The Kidneys and Low Back Pain

Many people are not aware of the fact that one of the most common causes of low back pain is kidney stress.  This type of back pain is characterized by stiffness, usually worse, first thing in the morning.  There may also be some sharp pains that are often experienced when leaning forward from the waist (lumbar flexion) and/or when twisting from your waist (rotation).

How does this happen?  – When the kidneys become stressed, the nerve that innervates them gets “irritated”.  That same nerve supplies the quadratus lumborum muscles.  These are the muscles that go from the bottom of your rib cage to the top of the iliac crest, (hipbone).  If you press on either of these locations, it is common to feel pain. If you experience sharp pain in your lower back, near the top of your hipbone, the source may be your kidneys.

What stresses the kidneys?  The following is a non-inclusive list of common stressors.

1.   Diet – One of the big offenders is milk and other dairy products.

2.   Dehydration – The kidneys require water for optimal functioning – The amount of water your body needs varies, depending on your body size. *(See note below) 3.   Allergies – When the pollen count is highest, I see more of this type of back pain.  Undigested pollens (or anything else) are molecules that are too big for the kidneys to pass and it stresses them to try.4.   Nutritional needs – The kidneys, like other organs, have nutritional requirements.  Some are vitamin A, vitamin D, amino acids, and fatty acids. Spinach and asparagus are a good foods for your kidneys, as are mung beans and aduki beans. Some helpful herbs are mullein, parsley, and alfalfa.

5.   Digestive incompetencies – Again, anything not digested can stress the kidneys.  Undigested sugar is a common offender.  The answer is appropriate digestive enzymes and dietary modifications.

Structural work focuses on calming down the muscles in spasm. Cold laser treatment over the kidneys and also on specific kidney acupuncture points, can bring a sense of relief. Adjustments at specific points in your back also works. 

Applying heat, with hot packs or a heating pad, can help.  Be sure to avoid anything cold, including iced drinks.  We’ve also found certain Chinese herbs very helpful in restoring the kidneys to health. 

So, if you’ve been suffering from back pain, it could be your kidneys at the source of your problem.  If you make the lifestyle changes recommended above and your pain continues, be sure to give us a call to schedule a visit, or a phone consultation. Why continue to suffer when natural remedies are so close at hand?  Our motto is to find and treat the source of the problem, instead of just masking the symptoms. 

*For the adequate amount of water you should drink: The rule of thumb is to drink the number of ounces that is equal to half of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, your body needs 80 ounces of water a day, if you weigh 120 pounds, you’ll need 60 ounces, 180 pounds, 90 ounces, etc.  

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