What Organs Can Cause Lower Back Pain?

May 4, 2026

The organs that can cause lower back pain include the kidneys, bladder, colon, appendix, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. In men, the prostate can cause lower back pain; in women, the pain may stem from the uterus or ovaries. While lower back pain is much more likely to come from musculoskeletal triggers, understanding organ-related red flags can help you receive the care you need.

In this article, we’ll explore the possible organ-related causes of lower back pain and what to expect from the treatment process.

Lower Back Pain Red Flags: When to Go to the ER

Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following red flag symptoms:

Changes in bowel or bladder control
Fainting/loss of consciousness
Fever or chills
Unexplained weight loss
Sudden numbness in the pelvis or legs
Difficulty standing or walking

Organs That Can Cause Lower Back Pain

Problems involving the kidneys, bladder, colon, appendix, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, prostate, uterus, and ovaries may cause lower back pain.

Kidneys: Stones, Infections, Injuries

Back pain stemming from the kidneys is usually unaffected by movement and feels “deep”, often occurring in the upper back, side, or just under the rib cage. It may result from an infection, kidney stones, or a kidney injury.

Kidney infections are a type of UTI (urinary tract infection) usually caused by bacteria or a virus. They tend to be quite painful, and people typically feel the pain in their lower back or side. Other possible symptoms include fever, chills, painful urination, cloudy urine, blood in urine, and a frequent urge to urinate.
- It’s crucial to note that kidney infections can be severe. So, if you experience potential kidney infection symptoms, visit a hospital or urgent care immediately.
Kidney stones are mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys, often due to factors like dehydration, a high-sodium diet, obesity, bowel conditions, and certain medications. People with kidney stones can experience sharp, severe pain on one side of the lower abdomen and back, as well as pain or burning while urinating.
- Kidney stones are common, impacting an estimated 11% of men and 6% of women in the U.S. at least once in life, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Small kidney stones can pass on their own, but larger stones may require professional medical care.
Kidney injuries, also called acute kidney injury or AKI, occur when the kidneys suddenly stop functioning properly. Possible causes include a condition or procedure that places significant stress on the kidneys, like viral infection or surgery, or consuming certain toxins or medications. AKI can trigger pain on one side of the back, typically in the space between the ribs and hips.

Kidney-related back pain may feel dull, achy, and constant or severe, sharp, and in waves. Other symptoms may include:

Nausea and vomiting
Lost appetite
Urinating more or less than usual
Cramping muscles
Swelling in the hands, feet, and/or ankles
Insomnia
Dry, itchy skin

Bladder: Stones, Infections

While not the hallmark symptom, lower back pain may accompany some bladder stones or infections. This may occur in more severe cases, when the pain radiates from the abdomen to the lower back.

Bladder Stones

Bladder stones are clumps of minerals that develop in the bladder, typically when urine sits in the bladder for too long. While small stones can pass on their own without symptoms, larger stones may cause pain in the lower abdomen, which could radiate into the lower back.

Go to the ER for severe bladder stone symptoms, including:

Severe pain
Fever
Blood in urine
Vomiting
Difficulty or inability to pee

Bladder Infections

Bladder infections (AKA cystitis) are a type of UTI that occurs when bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra. Symptoms include burning or painful urination, frequent urination, cloudy, dark, or odorous urine, and pelvic pain or pressure.

If you experience lower back pain with a bladder infection, it may indicate that the infection has spread to the kidneys. In this case, contact your doctor immediately, as kidney infections require prompt treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications.

Colon: IBS, Crohn’s Disease, Constipation, Colon Cancer

Conditions affecting the colon, also known as the large intestine, may cause pain radiating from the organ to the lower back. This can result from pressure or shared nerve pathways.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a collection of symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system, including the colon. Key symptoms include abdominal pain, cramps, constipation, excess gas, bloating, diarrhea, and abnormal stools. Cramping or inflammation from IBS can refer pain to the lower back.
Crohn’s disease, a type of lifelong inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), causes inflammation in the digestive tract. Symptoms (which may occur as flare-ups or require long-term management) can include abdominal pain, cramps, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weight loss, bloody stools, fever, and mouth sores. Lower back and/or sacroiliac joint pain are possible symptoms, typically resulting from inflammation.
Fecal impaction in the colon can trigger lower back pain. This condition develops when dry stool gets stuck in the colon or rectum, often in people who are already constipated. In addition to lower back pain, fecal impaction can cause abdominal cramping, rectal bleeding, straining while passing stools, frequent urination, and feeling unable to eat.
Colon cancer isn’t a common cause of back pain; in fact, back pain is rarely caused by cancer. But when colon cancer does occur, the tumor may press on nerves or muscles around the back and spine. Contact your doctor for persistent back pain or back pain that occurs with gastrointestinal symptoms, blood in stool, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.

