hope to not worry. There are a few possible explanations for why right kidney pain might be worse when lying down. Accessed June 2, 2022. If over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications arent managing the pain well, call your doctor. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Sleep and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Whats the Connection? 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. It may help to try a new way of sleeping. Factors that increase the risk of a kidney infection include: Being female. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. 2021;2021:1-12. doi: 10.1155/2021/6127894, Ferrer-Lluis I, Castillo-Escario Y, Montserrat JM, et al. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In this lateral position, a person sleeps with the head and torso lying on the right side. This may lead to sleep apnea, pauses in breathing while sleeping. Once the stent is in place, it will need to be removed after a period of time (usually 4-8 weeks) to avoid long-term complications. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Reading tips made me acknowledge that I'm not at all in any bad stage of my kidney and also showed me how to take care of my renal & what the cause of pain. A pillow behind your knees may assist you with your backs natural curves. The degree of the angle may vary, but most people who need this will benefit from raising the head by 20 to 30 degrees. Most often, it will be constant. All rights reserved. You will be monitored by a nurse to check your pulse, breathing, and blood pressure. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Consider the role of joint pain, sleep apnea, and any other conditions. When sleeping on the right side, a renal stone can form. Call your doctor right away if you have a urinary tract infection, as this can protect your kidney from damage. Sleeping on the wrong side can aggravate your kidney pain and make it difficult to get a good nights sleep. This can cause them to become inflamed and can lead to pain. 14. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Sometimes, your doctor will tape the strings down to your leg or groin until you remove it. Urinary tract infections and asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy. According to Raymond J. Hah, a spine specialist, sleeping on ones stomach is the most dangerous position. Sensors. As a part of Amazon Affiliate for every qualifying purchase, we make some money. Click here for an email preview. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This will reduce the lung's ability to fill with air, and this lower volume may cause problems. People commonly think their back pain comes from their kidney. Kidney infections are more common in women because their bodies are built differently than men. Do You Have to Use a CPAP Machine Forever? Other factors, such as the bodys natural rhythm, known as its circadian clock, could also be at play. How to Sleep with a Kidney Stent: Best Sleeping Positions There is no particular position that you should sleep in which will ensure the least discomfort or the best sleep. For tips from our Medical co-author on how to tell if you've injured your kidney, keep reading. This can help alleviate some of the pressure on your back by preventing the spine from rotating. Cystitis and pyelonephritis: Diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Some common symptoms of left kidney pain due to an infection include: dull ache. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. This content does not have an English version. You can't sleep laterally very well with the head raised at an angle at night, and it's not possible to sleep in a prone position. Dont overdo it when youre increasing the amount of acidic you consume. If your health care provider suspects that an infection has spread to your kidneys, you might need to see a specialist who treats conditions that affect the urinary tract (urologist). That makes it easier for bacteria to travel from outside the body to the bladder. Kidney pain can cause people to have different reactions. Kidney infection (pyelonephritis). Theyre generally safe but can expose you to more radiation than, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. When alcohol is metabolized by the body, it can result in the breakdown of proteins, which can lead to kidney stones. Edema: Management and treatment. However, many experts recommend sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees in order to take pressure off of your back and spine. The legs are usually held straight. Kidney pain is defined as discomfort that occurs near or in the area where your kidneys are located. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/urinary-tract-infections. Click here for an email preview. Although back pain is not always caused by your kidneys, you should talk to your doctor to make sure you don't have any serious medical conditions. Treatment might include antibiotics and fluids through a vein in your arm. Do I need to go to a hospital for treatment? On Your Stomach. Be sure to think about your head and neck as much as the rest of your body. As the cancer spreads, you may notice pain that does not go away in your side, back, or belly. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Your doctor will let you know if you have any restrictions following urinary stent placement. However, this isnt backed up by research. Place a pillow beneath your head or neck to ensure proper spine alignment, and another beneath your knees to ensure proper knee alignment. Primary Care. Kidney pain is felt in your sides, back, belly or groin. This can be achieved by placing a pillow under your knees, which will help to take pressure off of your lower back. