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Back Pain and Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections are fairly common. They affect women more than men and can be a real hindrance on your daily life. That being said, you don't have to succumb to a UTI and the back pain that can come along with it, as numerous treatment options are available.

  1. Definition

    • A urinary tract infection is also known as a UTI and is basically an infiltration of bacteria at any point along the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, urethra and ureters. Most urinary tract infects involve the urethra and the bladder only. However, more serious infections can spread up to the ureters and the kidneys, causing severe back pain, fever, chills and even vomiting.

    Causes

    • Urinary tract infections can be caused by a variety of things. Being a woman predisposes you to this condition, because the urethra is shorter in women than in men. Bacteria can more easily travel from the anus into the urethra as well. Holding urine for too long and not emptying your bladder completely can also cause a UTI. Failing to drink enough water and drinking acidic drinks like orange juice or coffee and lead to inflammation. Sexual intercourse can force bacteria into the urethra as well.

    Back Pain

    • For some, back pain is a prominent feature of their urinary tract infections. This usually occurs once the infection has spread to the kidneys. Sufferers will notice a dull pain in the lower back as well as pain in the flanks and sides of the body. Pain may occur on one side or both and can range in severity. However, experiencing back pain along with other UTI symptoms is a signal that you need immediate medical attention.

    Other Symptoms

    • Besides back pain, urinary tract infections can produce a variety of symptoms. For instance, you may notice a painful burning sensation when you urinate, the urge to urinate frequently and with great urgency only to have a small amount of urine expelled and bloody or cloudy-looking urine. In some cases, a fever and chills will develop along with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

    Treatment

    • Treating a urinary tract infection is usually pretty straightforward. A round of antibiotics will typically do the trick. A few commonly prescribed antibiotics for this purpose include doxycycline, amoxicillin and quinolones. To encourage speedy healing, drink plenty of water and avoid eating spicy foods, drinking acidic juices, alcohol, coffee or sodas and go to the bathroom often.

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