Appendix: Appendicitis

The appendix is a small tube of tissue in the lower right region of the abdomen. If it gets inflamed, leaky, or ruptures (also known as appendicitis), you may experience sudden pain that starts in the lower right part of the abdomen and moves to the lower back. Appendicitis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment, as a resulting infection can be life-threatening.

Appendicitis is virtually always acute, meaning it happens suddenly. Chronic appendicitis is rare and may stem from appendix irritation that comes and goes. If you experience recurring abdominal pain from an unknown source, contact your doctor for an exam.

Appendicitis Red Flags

Seek emergency medical care if you experience:

Sudden, severe abdominal pain
- Pain may start around the belly button and travel to the lower right side of the abdomen, or start in the lower right side of the abdomen
- Pain typically worsens over time and may worsen with movement, deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing

Fever and chills
Vomiting and stomach upset
Loss of appetite
Constipation
Diarrhea
Abdominal swelling

Liver: Liver Disease and Liver Conditions

Liver pain often results from liver disease, which is any condition that causes inflammation or damage to the liver. Pain in the liver can also result in back pain: the pain may migrate from the upper region of the abdomen, where the liver is located, to the back.

Typical symptoms of liver disease include:

Swelling and pain in the abdomen
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
Swelling in the ankles and legs
Persistent fatigue
Dark-colored urine
Itchy skin

Types of liver disease include:

Viral hepatitis includes hepatitis A, B, and C. These contagious infections can be spread through contaminated water or food, bodily fluids, or blood, respectively. Hepatitis A and C can usually be cured with antiviral medications; hepatitis B isn’t curable, but you can prevent worsened liver damage with lifestyle adjustments and antiviral medications. Additionally, vaccines are available to protect you against hepatitis A and B.
Liver cirrhosis is a condition involving permanent liver scarring and damage. The most common causes of this liver disease are excessive alcohol consumption, fat buildup in the liver, and hepatitis C or B. One of the possible early symptoms is pain or discomfort over the right side of the lower abdomen, which may radiate to the lower back.
Fatty liver disease develops when fat builds up in the liver, often leading to liver damage and complications. Two main types exist: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic fatty liver disease. While fatty liver disease itself doesn’t directly cause lower back pain, if it progresses to liver cirrhosis, it can cause referred pain in the lower back.
Autoimmune liver conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks liver tissue. The most common example is autoimmune hepatitis, which causes chronic liver inflammation. One possible symptom is abdominal pain, which can radiate to the lower back, as well as joint pain.
A liver abscess is a buildup of pus in the liver, often caused by a liver injury or an infection in the abdomen. Common symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and pain in the upper right area of the abdomen. It’s possible for this pain to radiate into the back or right shoulder blade.
Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) indicates an underlying medical condition, such as hepatitis or fatty liver disease. Usually, people don’t experience noticeable symptoms of an enlarged liver; it’s typically identified during medical exams. But, if it’s caused by underlying liver disease, you may experience fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, dark urine, jaundice, and referred pain to the back.
Liver cancer, while very rarely the cause of back pain, can cause dull, stabbing, or pulsing pain in the upper right abdomen, which could radiate to the back or right shoulder blade. Contact your doctor if you experience persistent pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, or severe fatigue.

Gallbladder: Gallstones

Gallstones in the gallbladder can cause severe pain in the abdomen that radiates into the lower back. Other symptoms of gallstones include:

Pain in the right shoulder or back, typically between the shoulder blades
Nausea and/or vomiting
Fever and chills
Bloating in the abdomen
Indigestion
Gas
Jaundice

Cholecystitis is the term used for inflammation of the gallbladder, often from an infection or gallbladder obstruction. It can be acute (sudden), chronic (ongoing), calculus (gallstone-related), or acalculous (non-gallstone-related). Along with symptoms like upper abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting, it may cause referred back pain.

Pancreas: Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas is a large gland at the back of the abdomen that releases digestive enzymes and hormones that help with blood sugar regulation.

Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, often causes abdominal pain that spreads into the back (usually the mid-back or between the shoulder blades). The pain may worsen when you lie on your back, but improve when you lean forward.
- Other symptoms of acute pancreatitis include nausea, vomiting, fever, and rapid heartbeat.
- Other symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include indigestion, lost appetite, weight loss, oily stools, and lightheadedness.