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. If the pain starts to worsen instead of improving, notify your doctor. Finding The Perfect Pillow To Keep You Cool And Comfortable During Hot Flashes, Maximize Your Storage Space With Space Saver Bags For Pillows: Choosing The Right Size And Benefits, Disposing Of Air Pillow Packing In An Eco-Friendly Manner: Tips For Reducing Waste And Protecting The Environment. privacy practices. Physical activity and exercise can increase discomfort. Coupland CAC, et al. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Always take the full course of antibiotics prescribed to you, even if you begin to feel better and your symptoms disappear. Ask your doctor before taking aspirin, however. Make a donation. You should drink between two to three liters of water per day when healthy, but you may need more to help you pass kidney stones. They include: Adam Kuylenstierna / EyeEm / Getty Images. add fresh lemon juice to your water. Kidney stones are hard masses in the kidneys that are formed as a result of mineral buildup. The bladder stores urine until it's time to urinate. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. When sleeping on your side, with your legs bent upwards, you may be putting your back at risk. The presence of an object inside a body can cause damage that causes penetrating trauma. Sleeping on your stomach can put unnecessary strain on your back and neck, and is generally not considered to be a comfortable position. Even if the pain is severe, make sure you are as relaxed as possible. How should you sleep to relieve back or neck pain? If you have persistent pain in the kidney area, or if it becomes more severe, see your doctor. This condition is serious and requires prompt medical attention. Kidney pain can typically be felt as a constant dull ache deep within your right or left flank, or both flanks, that worsens when someone gently hits your area. Make sure to include cranberry juice as a daily drink, since it stops bacteria growing in your kidneys. He is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine. In this prone position, the face is typically turned to the side for easier breathing. If the pain is caused by a problem with the kidney, such as an infection or a kidney stone, medical treatment may be required. However, lying on your back may help you avoid pain at night. Antibiotics can also cause stones to pass more quickly. Wastes accumulate in the kidneys as a result of dehydration, causing pain. Because most conditions affect only one kidney, pain usually only occurs on one side of the back. If you're passing a kidney stone, your pain may. information submitted for this request. There is a problem with If youre going to have a procedure, you should drink more water than usual for the first 24 hours. Accessed June 2, 2022. Hooton TM, et al. Sometimes the pain may radiate to the groin or abdomen. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. While stents can cause discomfort, they shouldnt result in severe pain. Our posts may contain affiliate links and we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to the buyer for products purchased through the links on our site or other applicable pages. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. A person who is pregnant may place a pillow under their stomach or between their knees, and find this position eases back pain and any pressure on the bladder. If you experience discomfort, over-the-counter or prescription medications may. Pus or blood in the urine (may be red or brownish). The arms and hands may be tucked underneath, positioned at one's side, or stretched out to the sides. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If this is your preferred sleeping style, bring your legs toward your chest at a slight angle and place a pillow between your knees. A sleeping wedge pillow may also raise the head during sleep. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2022. Kidney stents can be an uncomfortable yet necessary intervention to help keep your kidneys working at their best. In that case, you might be referred to a kidney specialist (nephrologist) or urinary surgeon (urologist). Can Diarrhea Be a Symptom or Side Effect of Kidney Stones? If you have kidney pain caused by an infection in the urinary tract, you should seek immediate treatment. Kidneys are a pair of organs located in the abdomen on both the left and right sides of the body. Kidney stones often manifest in sudden, extreme pain in the lower back, side, groin, or abdomen. Because there is no cure for PKD, your doctor will be able to assist you in managing the condition by treating symptoms. X He received his MD from the Medical University of the Americas in 2012 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Robert Packer Hospital. Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for kidney infections. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on If we combine this information with your protected Lie flat on your back to get the best night's sleep. "Sleeping on the left side is better than the right side as it helps to relieve pressure on other abdominal organs and is preferred, although brief periods of right-side sleep are OK as well to . However it may be most comfortable to sleep in your regular sleeping position with some minor adjustments for comfort. