Yes, UTIs can definitely cause lower back pain or side pain, and this symptom often indicates the infection has spread beyond the bladder to involve the kidneys—a condition called pyelonephritis or kidney infection.
When a UTI is confined to the bladder (cystitis), you typically experience symptoms like burning during urination, frequency, and pelvic pressure. However, when bacteria travel up the ureters to the kidneys, new symptoms emerge, with back and side pain being prominent warning signs.
Kidney infection characteristics:
- Location: Usually felt in the lower back, sides (flanks), or just below the rib cage
- Quality: Often described as deep, aching, or throbbing pain
- Intensity: Can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain
- Pattern: May be constant or come in waves
- Timing: Often worsens when moving or changing positions
The kidneys are located in the back of the abdomen, just below the rib cage on either side of the spine, which explains why kidney infections cause back and flank pain. The pain occurs because infected kidneys become swollen and tender.
Additional symptoms that accompany kidney infections include:
- High fever (often over 101°F) and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and general malaise
- All the typical UTI symptoms (burning, frequency, urgency)
Why kidney infections require urgent treatment: Unlike simple bladder infections, kidney infections can lead to serious complications including kidney damage, blood poisoning (sepsis), and in severe cases, life-threatening illness. They typically require stronger antibiotics and sometimes hospitalization.
When to seek immediate medical attention:
- Back or side pain with UTI symptoms
- High fever with UTI symptoms
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Symptoms that worsen despite treatment
If you’re experiencing back or side pain along with UTI symptoms, ChatRx can help assess your condition and determine if you need urgent medical evaluation for a possible kidney infection.
