The Location & Symptoms of Kidney Pain

The location of kidney pain is usually isolated to the back, but the location of the pain varies for each person. Pain typically occurs on the mid or lower back, but pain can radiate across the side, upper back and other areas of the body in some people. According to the Discovery Health Channel, kidney pain can indicate and infection. However, pain in the kidneys may also indicate a more serious problem such as kidney disease, injury or stones.

Dull Pain in Upper Back

According to the Mayo Clinic, a symptom of kidney problems is a dull pain located on the upper back. The kidneys are located high on the mid-section of the back under the rib cage. The Mayo Clinic says a dull pain is usually a sign of a kidney infection. However, dull pain that continues may be a sign of a chronic problem such as kidney disease. Only a doctor can make a proper diagnosis. Other serious causes of kidney pain include kidney cancer, bleeding kidney or polycystic kidney disease.

Pain in the Groin or Testicles

According to the UK Kidney Foundation, the body experiences pain in unusual ways. A person with kidney problems can feel pain in other areas besides their back. The pain in the kidneys can be felt in the back and wrap around to the groin. A man's testicles may become large from swelling. The pain may become worse during urination. Pain in the testicles is not common, but it can happen.

Women with kidney problems may feel pain in their groin or abdomen.

Lower to Mid Back

Some people with kidney stones or underlying kidney disease also feel pain in their low to mid back. Sometimes the pain radiates around their back and to the side or front of their body. The location of the pain can also move, especially if a stone is causing the pain. The pain may start out high on the back and gradually move to the mid to lower back as the stone moves down toward the bladder.