Flank pain can sneak up on you, whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp stab, it’s your body’s way of saying something’s not right. While many people associate flank pain with pulled muscles or sleeping in an awkward position, it can sometimes signal something more serious, like a urinary tract infection (UTI). Understanding the connection between flank pain and a UTI is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Let’s break it down and explore what your body might be trying to tell you.
Flank pain refers to discomfort or pain on one or both sides of your lower back, just below the ribs and above the pelvis. It can feel like a persistent dull ache, a stabbing sensation, or a throbbing pain that worsens with movement.
The causes of flank pain vary. Sometimes it’s due to overexertion, strained muscles, or sleeping in an uncomfortable position. However, it can also be a warning sign of something more internal, such as kidney stones, infections, or inflammation.
A UTI is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Women are more prone to UTIs, but they can affect anyone at any age.
Typical symptoms of a UTI include:
But here’s the key: Flank pain isn’t usually part of a routine UTI unless the infection has reached the kidneys.
When a UTI goes untreated or is particularly aggressive, the bacteria can travel upward from the bladder into the kidneys, causing a kidney infection also known as pyelonephritis.
This is when flank pain becomes relevant.
Symptoms of a kidney infection may include:
If you're experiencing a UTI along with side or back pain, it's time to pay closer attention. Your body might be signaling a more serious condition that needs prompt care.
Not every UTI requires urgent care, but certain symptoms should never be ignored:
Delaying treatment could lead to kidney damage or more severe infections that spread to the bloodstream. If you notice these signs, it's time to consult a medical professional urgently.
If you’re dealing with symptoms that suggest a UTI or kidney infection, urgent care is often the fastest and most convenient option.
At 8-2-8 urgent care, you can expect:
Timely treatment not only helps you feel better faster but also protects your kidneys from lasting damage.
A few healthy habits can go a long way in protecting your urinary tract:
Preventing a UTI is always easier than treating one, especially when complications like kidney infections are at risk.
Flank pain and UTI symptoms might seem unrelated at first, but they can be closely connected. If you notice side pain along with common UTI symptoms, your body might be warning you about a more advanced infection. Don’t ignore the signs. Its important to seek immediate care, get relief and protect your health.
If you're experiencing side pain, burning during urination, or other UTI symptoms, 8-2-8 Urgent Care offers fast and accurate testing to get to the root of the problem. Our experienced medical team provides timely treatment to help you feel better before complications arise.
Contact us today for prompt and compassionate care. Our team will walk you through our mobile check-in from the comfort of your home. 760-216-6253.
