Yes, kidney pain in the back area (flank pain) can occur with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) as kidneys become moderately damaged, but it's not always present and can be subtle, often alongside symptoms like fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination; other causes of back pain must be ruled out by a doctor.
You feel kidney pain near the middle of your back, just under your ribcage, on each side of your spine where your kidneys are. Your kidneys are part of the urinary tract, the organs that make and remove urine from the body. (pee). You may feel kidney pain on one or both sides of your back.
Kidney pain strikes below the rib cage on either side of the spine and can feel like it is coming from deep inside the body. It's common to feel pain on one or both sides of the body, depending on whether the trouble is in one or both of these bean-shaped organs.
It is a cascade of events involving platelets and other clotting factors. These factors are produced in the bone marrow, liver and the result of adequate nutritional intake. Easy bruising is the result of any abnormality in this process. Ecchymosis is a common issue in kidney patients.
Generally, earlier stages are known as 1 to 3. And as kidney disease progresses, you may notice the following symptoms. Nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, urinating either too much or too little.
Fluid retention, swelling (edema) of extremities and shortness of breath: Urination changes (foamy; dark orange, brown, tea-colored or red if it contains blood; and urinating more or less than normal) Kidney pain felt in their back. Sleep problems due to muscle cramps or restless legs.
You can check kidney function at home using at-home test kits for urine (detecting protein/albumin) or finger-prick blood tests (checking creatinine/eGFR), often with smartphone apps for analysis, or by monitoring symptoms like increased nighttime urination (nocturia), swelling, or changes in urine (blood, foam) and discussing results with a doctor, as home tests screen but don't replace professional diagnosis.
Later stages of CKD
Symptoms can include: weight loss and poor appetite. swollen ankles, feet or hands – as a result of water retention (oedema) shortness of breath.
Kidney pain is usually deeper, higher up under the ribs on the sides (flank), constant, and may come with fever, chills, nausea, or urinary changes; while general back pain is often lower, more superficial (muscles/spine), changes with movement, and may improve with rest, but watch for radiating pain down the leg (sciatica) or numbness.
CKD Symptoms at Stages 3 and 4
Higher blood pressure. Changes in urination habits, peeing more or less than normal. Kidney pain felt in the back.
Dull or sharp pain in the low back (often confused for kidney pain) is more likely due to a muscle pull, spinal issue, such as sciatica, or an injury. Kidney pain is usually felt higher up in the back and very rarely that low.
What are the most common causes of kidney pain?
Call your health care provider right away if you feel constant, dull, one-sided pain in your back or side. Ask for a same-day appointment if you also: Have fever, body aches and fatigue. Had a recent urinary tract infection.
1. Less Energy or Trouble Concentrating. A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause people to feel tired or weak and can make it hard to concentrate.
Stage 3b CKD means moderate to severe kidney function loss. Symptoms include fatigue, swelling, and nausea. Regular checkups and lifestyle changes can help manage it.
Edema is swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues. It can affect different body parts, including your legs, ankles, feet, face, and hands. While edema can happen for many reasons, it is a common symptom of kidney disease, especially in the legs, feet, and around the eyes.
When your kidneys aren't working well, they can allow protein to leak out into your urine — a phenomenon known as proteinuria. With lower protein levels in your body, fluid can build up around your eyes. This causes puffy, swollen eyes that don't go away.
Sleep disorders, are common in people with chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease. In addition to insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing, excessive sleepiness, and restless leg syndrome many have a high incidence of sleep apnea and periodic limb movements in sleep.
A Japanese study of just under a million deaths over 41 years found a clear link between lower temperatures and deaths from kidney disease. People with CKD often feel the cold more as many have anaemia due to low iron levels.
Kidney pain location: Usually in the flank, which is on either side of your spine between the rib cage and hips. It may also arise in the side, abdomen, or lower back, typically on one side, but potentially on both. Type of pain: Dull, sharp, or radiating.
Minuteful Kidney is a NHS funded service that enables patients to conduct their annual NICE recommended albumin-to-creatinine (ACR) urine test at home, using a smartphone app and test kit sent directly to them on behalf of their GP practice.