Back pain? It could be a sign of kidney stones

Those with back pain might find it difficult to tell whether the discomfort is muscular or caused by kidney stones. (Rawpixel pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Back pain is common among working adults and is often blamed on long hours at a desk, poor posture or simple fatigue.

But in some cases, discomfort in the lower back or side may have another cause: kidney stones.

Urologist Dr S Sivaprakasam said it can be difficult for patients to distinguish between muscular pain and pain caused by stones based on location alone.

“Musculoskeletal back pain is usually triggered by movement or physical activity and often improves with rest, especially after lying down. It also tends to worsen towards the end of the day,” he said.