Pancreatic cancer, while a rare cause of back pain, can cause dull, intermittent pain in the back caused by the tumor pressing on the spine. Of course, pancreatic cancer pain differs from person to person, and a medical evaluation with imaging tests is required to diagnose the condition. Other symptoms of pancreatic cancer, aside from back pain, include:
- Abdominal pain
- Lost appetite
- Jaundice
- Dark-colored urine
- Itchy skin
- New diabetes or difficulty managing existing diabetes
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Bloating

Female Reproductive Organs: Uterus and Ovaries

Female-specific conditions, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease, can cause lower back pain.

Endometriosis

Affecting an estimated one in 10 reproductive-age women, according to the American Medical Association, endometriosis is a common reproductive condition that occurs when endometrial tissue develops outside the uterus. Lower back pain is a very common symptom that occurs because the nerves supplying the uterus stem from the same area as the nerves that supply the back. Back pain from endometriosis is often described as achy, deep, throbbing, and intense.

Other possible endometriosis symptoms include:

Pelvic pain
Severe menstrual cramps
Heavy menstruation
Spotting between periods
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
Painful urination or bowel movements
Fatigue
Gastrointestinal discomfort

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are common growths in the uterus, affecting as many as 80% of reproductive-age women, according to the UCLA Center for Reproductive Science Health & Education. Especially when they’re large, these fibroids can press on the nerves and muscles in the lower back, causing dull or achy pain that often gets worse during menstruation.

In virtually all cases, uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous). But they may require treatment if they cause disruptive symptoms, such as severe menstrual bleeding, pain, or bowel or bladder issues.

Ovarian Cysts and Ovarian Cancer

An ovarian cyst is a small sac (usually filled with fluid) that develops on or in an ovary. They’re common, affecting an estimated 10 in 100 women, according to InformedHealth.org. They’re also usually asymptomatic and found incidentally during medical exams. However, larger cysts may press on lower back muscles and nerves, causing dull or aching pain in the area.

While not a common cause of back pain, ovarian cancer can cause aching, stabbing, burning, or shooting pain in the back. More common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

Abdominal pain
Persistent bloating
Feeling full more quickly than usual
Frequent urination

If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor for further guidance.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes (female reproductive organs). It’s most often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like gonorrhea or chlamydia. It affects an estimated one million women each year in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Dull, achy lower back pain is a common symptom of PID, along with:

Lower abdominal pain and tenderness
Fever and chills
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Painful intercourse
Burning sensation while urinating
Irregular menstruation

Male-Specific Cause: Prostate: Prostatitis and Prostate Cancer

Prostate issues are a possible cause of back pain in men, specifically on the lower left side.

Prostatitis is inflammation or infection of the prostate. Pain from prostatitis can occur in the abdomen, lower back, or genitals, along with other symptoms, including:
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Painful intercourse and/or ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
Prostate cancer impacts an estimated one in eight men at some point in their lives, according to the American Cancer Society. Again, cancer isn’t a common cause of back pain. But prostate cancer may cause back pain, particularly in more advanced stages if it spreads to the spine. Contact your doctor if you experience:
- Persistent, unexplained pain in the lower back, pelvis, or hips
- Persistent urinary changes
- Blood in urine or semen
- Sexual dysfunction
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent, unexplained fatigue

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Medical Emergency

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a medical emergency involving the weakening and bulging of the part of the aorta that runs through the abdomen. While uncommon, it’s a possible cause of back pain, and it can be life-threatening, so it requires immediate medical attention.

Go to the ER if you experience:

Sudden, severe, lasting abdominal or back pain
Pulsing sensation near the navel
Lightheadedness or fainting
Rapid heartbeat

Table: Right vs. Left Lower Back Pain Organ Guide

Lower Back Pain Organ Identification
Pain Location	Potential Organ	Identifying Symptoms
Either side	Kidneys	Often felt in the flank (between the rib cage & hips)
Right side	Appendix	May start around the belly button & travel to the lower right side of the abdomen
Right side	Gallbladder	May radiate from upper right abdomen to right shoulder
Left side	Pancreas	May radiate from abdomen to below the left shoulder blade
Left side	Colon	One-sided colon-related pain usually occurs in lower left abdomen
Either side/central	Bladder	Often occurs with frequent urge to urinate
Either side	Ovaries	May occur on the side of the affected ovary
Either side/central	Prostate	May occur in lower back, abdomen, & genitals

Organ Pain vs. Muscle Pain vs. Spinal Pain: How to Tell the Difference

Organ-related back pain tends to be achy and generalized, and may occur in only one side of the back.
Muscular pain is typically sharp and more specific, and the area may feel sore, tight, swollen, or bruised.
Spinal pain may radiate from the back to the extremities and occur with numbness, tingling, or weakness.

While these characteristics may help you better understand the type of back pain you’re dealing with, the only way to confirm your condition is to see a doctor for a medical evaluation. If your pain persists, is severe, or occurs with other symptoms (like numbness and tingling, abnormal urination, etc.), contact your doctor for guidance.

