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It is sometimes hard to tell the difference between back pain that is caused by a bone or muscle problem and back pain (flank pain) that is caused by a kidney or bladder infection or a kidney stone.
Back pain that is caused by a bone or muscle problem:
Flank pain that is caused by a kidney infection or a kidney stone:
Flank pain with fever and urinary symptoms may mean a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is present.
Current as of: November 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Heather Quinn MD - Family Medicine
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