Lower back pain is a common issue that many people experience, but did you know that it’s not always due to muscle strain or spine problems? Sometimes, the organs within your body can be the source of that discomfort. Scroll through below to learn which organs might be responsible for causing lower back pain and how to identify the difference.

Kidneys Can Be a Major Cause of Lower Back Pain

Your kidneys, located on either side of your spine, just below your ribcage, are a frequent source of lower back pain. Kidney-related pain often feels sharp and is usually experienced on one side of your lower back, but it can spread to the entire area.

Common kidney-related conditions that cause lower back pain include:

Kidney stones: These are hard deposits of minerals that form in your kidneys. When they move, they can cause intense, sharp pain in your lower back or side, sometimes radiating to your abdomen or groin.
Kidney infections (pyelonephritis): A kidney infection typically causes dull, aching pain on one side of your lower back, along with symptoms like fever, chills, and frequent, painful urination.

How to tell if your kidneys are causing the pain: Kidney pain is usually more profound, one-sided, and often accompanied by changes in your urine (cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling), fever, or nausea. If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor right away.

Your Bladder Could Be the Source of Your Back Pain

Bladder problems, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection, can sometimes cause pain in the lower back. This pain is usually felt in the lower back area or the pelvic region and can be accompanied by a burning sensation when you urinate, increased urgency to urinate, or cloudy, foul-smelling urine.

Conditions involving the bladder that may cause lower back pain include:

Bladder infections: Pain is usually felt in the pelvic region but can extend to the lower back.
Interstitial cystitis: A chronic ailment that causes bladder pain and pressure, often radiating to the lower back.

If you suspect your bladder is causing your lower back pain, consult your physician, especially if you have symptoms like painful urination, increased frequency, or blood in your urine.

Pancreas Issues Can Lead to Lower Back Pain

The pancreas, located in your abdomen, can cause pain that radiates to your lower back. When your pancreas becomes inflamed, it’s called pancreatitis, and it can cause severe pain that might start in your upper abdomen and spread to your lower back.

Signs that pancreatitis may be causing your lower back pain include:

Pain that gets worse after eating, especially fatty meals
Nausea or vomiting
Fever or rapid pulse

Pancreatitis pain is often intense and may feel worse when you lie flat on your back. If you suspect your pancreas is involved, seek medical attention promptly.

The Intestines Can Be Linked to Lower Back Pain

Your intestines may cause lower back pain, especially if you have a condition that leads to inflammation or blockage. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, or gas buildup can create discomfort in your lower back as well as abdominal pain.

Common intestinal conditions that can cause lower back pain include:

Constipation: When stool builds up in the colon, it can create pressure, leading to lower back pain.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This condition often causes cramping, bloating, and pain that can radiate to your lower back.

If your lower back pain is accompanied by bloating, gas, or changes in your bowel habits, it’s possible that your intestines could be the culprit.

The Reproductive Organs Might Be Responsible for Lower Back Pain

For both men and women, reproductive organs can cause lower back pain. Here’s how:

For Women:

Uterus: Conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or menstrual cramps can lead to pain that radiates to the lower back.
Ovaries: Ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause lower back pain, often accompanied by pain in the pelvic area.

For Men:

Prostate: The prostate gland is located below the bladder, and issues like prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can cause pain in the lower back, groin, or pelvic area.
Testicular problems: Conditions like testicular torsion or infections can sometimes cause referred pain to the lower back.

When to suspect reproductive organs: If your lower back pain is accompanied by pelvic pain, menstrual changes, painful urination, or pain during intercourse, see a doctor to rule out reproductive organ issues.

Gallbladder Problems Can Lead to Pain That Radiates to the Lower Back

The gallbladder, located under your liver on the right side of your abdomen, can cause pain that radiates to your lower back, especially when you have gallstones or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis). This pain often begins in the upper right part of your abdomen but can spread to your lower back.

Signs of gallbladder-related pain include:

Pain that worsens after eating, especially fatty meals
Nausea or vomiting
Pain that radiates to the right shoulder or back

If you suspect your gallbladder might be the issue, see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

Your Colon Could Be the Source of Your Lower Back Pain

Problems with the colon, such as diverticulitis, can cause pain that radiates to the lower back. Diverticulitis happens when small pouches in the colon become inflamed or infected, leading to pain that typically begins in the lower left abdomen and spreads to the back.

Symptoms of diverticulitis may include:

Abdominal pain that moves to the lower back
Fever and chills
Changes in bowel habits, like constipation or diarrhea

Conclusion

While lower back pain is often linked to muscle strain or spinal problems, it can also be caused by issues with internal organs such as the kidneys, bladder, pancreas, intestines, reproductive organs, gallbladder, or colon. It’s important to pay attention to other symptoms you may be experiencing, such as changes in urination, digestion, fever, or pain in other areas, to help identify the root cause.

If you suspect that an internal organ might be causing your lower back pain, talk to your doctor. They can perform tests like blood work, imaging scans, or physical exams to pinpoint the source of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. Don’t ignore persistent or severe lower back pain—it’s always better to get checked out and find out the underlying cause.