Other Common Causes of Lower Back Pain: Spinal Conditions

Issues with the spine often cause lower back pain. In fact, spinal issues are a more common cause of lower back pain than organ issues. Some of the most prevalent spinal conditions that cause lower back pain are:

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal. This most often results from age-related spinal degeneration, although it can be caused by genetic factors or even spinal injuries. When the spinal canal is narrower than usual, it can impart pressure on the spinal nerves, leading to back pain and neurological symptoms.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition relating to spinal instability. It develops when one vertebra slips out of place and settles on the vertebra beneath it. This throws off the alignment of the spine and can irritate the nearby spinal nerves.

In teens and young adults, overextending the spine during physical activity is a prevalent cause of spondylolisthesis. This is why it’s particularly common in young athletes. In older adults, age-related changes to the spine can lead to spondylolisthesis.

Herniated Disc

Intervertebral discs cushion the bones of the spine, absorbing impact with every step you take. If one of these discs becomes injured, you may experience persistent lower back pain.

A disc is considered herniated when the jelly-like core of the disc presses out through the disc exterior. This can cause lower back pain and, if the injured disc impinges on nearby nerves, neurological symptoms.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that impacts the joints. It’s caused by wear and tear, which gradually breaks down the protective cartilage in the joints. This leads to inflammation, tenderness, and pain in the affected joints.

The joints of the spine are called facet joints. Their purpose is to manage the motion of the spine, allowing it to extend within a controlled range of motion. When osteoarthritis affects the facet joints, it can induce lower back pain and tenderness.

How Doctors Diagnose Organ-Related Lower Back Pain

Your doctor may implement different diagnostic methods depending on your symptoms, but the most common approaches include a physical exam, imaging tests, blood testing, urinalysis, and stool testing.

A physical exam is the first step in the process of receiving a diagnosis. It involves a complete overview of your family history, medical history, and symptoms, along with tests to evaluate your sensation, strength, reflexes, mobility, and pain sensitivity.
Imaging tests provide images of the inside of the body, allowing your doctor to pinpoint abnormalities. Options include X-rays (for bone), CT scans (for fast, cross-sectional X-ray images), and MRIs (for soft tissue).
Blood testing can help diagnose a condition by evaluating levels of various substances, including cells, proteins, enzymes, and chemicals, in your blood.
Urinalysis involves testing a urine sample to help diagnose certain conditions, including those involving the kidneys or liver.
Stool testing is commonly used to diagnose gastrointestinal conditions, including problems involving the colon, pancreas, or liver. It can help identify infections and certain cancers.

Treatment for Organ-Related Lower Back Pain

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Treatments can vary drastically for different organ conditions, and your doctor will recommend the right plan for your needs. Common strategies include:

Physical therapy is typically used for musculoskeletal conditions, but may be implemented for various forms of lower back pain to reduce pain and improve function.
Lifestyle adjustments, including exercise and dietary adjustments, may be necessary to help manage certain organ conditions.
Antibiotics are used to treat infections, like pyelonephritis.
Pain medications, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, may be implemented to help manage pain from organ conditions.
Hormonal therapies may be used to help with conditions impacting the reproductive organs, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and prostate cancer.
Surgery may be required for certain conditions, such as appendicitis, severe kidney stones, severe endometriosis, and certain cancers. For lower back pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis that doesn’t respond to conservative methods, patients can consider minimally invasive surgery with the TOPS System to avoid fusion-related complications.

When is Lower Back Pain a Medical Emergency?

Your lower back pain may be a medical emergency if it occurs suddenly, is severe, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as:

Fever
Unexplained, significant weight loss or gain
Weakness, numbness, tingling, or loss of function in the extremities
Bladder or bowel incontinence
Saddle anesthesia (numbness in the buttocks, perineum, and inner thighs)

If you experience persistent back pain with any of the symptoms listed above, seek out emergency medical care. These symptoms can indicate issues with an internal organ or serious spinal conditions like cauda equina syndrome. Cauda equina syndrome can cause paralysis if it’s left untreated, so don’t ignore these warning signs.

FAQs: Organ-Related Lower Back Pain

Can kidney problems cause lower back pain?

Yes, kidney problems, including kidney stones, infections, and injuries, can cause lower back pain. It usually occurs on one or both sides, in the area just below the rib cage in the back.

How do I know if my back pain is from an organ?

Organ-related back pain may feel “deep”, continuous, and unaffected by movement.

What does pancreas pain feel like in the back?

Pancreas-related pain may feel dull or sharp and often involves upper-abdominal pain in the middle or the left side, which may radiate to the back.