Backache and Kidney Complaints by Franklin Richards, M. D., C. M.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 10, 1910

Backache and Kidney Complaints

By Franklin Richards, M. D., C. M.

FRANKLIN RICHARDS, M. D., C. M.

According to the advertisers of certain “backache pills,” pain in the back always indicates some kidney ailment. That, of course, is incorrect, as there are numerous other causes of backache, such, for example, as lumbago. Various congestions and inflammations of the abdominal and pelvic organs are also common causes of backache. So far, then, the patent-medicine advertisers are wrong. Kidney diseases are, however, increasing; and as they do sometimes cause backache, it is well to be cognizant of the fact.

A Sluggish Kidney

We often hear of a torpid or sluggish liver, and the same terms might equally well be applied to certain conditions of the kidneys. Just as a sluggish liver means a swollen or congested state of that organ, so a sluggish kidney refers to congestion. One or both kidneys may be involved. The organ becomes swollen, and overloaded with blood. The water passed is dark in color, scant in quantity, and highly concentrated. It may even contain a little blood.

One of the characteristic symptoms is a dull, aching pain over the loins. The pain continues for some time, and has a very depressing effect upon the patient. The back feels weak.

What Are the Causes?

These are often dietetic, such as the free use of condiments, tea and coffee, and, most harmful of all, alcoholic liquors. Tobacco exerts an irritating effect upon the kidneys as well as on other organs. A chill, due to exposure to cold and wet, may cause congested kidneys; and we must not omit the poisonous drugs and stimulating diuretics. Overeating, the use of rich and irritating foods, sedentary habits, and lack of exercise are all factors which must be taken into account.

A congested kidney may be secondary to some other disease in the body affecting the heart, lungs, or liver. These conditions, too, produce backache, which often takes the form of a dull, heavy feeling, as if a weight were put on the back.

Let us explain here that it is impossible to determine the character of the disorder by the pain alone.

To Relieve the Pain

The treatment is often very simple, and can be carried out in the home. First and most important is absolute rest. Drink water freely, either cold, which is best for those who can take it, or hot. Lemonade, or lemon water, too, may be taken freely. Apply hot fomentations to the seat of pain. The cloths should be large, and cover the lower half of the back. They must be hot to be effective. Three or four can be applied, leaving each for five minutes. Then bathe with tepid or cold water, and dry gently. Repeat the treatment every three or four hours.

In severe cases a hot, half-trunk blanket pack will be found very effective. This may be continued for ten or fifteen minutes, when the parts should be bathed with cold water, dried, and rubbed with oil.

Give a large soap enema, from two to four pints, and keep the bowels open. A full hot bath or hot leg-bath should be taken to produce free perspiration. Such, in brief, are a few measures which can be used to advantage in most cases.

Inflammation of the Kidney

This is a far more serious condition than mere congestion. Either or both kidneys may be inflamed. The causes are practically the same as those leading to congestion. Indeed, the inflammation may be looked upon as a very severe congestion, or the congestion as a mild inflammation.

The kidney is much swollen, as in congestion, and overfilled with blood, the large quantity of blood doubtless accounting for the increased size.

A Dull Pain in the Back

Again, we find a dull pain in the back, which is very severe at times. There is usually a moderate fever as well, and the water becomes dark and scanty.

The treatment here, too, is complete rest in bed, free water drinking, and a light, simple diet, consisting largely of fruit juices, plain gruels, and dextrinized breads. The bowels must be kept active, and hot baths, fomentations, and hot packs used freely. It is well to consult a physician, and take the treatment under his direction.

Wahroonga, New South Wales.