulates the removal of waste and water from the kidneys.
- Turmeric– turmeric is rich in antiseptic properties and is used to treat many ailments. It has anti-inflammatory properties so it can help prevent and treat kidney inflammation and kidney infections.
- Yarrow – yarrow not only works as a diuretic, encouraging the kidneys to expel waste and water, but it has the added benefit of containing antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. While the diuretic action increases urine flow, the antiseptic action helps fight bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections.
Other Important Facts
- Bloodpressure – maintain normal blood pressure, blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. High blood pressure can increase your risk of kidney problems.
- Maintain a proper weight – excessive weight increases your blood pressure, which is bad for your kidneys.
- Salt – salt is a mineral substance composed primarily of sodium chloride. Too much sodium can increase your blood pressure. This can damage your kidneys more and make your heart work harder. Limit how much sodium you eat.
- Smoking, Alcohol and Caffeine – avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Smoking and drinking too much alcohol means that your kidneys have to work harder to remove toxins from your blood.