By the time there is pain around the lower back and to the side, there is a deep infection. The kidney itself does not have the ability to feel pain, so when it is sick, and the sickness enlarges to areas near it, you will have pain. THUS, it is an extensive and well ingrained disease by the time you have pain.
Pain that traveles from top to bottom or pain that is generally only on the side may be a kidney stone that has lodged in the tube that goes from the kidney to the bladder. This may block the ability of some or all of the urine to come into the bladder, and thus it builds up in the kidney, and may enlarge the kidney.
Sometimes this type of lateral pain is from infection only and not from a stone. Infection causes inflamation, and inflamation causes swelling which can nearly or completely close the ureter.
In ANY CASE, this is not to be ignored, AND NOT TO BE DOCTORED AT HOME. The use of cranberry juice must be done with understanding, because it can do just the OPPOSITE of what you want. Cranberry juice causes a more acid PH in the blood, which may only aggrivate the situation.
Anyone who has EVER had a kiney or urinary infection in the past is more PRONE to have them frequently throughout life.
If your parents or siblings have had it, you may also be prone to have kidney or bladder problems.
You are young and will be able to stay out of terrible trouble over kidney and bladder problems with careful work under an M.D.'s care.
Those who are over 40 and have a history of these problems get more severe complications in general.
The elderly usualy end up getting mentally confused,fall,and
break something, which brings them to the hospital and the diagnosis of kidney problems is made while they are trying to clear up the mental confusion and fix the break! As soon as the infection is gone, their mental faculties return.
It requires urine and blood tests and maybe a sonogram of areas. It sually requires antibiotics.
Sometimes, kidney infection will lead to a discovery of diabetes.
Hope this helps!
Mom S.