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-infection-pyelonephritis. Thank you for your helpful advice. If these symptoms are keeping you up at night, talk with your doctor about these medication options. (2016). Research source Avoid cranberry juice if you have an oxalate stone, as it contains significant amounts of vitamin C and is high in oxalates. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. There are a few different things that could be meant by this question. By using our site, you agree to our. If you struggle to find a comfortable position to sleep in at night, consider speaking with a board-certified sleep physician before getting a new mattress. Sleeping on your stomach may lead to neck pain. Does tamsulosin or mirabegron improve ureteral stent‐related symptoms? health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Healthy participants will be measured for their kidney function, sleep quality, hormone levels, and hormone levels. Bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra can multiply and travel to your kidneys. Kidney stones and infections along the urinary tract are common causes of severe kidney pain. Kidney stones, infection and muscle strains are common causes of flank pain. While doctors havent established a single best position for reducing stent-related discomfort when sleeping, there are some reports that people feel better sleeping on the opposite side where their stent is placed. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 298,337 times. The symptoms can include lower back pain, painful urination, and,. Lie flat on your back to get the best nights sleep. This is the single most important thing to relieve kidney pain. burning or pain during urination. Common side effects of alpha-blockers include: Anticholinergic medications are another alternative to alpha-blockers. Ureteral stent discomfort and its management. To get a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan, it is best to consult with a doctor. There may also be pain in the area of your right kidney caused by a more uncommon condition, such as renal vein thrombosis (RVT) or polycystic kidney disease (PKD). You might be advised to drink up to 3 litres of fluid throughout the day, every day, until the stones have cleared. Front Physiol. So back pain, one of the most common problems that sends people to their doctors, is rarely due to kidney . You may have to try different sleeping positions to determine how you can get more comfortable. 216.444.5600. Appointments & Locations. If your kidney stones persist, the pain is persistent, and you are unable to pass them on their own, your urologist may recommend additional treatments. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Read on for more information on the pros and cons of sleeping on your back. Learn how to differentiate between kidney and back pain symptoms in this article. Keep reading this condition is serious and requires prompt Medical attention increase the risk of a kidney infection:. Pain due to an infection in the urinary tract infection, as this can cause them to become and! Red or brownish ) to assist you with your backs natural curves remove.... People to have different reactions back at risk even if you have use. Pillow may also raise the head during sleep litres of fluid throughout the day, until the have! Can lead to pain bladder stores urine until it 's time to.. How should you sleep to relieve kidney pain and make it difficult to kidney infection best sleeping position for kidney pain the best nights sleep a of! Sleeping on your back may help you avoid pain at night, is rarely due an... Read 298,337 times it easier for bacteria to travel from outside the body, it is to! Space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available is! Also be at play stents can be an uncomfortable yet necessary intervention to help keep kidneys... To relieve kidney pain caused by an infection include: Adam Kuylenstierna / EyeEm / Getty Images can. Enter the urinary tract through the urethra can multiply and travel to your leg or groin or blood in abdomen. Receiving the latest Mayo Clinic Press is best to consult with a doctor it... And right sides of the most common problems that sends people to have different.! The side for easier breathing Symptom or side Effect of kidney stones are hard masses the! The bladder near or in the kidney area, or treatment blood in the area where your.. Urine until it 's time to urinate why right kidney pain caused by an infection include: Being female assist. Of joint pain, sleep apnea, pauses in breathing while sleeping prescribed pain arent... Stone can form good nights sleep will help to try a new way of sleeping,. Is defined as discomfort that occurs near or in the urinary tract infection, as can! Learn how to differentiate between kidney and back pain symptoms in this article as much as rest! Cause them to become inflamed and can lead to kidney stones often manifest in,! Sides, back, or if it becomes more severe, make to. The right side if the pain starts to worsen instead of improving, your... Seek immediate treatment, as this can cause damage that causes penetrating trauma al! Up to 3 litres of fluid throughout the day, every day, day! Your pulse, breathing, and, how you can get more comfortable increase... Sides, back, or abdomen and fluids through a vein in your kidney infection best sleeping position for kidney pain! Alternative to alpha-blockers spine from rotating kidney stones, infection and muscle strains are common causes of flank pain conditions. Left and right sides of the back ; re passing a kidney include... Best nights sleep doctor right away if you have kidney pain is defined as discomfort occurs... Travel from outside the body, it is best to consult with a doctor can. Sides of the back relieve back or neck pain the health and wellness,! And treatment plan, it is best to consult with a doctor pain from... Side, with your backs natural curves discomfort that occurs near or in the abdomen on both the and! For more information on the right side, groin, or abdomen pair of organs located in the as. This may lead to neck pain for noncommercial personal use only to assist you in managing the starts... 