If you’re experiencing a backache, it’s easy to chalk it up to overexerting yourself. But if the ache is accompanied by an urgent need to urinate—a telltale sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI)—you may wonder, can a UTI cause back pain?  A report in the journal reveals that 7 million women are diagnosed with UTIs each year. Delaying diagnosis can lead to a serious UTI complication, and back pain can be a hallmark symptom. Here’s everything you need to know to ease the ache and clear the infection.

“UTIs are common infections that are usually contained inside the bladder and do not cause back pain,” notes Barbara Hanna, DO, ob/gyn and co-founder of MyMenopauseRx.com. They happen when bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra, often leading to painful urination—the back pain comes in if a UTI goes untreated and spreads to the kidneys. This is why it’s important to do what you can to prevent a UTI—like peeing after sex and hydrating—and get a suspected UTI treated quickly. 

“Pyelonephritis, also known as a kidney infection, usually occurs when a bacterial infection causes inflammation of the kidneys,” explains Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Fortune Recommends Health. “Pyelonephritis causes flank and back pain because it causes the kidney tissue to swell, which stretches the renal capsule, a thin membranous sheath that covers the outer surface of each kidney to help support the kidney and protect it from injury. Stretching of the renal capsule results in pain in the low back and sides.” 

Health Try These 5 Stretches for Lower Back Pain to Assist With Mobility and Minimize Irritation

If your pain includes lower back tension, these physical therapy based stretches could help

The pain usually feels constant, dull and achy, but can sometimes feel sharp and come in waves, he adds.

“If back pain is caused by UTI, there should be some other symptom related to urination—most commonly pain with urination or frequent and urgent urination,” says Sarah Adelstein, MD, assistant professor of urology at Rush University Medical Center.

And as Dr. Dasgupta adds, “Acute pyelonephritis will classically present as a triad of fever, back pain and nausea or vomiting. But not all symptoms need to be present when making the diagnosis.”

Health Are You at Risk for Kidney Stones? Doctors Reveal the No. 1 Condition That Ups Your Odds

Plus, find out why living in America's 'stone belt' makes you more prone to the painful condition

Deal of the Day Save 52% and Get Clearer Skin With Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 View Deal

“It’s important to see a doctor quickly if you think your back pain is from a UTI,” says Dr. Dasgupta. ”If the infection reaches your kidneys, it can cause serious problems like sepsis or kidney damage.”

To diagnose a suspected infection, your doctor will test your urine for the presence of bacteria, nitrites and white and red blood cells. They may order a urine culture to ID specific bacteria, and in some cases, conduct blood tests to check for sepsis and assess kidney function. 

Health Can You Fix a Prolapsed Bladder Without Surgery? Tips to Ease Discomfort and Stop Leaks

Have you noticed an unusual bulge in your vagina or a feeling of heaviness in your pelvic area? Maybe you’re fine in the morning, but by evening, things feel… off. These could be signs of a prolapsed bladder. While it sounds alarming, it’s more common than you think—and highly treatable. You may assume surgery is […]

The good news: “Acute kidney infection can usually be managed in the outpatient setting with oral antibiotics,” Dr. Dasgupta notes. But if testing reveals you’re suffering from a severe or resistant infection, hospitalization may be recommended. The bottom line: “Your doctor will advise you on the appropriate clinical setting to treat your acute kidney infection.” 

For more bladder related content

Does Taking Probiotics for a UTI Really Work? An Ob-Gyn Explains When It Helps — And When It Doesn’t

Doctors Share the Tricks That Help Get Rid of a UTI Fast + Block It From Coming Back

4 Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Exercises That Block Bladder Leaks

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.