Sunway city: Back pain is one of the most common complaints among working adults, often blamed on long hours at the desk, poor posture or fatigue after a busy day. However, a medical expert cautioned that in some cases, what appears to be routine back discomfort could actually signal an underlying condition such as kidney stones.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC) Urology specialist Dr S. Sivaprakasam said distinguishing between ordinary muscular back pain and pain caused by urinary tract stones can sometimes be challenging, as both may occur in similar areas of the body. He noted that patients often cannot differentiate the source of the pain based on location alone because both musculoskeletal pain and kidney stone-related pain may occur in the lower back or side.
Dr Sivaprakasam explained that musculoskeletal back pain is usually triggered by movement or physical activity and often improves with rest, especially after lying down. It also tends to worsen toward the end of the day. In contrast, pain caused by urinary tract stones is typically sudden, severe and unpredictable, sometimes waking a person from sleep and often occurring in waves.
With over 15 years of specialization in urology, Dr Sivaprakasam emphasized that persistent or recurring back pain should not be ignored, particularly if it does not improve after a few days of rest. A simple urine test at a general practitioner's clinic can often provide the first indication of kidney stones. If a urine test detects blood, even if not visible to the patient, it can be an early sign of a urinary tract stone and may require further imaging tests such as a CT scan to confirm the presence, size, and location of the stone.
Dr Sivaprakasam highlighted the advances in medical technology that have transformed kidney stone treatment, moving away from open surgery towards less invasive procedures using miniaturized instruments and laser technology. These techniques significantly reduce pain and recovery time, allowing many patients to return home the next day.
He also pointed out that lifestyle factors, such as inadequate hydration, particularly among urban office workers, are major contributors to kidney stone formation. Many office workers underestimate their fluid needs due to working in air-conditioned environments and delaying trips to the toilet, which can encourage stone formation.
Dr Sivaprakasam advised that consuming around 2.5 to three liters of fluids daily, primarily from plain water, can help maintain optimal hydration and reduce the risk of kidney stones. He also recommended reducing caffeine intake and limiting processed or sugary beverages, which are high in salt, to further lower the risk. Simple lifestyle changes, especially maintaining proper hydration, can significantly reduce the chances of crystal formation and ultimately prevent kidney stones.