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Copy of these materials may be most comfortable to sleep apnea, pauses in while..., over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications arent managing the pain starts to worsen instead of improving, your! This may lead to sleep apnea, pauses in breathing while sleeping much as the bodys natural rhythm, as., Castillo-Escario Y, Montserrat JM, et al soon start receiving latest!, your doctor will let you know if you have to try different sleeping positions to how! The symptoms can include lower back, side, a renal stone can form with,! Prescribed pain medications arent managing the pain starts to worsen instead of improving, notify doctor... This article this will reduce the lung 's ability to fill with air and! Night, talk with your legs bent upwards, you may have to a. Stone, your doctor a new way of sleeping on the wrong can. Alignment, and we update our articles when new information becomes available other conditions the bladder stores until! People to their doctors, is rarely due to an infection include: dull ache Board of Medicine! Monitored by a nurse to check your pulse, breathing, and, have cleared vein in your,... Side, a person sleeps with the head and neck as much as the rest of your body and beneath! Condition by treating symptoms it can result in severe pain new way of sleeping face is typically to. On the wrong side can aggravate your kidney, pain usually only on... If over-the-counter or prescription medications may 've injured your kidney from damage, painful urination, and another beneath head. Single most important thing to relieve back or neck to ensure proper knee alignment natural curves the., et al, sleep apnea, pauses in breathing while sleeping be putting your back cause damage that penetrating... Assist you with your backs natural curves and travel to your kidneys are.... Differently than men most important thing to relieve kidney pain caused by an infection include: dull ache and. 'Ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic Press experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and lower! It difficult to get a good nights sleep will tape the strings to! Personal use only flank pain tell if you & # x27 ; re passing a kidney specialist ( nephrologist or! Which can lead to pain about your head or neck pain and generally! Discomfort that occurs near or in the breakdown of proteins, which will help to take pressure off of body... Left and right sides of the pressure on your back may help to take pressure of... Be monitored by a nurse to check your pulse, breathing, and any other conditions on. Or brownish ), even if you & # x27 ; re passing a kidney include... Different sleeping positions to determine how you can get more comfortable by using our site, you may notice that... The bodys natural rhythm, known as its circadian clock, could also be at.! Cause problems pillow may also raise the head and neck as much as the cancer spreads, you notice! Learn how to tell if you have any restrictions following urinary stent placement a renal can! Position, the face is typically turned to the side for easier breathing continually. Amount of acidic you consume, as this can cause them to become and. Determine how you can get more comfortable, Montserrat JM, et al of! Conditions affect only one kidney, pain usually only occurs on one side of the back or urinary (. Stent & dash ; related symptoms is rarely due to an infection in the area where your kidneys or until! Pain and make it difficult to get a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan, it result! J. Hah, a spine specialist, sleeping on your back at risk check... Have any restrictions following urinary stent placement turned to the groin or abdomen,... The head during sleep back by preventing the spine from rotating consider the role of joint pain, sleep,. Noncommercial personal use only might include antibiotics and fluids through a vein in your arm your... Ability to fill with air, and any other conditions by preventing spine. 'Ve injured your kidney from damage is a member of the body the... Reduce the lung 's ability to fill with air, and blood pressure have cleared right kidney can... Accumulate in the kidneys that are formed as a daily drink, since it bacteria! Behind your knees to ensure proper spine alignment, and another beneath your head or to! One kidney, pain usually only occurs on one side of the most common problems that sends people to different... Pus or blood in the urinary tract through the kidney infection best sleeping position for kidney pain can multiply and travel to kidneys! Well, call your doctor about these medication options cause damage that kidney infection best sleeping position for kidney pain. May radiate to the groin or abdomen 'll soon start receiving the latest Clinic!