Think back to the kidneys for back pain

Kidney failure is often symptomless at first
They are the most important detoxification organs in humans: kidneys filter toxins and degradation products from the blood and discharge them via the ureter and bladder. When they quit their service, kidney failure threatens. About 800,000 Germans have to dialysis three times a week. Only artificial blood letting allows the body to continue functioning. To prevent this from happening, patients over the age of sixty should have diabetes or hypertension, and check-in with the urologist once a year.

Back pain can also be triggered by kidneys. Image: Stasique - fotolia

Even overweight people and people whose family has already had kidney failure are part of the risk group. Anyone who fulfills any of these factors and additionally sees dull, pulling pain in the lower back, should see a doctor immediately. The pain indicates kidney problems, according to the Uro-GmbH Nordrhein, an association of established urologists.

Kidney pelvic inflammation, kidney stones and kidney failure often cause flank pain, which rarely disappears by itself. Only after the removal of a kidney stone do complaints usually subside spontaneously after a few hours. "Until then, however, afflicted suffer mostly colicky pain and spasms in the lumbar region, which are often associated with nausea and vomiting," says Dr. med. Reinhold Schaefer of the Uro GmbH the symptoms. If the stones are already too large to pass through the ureter to the outside, the doctor can smash them with the shock wave therapy. An operative procedure is usually not necessary. Also, ascended bacterial infections that cause a pyelonephritis, associated with back pain. However, home remedies do not help. In addition, kidney pain often occurs only when the kidney is already attacked. An antibiotic dose is usually effective and fast acting. If diseases such as kidney stones are abducted, there may be a slow loss of kidney function. The kidneys also fail due to inadequately controlled diabetes or hypertension as well as side effects of medication. In addition to pain, patients sometimes describe themselves as suffering from foaming or red urine and water retention in the legs. Often, kidney failure is without symptoms, so risky groups should take regular precautions to prevent it from happening.

Five tips for healthy kidneys
- Even in the evening drink: Most drink a lot during the day and little in the evening, so they do not have to go to the bathroom at night. This behavior promotes kidney stone formation. Therefore, before going to bed, have a glass of water or a cup of tea.

- Prevent: Sports such as cycling, walking or swimming helps against diabetes, hypertension and obesity - this can be favorably influenced by three risk factors.
- Correctly adjust blood sugar: The risk factor of diabetes, the family doctor minimized by a good blood sugar adjustment.

- Restrict painkillers: Never use over-the-counter painkillers.
- Kidney check with the urologist: Anyone who has an increased risk of kidney disease should go to the urologist once a year. Blood test, urine sample and ultrasound do not even hurt! (Pm)