Back Pain, Constant Urge To Urinate, Strange Taste In Mouth. What Is Your Advice?

Posted on Thu, 21 Jun 2012

Question: Yesterday I woke up with fairly bad lower left back pain. It has been worse in the past and it is usually all of my lower back not just 1 side. It was bad enough that I didn't want to move much because it hurt more when I would move. Today I woke up, and while I usually drink a lot of water, I have felt a constant urge to urinate- which is lot more than I usually go. Then this evening I have noticed a weird taste in my mouth. My back is doing a little better, but still hurts some. I don't know if any of these things are related or anything serious to go to doc about- especially if my back stops hurting in the next couple days. What's your advice? Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Mitaly (1 hour later)

Hi,
Thanks for posting your query

Back pain along with increased frequency of urination is suggestive of Urinary Tract infection(UTI)
Other causes include
•     Improper posture which could lead to pain in the back. This could co-exist with a urinary tract infection.
•     Infection in the upper urinary tract
I would suggest the following:
1)     Maintain a proper, upright posture while sitting, standing and lying down.
2)     Apply a heating pad or a hot water bottle on your back for 5 to 10 minutes.
3)     If the pain is severe, you can take tablet aspirin 325 mg 6 hourly with food.
4)     Drink 5 to 6 litres of water in a day
5)     Have cranberry juice as it helps in combating UTI

I would suggest that you consult your prescribe tests like urine routine microscopy, urine culture and sensitivity to rule out UTI. If a diagnosis of UTI is made, treatment would involve antibiotics and urine alkalinizing agents.

I hope I have answered your query. Please accept the answer in case you do not have any follow up query.
Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli