Where are your Kidneys?

We all learned human anatomy in our school days and not only were we taught the purpose and function of each organ that is there in the body, but we were also taught their location as well. 

Kidneys are one such really vital part of the human body, and it is important to know where they are located. Growing up, we have steadily forgotten most of the learning that we have accumulated during science class. So, it is no wonder that as adults we look for an answer to this basic question that ‘ where are your kidneys in your body.'

Where Are Your Kidneys Located In Your Body?

Your kidneys are one of the most important organs in the human body. Most of the people are born with two functional kidneys, each of them are bean-shaped and are on each side of the middle back. They are located just below the rib cage in the back of your abdomen under your liver. The kidneys perform a very vital function for the body that is to filter blood and to produce urine. It is all thanks to them that toxic does not get accumulated in the body. Pain experienced in the upper abdomen, or back or even the sides is called as kidney pain or flank pain. There are three reasons that this pain can originate: due to kidney infection, urinary tract infection or also due to kidney stones. In case you are wondering as to where are your kidneys located on your back, the flank pain that erupts would help you place them anywhere between the lower rib and the buttocks.

(Image Courtesy: INLIFE Healthcare)

Kidney Pain 

Another important aspect of knowing where your kidneys are located in the body is to differentiate between ordinary pain and kidney pain. Often enough there is a feeling of stabbing pain that is somewhere in the upper back just below the ribs. The pain may not always be extremely painful and can at times just be a dull ache. There are times when the kidney pain may be felt in the upper abdominal area and gets confused for digestive pain or any abdominal problem which is related to digestion. This pain can felt in the back as well as the groin area.

(Image Courtesy: The Doctor)

There are times when kidney pain is also confused with back pain, but this can easily be differentiated as the back pain gets better or worse with each body movement whereas kidney pain or kidney stone pain comes in painful waves and is unaffected by movements.

In case you have kidney stones then there are ways in which you can get them removed and not all involve surgery. 

Was this article helpful? Comment on the box below to share information regarding kidneys. We would love to hear from you!

(Featured Image Courtesy: University of Liver Pool)