What causes kidney Infection?

What causes back pain like kidney stones, but isn't a kidney stone or infection?

• I have had back pain, predominantly on my right side, approximately where my right kidney is, for almost 5 months. 4 months ago it got very bad so I saw my PCP, and he diagnosed it as a kidney infection and possible stones and prescribed antibiotics which did very little to the pain. The pain slightly eased and I coped for a few more months. About a week ago the pain got very bad again so I went to urgent care. Due to blood in my urine (microscopic, not visible) and my description of pain and tenderness they believed it was a kidney stone, and they sent me to the ER. Upon admission they did a CT and found no stone or other remarkable abnormalities. They found no signs of infection. I was discharged and told to see my GYN. I saw her and she said the pain could not be gynecological, that I had no issues in that department, and that she believed the pain must be my kidneys. I plan to see a urologist soon, but would like an idea what this could be. Is there anything that can cause pain, and other various symptoms, that mimic a kidney stone and/or infection, but not actually be a stone, tumor, or infection? Thanks

• Answer:

  It could be a number of things and I hate even suggesting things but you can do some research and google some stuff. My dad's hernia presented as back pain and it was in his abdomen but stretching around and showing pain in the back. A herniated disc in the back could hurt on one side and not the other. A chiropractor may alleviate some discomfort for you and you would get an xray series done on your back. The chiro and his assistants would evaluate your pain and range of motion quite accurately and be able to judge more. The problem with the ER is that they look at the problem you say when you walk in the door, not other causes. They aren't going to go looking for cancer or other sources without some prompting. If there is a chance you are pregnant don't rule it out until you have a blood test.