[25M] Experiencing dull aching pain in lower back

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Symptoms can include severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, pain during urination, pink, red or brown urine, and frequent urination. A key sign is usually intense pain that comes and goes, but you've reported a constant dull pain.

  • Treatment can involve pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. Medical procedures may be required if the stone is too large.

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. However, a UTI can also lead to a kidney infection, which is a serious condition. Symptoms can include persistent urge to urinate, burning sensation when urinating, passing frequent, small amounts of urine, urine that appears cloudy, urine that appears red or bright pink (a sign of blood in the urine), and pelvic pain in women.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics.

• Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): This is often a complication of a urinary tract infection. Symptoms can include back, side (flank) or groin pain, abdominal pain, frequent urination, strong, persistent urge to urinate, burning sensation or pain when urinating, pus or blood in your urine (hematuria), urine that smells bad or is cloudy, and fever.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

1. Drink plenty of water to help clear out potential infections or help pass a kidney stone.
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with the discomfort.
3. Rest and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity that could exacerbate the pain.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your pain becomes severe or unbearable
• If you develop a fever (temperature over >100.4°F) or chills
• If you notice blood in your urine or have difficulty urinating
• If your symptoms persist or worsen

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.