Is lower back pain a kidney problem?

Patient's question:

2-sided lower back pain. Woke up multiple times at night to urinate. X-ray of the lower abdomen showed no abnormal issues.

Doctor's answer:

Hello! Common Causes of Lower Back Pain in Women
Lower back pain refers to a symptom of pain on one or both sides of the lower back that extends to the spine. It affects both men and women, but is more common in women. Statistics show that approximately 10% of patients visiting gynecological clinics primarily complain of lower back pain. The common causes include the following:
1. Muscle Strain in the Lower Back
Women who work long hours standing, such as in textiles, printing, hairdressing, or retail, may experience lower back pain due to prolonged standing. This weakens the flexibility of tendons and ligaments in the lower back, leading to excessive lactic acid accumulation and inhibiting normal muscle metabolism. This can result in lower back pain caused by muscle strain. Additionally, frequently carrying heavy loads can overburden the lower back, leading to spinal curvature and muscle strain, which may cause lower back pain.
2. Urinary Tract Infections
Due to the short and straight nature of the female urethra, combined with its proximity to the anus where (E. coli) often resides, women have a higher risk of urethral contamination. Poor hygiene can easily lead to urinary tract infections. Lower back pain is often caused by acute or chronic pyelonephritis, presenting as a (swollen and aching) sensation in the lower back, which may radiate to the perineum via the ureters in severe cases. Besides urinary tract infections, conditions like urinary tract stones or tuberculosis can also cause lower back pain.
3. Reproductive Organ Diseases
Women’s reproductive organs undergo approximately 400 menstrual cycles over their lifetime and are responsible for pregnancy and childbirth. Some women may also experience miscarriages or undergo sterilization procedures. As a result, reproductive organ inflammation, such as salpingitis or pelvic inflammatory disease, is relatively common. These infections can easily lead to lower back pain. Additionally, conditions like retroverted or retroflexed uterus, uterine fibroids, cervical cancer, or ovarian cysts can cause compressive or traction-related lower back pain.
4. Chilling and Trauma
Women with rheumatoid or rheumatoid arthritis often develop lower back pain due to exposure to wind, dampness, or cold during menstruation, childbirth, or postpartum. This can lead to spinal osteophytes (bone spurs) and trigger lower back pain. If the lower back has been sprained, it may progress to disc herniation, causing severe lower back pain and potentially impairing spinal flexion and rotation.
5. Pregnancy and Postpartum Strain
During pregnancy, as the fetus grows, the ligaments of the lumbar-sacral and pelvic joints loosen, while the weight of the uterus increases with gestational age, shifting the body’s center of gravity forward. To maintain balance, the lower back tends to arch forward. Lack of rest can easily cause lower back pain. Adequate calcium and phosphorus are essential for fetal development, and insufficient intake in the diet may lead to softening and demineralization of the mother’s bones, resulting in lower back pain. Excessive bleeding during postpartum, early or excessive physical labor, or exposure to cold can also cause lower back pain.
6. Lumbar Spine Conditions
These are more common in elderly women. As age increases, the symptoms of lumbar nerve compression also rise. Degenerative spondylolisthesis (a pseudo-spondylolisthesis caused by degenerative changes) is a relatively common condition that can lead to lumbar spinal stenosis, compressing the spinal cord and nerve roots, resulting in lower back pain and radiating pain in the legs. This is often due to vertebral collapse caused by osteoporosis. In older adults, bone spurs can cause spinal stiffness and persistent lower back pain. Additionally, women in menopause may experience lower back pain due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which is typically worse in the morning but improves after movement. Other factors like irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, or emotional crises can also contribute to lower back pain.
It is recommended to identify the underlying cause before undergoing treatment!