Adrenal Gland
Back Pain
Topic at a Glance
- The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. Conditions affecting them can cause pain in the back and sides, also known as the flank.
- Back pain near the adrenal glands may be caused by adrenal tumors, adrenal cancer, or adrenal fatigue, including conditions such as adrenal adenoma, adrenocortical cancer, pheochromocytoma, and neuroblastoma.
- Symptoms associated with adrenal gland conditions may include hormone imbalances, unexplained weight changes, high blood pressure, fatigue, headaches, rapid heartbeat, and low libido.
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medication, radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or lifestyle changes such as improving sleep, diet, and stress management.
Your adrenal glands are two walnut-sized endocrine glands that sit on top of your kidneys. Various conditions related to your adrenal glands can cause back pain. This article will discuss the various causes, symptoms, and treatments for the conditions associated with back pain in the location of the adrenal glands.
Our expert team at Urology of Greater Atlanta offers a variety of treatments for adrenal cancer, depending on the severity of your condition and your overall health needs. Call us now to make an appointment at one of our convenient locations throughout Georgia.
Where is Pain Caused by the Adrenal Glands Felt?
The most common area where pain is felt because of the adrenal glands is the back and sides, otherwise known as the flank.
There may also be a secondary pain in other locations if the adrenal glands are suffering from adrenal gland fatigue. This could involve the muscles that support the pelvis and lower back, including the hamstrings and groin muscles.
What Are the Possible Causes of Back Pain Near the Adrenal Glands?
There could be several possible reasons for back pain at the location of the adrenal glands. If the pain is related to the adrenal glands, then it could be because of an adrenal gland tumor, adrenal gland cancer, or adrenal fatigue. The list below highlights some possible causes.
- Adrenal adenoma: This is a benign tumor and is the most common of all adrenal tumors.
- Adrenocortical cancer: This is the most common of the adrenal cancers. It affects the adrenal cortex. It is a very rare cancer.
- Pheochromocytoma: This is often a benign tumor but will produce hormones inside the adrenal gland.
- Neuroblastoma: This type of adrenal tumor is cancerous and is often found in children.
- Adrenal fatigue: Adrenal glands can fatigue when they are under stress for a long time.
Symptoms of the Conditions That Cause Back Pain Near the Adrenal Glands
As previously mentioned, the conditions that can cause back pain in the location of the adrenal glands are often related to adrenal tumors, adrenal cancer, or adrenal fatigue. Below you can find the symptoms for each condition.
Adrenal Gland Tumors
Adrenal tumors can be cancerous or benign. Listed below are the symptoms related to adrenal tumors.
- Flank pain (back and side)
- Signs of hormone imbalances (Extra body hair in women and breast growth in men)
- Excess fat on the back of the neck and shoulders
- Loss of sexual appetite
- Erectile dysfunction
- Diabetes
- Muscle cramps
- Unexplained weight gain/loss
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Rapid heartbeat
If you believe that your symptoms are pointing toward adrenal cancer, it is vital that you get a professional diagnosis. The expert urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta can perform diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and urine tests, to provide you with an accurate diagnosis. You may also require a CT scan or MRI scan to locate the adrenal mass.
Adrenal Fatigue
More common than adrenal cancer is adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue can cause the following symptoms in the list below.
- Flank pain (back and side)
- Exhaustion
- Excessive stress
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Low libido
- Eyelid twitching
How to Treat the Conditions Associated with Back Pain Near the Adrenal Glands
Treatment plans will be specific to the problem that is causing the pain. Below lists two common causes of back pain in the adrenal gland area and the treatment options for each.
Adrenal Cancer
If the cause of your back pain is due to adrenal cancer, the team at Urology of Greater Atlanta will use a variety of treatment options depending on the severity of your condition and your overall health needs. Your cancer treatment could include medication, radiation, or chemotherapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor or your adrenal glands.
Adrenal Fatigue
If you are suffering from adrenal fatigue, lifestyle changes may be all you need to help your adrenal glands recover. The following list contains some suggestions that could help.
- Quit alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Cut down or quit caffeine
- Eat wholegrain foods
- Cut down on sugar
- Do more exercise
- Get more sleep
- Take vitamins
When to Seek Help for Adrenal Gland Back Pain
If you are experiencing pain in your back and sides, having your symptoms evaluated by an expert urologist would be best. Your pain and discomfort could be associated with an adrenal gland problem, especially if you have other symptoms related to hormonal imbalances.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, we offer various diagnostic services and treatments for adrenal gland problems. If you suspect you have a problem with your adrenal glands, contact us today to book an appointment at one of our offices in Georgia. Our specialists are eager to help you resolve your back pain.
FAQs About Adrenal Gland Back Pain
Where is the adrenal gland pain usually felt?
Pain related to the adrenal glands is most commonly felt in the flank, which includes the back and sides. In some cases, secondary pain may occur in the lower back, pelvis, hamstrings, or groin.
What conditions can cause back pain near the adrenal glands?
Possible causes of back pain related to the adrenal glands include adrenal tumors (both benign and cancerous), adrenal cancer such as adrenocortical cancer, pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, and adrenal fatigue.
What symptoms may occur with adrenal gland conditions?
Each condition will have different symptoms. These may include flank pain, hormone imbalances, unexplained weight changes, high blood pressure, fatigue, headaches, rapid heartbeat, low libido, and excessive stress.
How are adrenal gland conditions treated?
Treatment for adrenal gland pain depends on the cause. Adrenal cancer may require medication, radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery, while adrenal fatigue may improve with lifestyle changes such as better sleep, diet improvements, exercise, and reducing caffeine, alcohol, and sugar.
When should I seek medical help for adrenal gland back pain?
You should get evaluated if you experience persistent flank pain, especially when accompanied by symptoms related to hormonal imbalance. Specialists at Urology of Greater Atlanta can perform diagnostic tests and recommend appropriate treatment.
