Can a UTI Cause Back Pain? A Simple Solution Can Resolve Your Discomfort

If you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) and your symptoms have progressed from mild discomfort to pain, you may be wondering, can a UTI cause back pain? And if so, does that mean the infection is potentially more serious? 

In some cases, the answer to both of those questions is yes. 

In this article we’ll explore the connection between UTIs and back pain, consider the signs that indicate your UTI may have spread to your kidneys, and look at UTI diagnosis and treatment. 

The good news is, clearing up a UTI with antibiotics will generally help relieve back pain and other symptoms.

At Associates in Women’s Healthcare, we take a comprehensive view of your overall health. That means more than merely examining symptoms. It means taking time to get to know you as a person and address any concerns you have—even if those concerns aren’t necessarily the primary reason you scheduled an appointment. 

See why we are the leading OBGYNs in Raleigh and experience our compassionate care firsthand by scheduling an appointment.

How Can a UTI Cause Back Pain?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter your urinary tract and create inflammation in the urinary tract lining. A urinary tract infection may involve your bladder, urethra or kidneys. 

In some cases, a UTI may produce only mild symptoms and go away on its own, but most need to be treated with antibiotics. However, it’s a myth that UTIs are not serious – if left untreated, UTIs can lead to serious health problems. For example, if the infection spreads from your bladder to your kidneys, it can cause permanent kidney damage.

UTI symptoms may include:

•  Cloudy urine
• Burning sensation while urinating
• More urgent need to urinate
• Frequent need to urinate

If a UTI is causing lower back pain, however, that can be an indication that the infection has reached your kidneys.

When a UTI spreads from the bladder to the kidneys, the inflammation and infection of the kidneys often leads to pain in the lower back region and sometimes in the abdomen and pelvic area. When a UTI progresses to the kidneys, it’s known as pyelonephritis. 

Can a UTI Spread to Your Kidneys?

A UTI is an infection in your urinary system, which can affect your kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. A bladder infection, also known as cystitis, is an infection that makes its way to your bladder, and is the most common type of UTI. 

Though not all UTIs become bladder infections, getting treatment quickly can help prevent an infection from spreading to other parts of your urinary tract. 

If left untreated, a UTI can move from your bladder to your kidneys, and has the potential to lead to more serious health problems such as a kidney infection, and in severe cases, permanent kidney damage. 

Your annual wellness exam is a great time to discuss your health concerns with us. If you believe you have a kidney infection or other type of UTI, we’ll work with you to schedule an appointment so you can get in to see us as soon as possible. 

Kidney infections and other UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics. 

Is Kidney Infection a Type of UTI?

Yes, a kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a type of UTI that affects the kidneys. The infection often starts in the bladder and moves to one or both kidneys, and is more serious than a bladder infection or other lower urinary tract infections. 

Signs That Your UTI Has Spread to Your Kidneys

Symptoms of a UTI that has spread to your kidneys may include:

• Back pain
• Pain in the side or groin area
• Chills, shaking or night sweats
• Fatigue 
• Nausea and vomiting
• High fever
• Severe abdominal pain in some cases 
• In older adults, symptoms including confusion and decreased mental function may be the only signs of a UTI

UTI Diagnosis and Treatment

Talk to us  if you believe you have a urinary tract infection. We can discuss your symptoms with you and suggest next steps including tests to confirm a diagnosis and the best treatment options. 

In most cases, you’ll provide a urine sample for either:

•  A urinalysis test, which checks for abnormalities in the urine.
• A urine culture, which identifies the bacteria present causing the infection. 

Depending on your symptoms, we may also recommend additional tests to check for other problems in your urinary system.

Treatment typically involves a short course of antibiotics. We will determine the best antibiotic or other treatment option for you based on the type and severity of the infection and the bacteria that caused it. 

Always complete the full course of medication even if you begin to feel better or your symptoms disappear, otherwise, the infection may return.

Bladder infection symptoms usually go away within a couple of days of beginning treatment; if you have a kidney infection, it may take one week or longer for symptoms to resolve.

Associates In Women’s Healthcare: Your Home for UTI Diagnosis and Treatment

While the discomfort caused by a UTI is certainly inconvenient, in some cases a urinary tract infection can be more serious than that. If left untreated, a UTI has the potential to lead to a kidney infection or other complications. If you’ve reached the stage where you’re experiencing back pain, please reach out to us, as back pain may be a sign that the UTI has spread to your kidneys. 

We’ve helped hundreds of patients heal and recover from UTIs. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, usually involving antibiotics, your symptoms should go away within a few days. Please contact us for an appointment so we can start an appropriate treatment tailored for you.

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.

Sources:

1. Cleveland Clinic, “Urinary Tract Infections,”
   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections
2. Cleveland Clinic,  “Chronic Kidney Disease,” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15096-chronic-kidney-disease
3. University of Pennsylvania, “Urinary Tract Infection,”
   https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/urinary-tract-infection