Understanding Kidney Related Back Pain
Are you plagued by persistent back pain? It might be more than just a back issue; your kidneys could be the culprit.
About Your Kidneys
Your kidneys, a vital pair of organs, are located against the back muscles in the upper abdominal area, just below your ribcage. Each kidney is approximately the size of your fist.
The primary role of your kidneys is to filter your blood. They perform this critical function multiple times a day, removing waste products, regulating fluid balance, and maintaining electrolyte levels. As blood passes through the kidneys, waste and excess fluid are extracted, forming urine. This urine collects in the renal pelvis, travels down the ureters to the bladder, and is eventually expelled from the body via the urethra.
Remarkably, you can lose up to 90% of kidney function without experiencing any noticeable symptoms.
Kidney Referral Pain Zone
Did you know that your kidneys have the largest referral pain zone of any organ in your body?
Refer to the diagram to see the extensive area that can be affected by kidney-related pain. This large referral zone explains why kidney issues often manifest as back pain.
Understanding the significant role your kidneys play and their wide referral pain zone can help you identify potential kidney problems early. If you’re experiencing unexplained back pain, it may be worth considering a check-up to rule out any underlying kidney issues.
Is It Back Pain or Kidney Pain?
Determining whether your back pain is musculoskeletal or kidney-related can be challenging. Musculoskeletal pain, also known as somatic pain, is the most common type of back pain. This type of pain is similar to what you feel when you cut your skin, overstretch a muscle, or exercise for an extended period. Somatic pain is generally easier to pinpoint and tends to be more intense.
In contrast, pain originating from the organs, such as the kidneys, is known as visceral pain. This pain is often described as a generalized aching or squeezing sensation and is caused by compression or stretching within the organs or the abdominal cavity. Visceral pain can radiate to other areas, making it harder to identify its exact source.
If you’ve been dealing with prolonged back pain, it’s crucial to consult a physician to rule out any potential kidney issues.
Prolonged Sitting and Chronic Kidney Disease
A study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases highlights that prolonged sitting can increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study analyzed over 5,650 participants aged 40 to 75, grouping them by daily sitting time and exercise levels. The findings revealed significant gender differences:
- Men: Exercise effectively counteracted the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Men who sat less than 3 hours a day reduced their CKD risk by 15%. Regular exercise (at least 30 minutes daily) further reduced their risk by 30%.
- Women: For women, reducing sitting time was more crucial. Women who sat less than 3 hours a day saw a 30% reduction in CKD risk. However, exercise did not significantly impact the CKD risk for women.
Massage and Kidney Issues
If you suspect you have kidney issues or pain, be aware that massage therapy is contraindicated for kidney-related problems. The kidneys filter waste from your blood to produce urine. One of the benefits of massage is to help push toxins out of your muscles and into your bloodstream. However, if your kidneys are not functioning properly, this added stress can exacerbate the problem.
As a Licensed Massage Therapist, my duty is to assist in your healing process without causing harm. Therefore, I will require a written prescription from your physician stating that massage therapy is safe for you before proceeding with any treatment.
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