A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter and multiply within any part of the urinary system. This system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. While many UTIs affect the lower urinary tract, such as the bladder or urethra, the infection can sometimes progress. Back pain can be a symptom of a UTI, especially when the infection has spread to the kidneys.
How UTIs Lead to Back Pain
A urinary tract infection typically begins in the lower urinary tract, often involving the urethra or bladder. Bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), can enter the urethra and ascend into the bladder. If this bladder infection is not effectively treated, the bacteria may continue to travel upwards. They move through the ureters, which are tubes connecting the bladder to the kidneys, reaching one or both kidneys.
When the infection reaches the kidneys, it is termed pyelonephritis. The kidneys are located in the flank area, situated on either side of the spine, just beneath the rib cage. Inflammation and swelling of the kidney tissue due to the bacterial infection can cause pain in this region. Not all UTIs result in back pain; this specific symptom usually indicates the infection has advanced to the kidneys.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
Recognizing the symptoms of a UTI, particularly when back pain is present, is important. Initial signs of a lower UTI often include a frequent and urgent need to urinate, even if only small amounts are passed. Individuals may also experience a burning sensation during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and discomfort in the pelvic area. These symptoms can signal a bladder infection that requires attention.
Back pain associated with a kidney infection has distinct characteristics. This pain is commonly felt in the flank area, which is the side and upper back region, just above the hips and below the ribs. It can range from a dull ache to a more intense throbbing pain and may affect one or both sides. Unlike muscle strains, kidney pain often feels constant and may not improve with changes in position or rest. Accompanying systemic symptoms often include fever, chills, nausea, and sometimes vomiting, indicating a more widespread bodily response to the infection.
When to Seek Care and Treatment
Prompt medical attention is important if symptoms suggest a kidney infection, especially if back pain is present. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious health issues. A healthcare provider will typically perform a physical examination and may request a urine sample. A urinalysis can detect signs of infection like white blood cells or blood in the urine, while a urine culture identifies the specific bacteria causing the infection and determines which antibiotics will be most effective.
Treatment for kidney infections usually involves a course of antibiotics. The type and duration of antibiotics will depend on the severity of the infection and the identified bacteria. It is important to complete the prescribed course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve quickly, to ensure the infection is fully cleared. Untreated kidney infections can lead to serious complications such as permanent kidney damage, chronic kidney disease, or the infection spreading to the bloodstream, a life-threatening condition known as sepsis.