Lower Back And Testicle Pain

When you suffer lower back and testicle pain concurrently for an extended period, it can be an especially difficult and frustrating time.

Although this is often a rare and less common health issue, which may signify an underlying health problem in men of younger ages.

There are various causes of lower back and testicle pain, including urinary tract infections, pelvic dysfunction, lumber dislocation, kidney stones, and sexually transmitted infections.

Causes Of Lower Back And Testicle Pain

Lower back pain is a common condition in men and women. However, when it occurs with testicle pain, it is common in men. There are various causes of these which may include;

Urinary Tract Infection

UTIs can occur because of bacteria build-up in the urinary tract such as the kidney, urethras, and ureter. Women are more susceptible to this infection. Common symptoms include frequent urge urinating, pain, or a burning sensation when urinating.

Often this may lead to a serious type of urinary tract infection known as kidney infection, occurring with nausea or vomiting, severe pain in your lower back, abdomen.

Signs of urinary tract infections include;

• Constant urge to urinate
• Nausea
• Chills
• Blood in urine
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Pain in pelvic area
• Fever
• Lower back pain

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form in the kidney. They are hard deposits that may be small or large. Small stones exist with no symptoms, while larger stones can block urine flow from the kidney.

These blockages cause sharp pain in your sides or lower back, which may travel down to your groin, lower abdomen, and/or tip of the penis.

Symptoms of a kidney stone are;

• Nausea and vomiting
• Intense and frequent urge to urinate
• Little drops of urine during urination
• Pain and discomfort urinating
• Bloody urine

Testicular Cancer

This is the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 18-35. It occurs in either or both of the testes, which are found in the scrotum.

Although it is a rare type of cancer, its prevalent cause is still unclear but sometimes linked to an alteration of healthy testes cells from normal to abnormal.

This condition starts with a lump or swelling of the testicles. It may occur with pain and heavy feeling in the scrotum or lower abdomen, soreness, or abnormal breast growth from hormonal changes.

Symptoms are;

• Changes in sizes and texture of testicles
• Occasional Pain
• Tenderness and enlargement in breasts
• Heaviness in the scrotum
• A Lump in either or both testicles
• Mild pain or dull ache in the chest, lower back, abdomen, or groin
• Headaches
• Difficulty breathing

Epididymitis

Also known as Testicles infection, it is an inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube at the rear of the testicles.

This duct is charged with the storage and transportation of sperm from the testicles to the vas deferens. It affects men of all ages but is more susceptible between the ages of 20 and 30.

It is caused by a viral bacterial infection and can arise from sexually transmitted infections, including urinary tract infections and chlamydia, trauma, and viral infections. Testicular pain and discomfort are the major symptoms.

Other signs you may experience with epididymitis include;

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Bloody semen
• Urgent need to urinate frequently
• Penile discharge
• Fever and chills
• Abdominal pain
• Urethral discharge
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Tenderness, swelling and redness of the testicles and / or scrotum

Lumbar Dislocation

Lumbar forward dislocation or spondylolisthesis is a condition characterized by repetitive strain or wear and tear in the lumbar region.

When this occurs, the vertebrate in the lower part of the spine slips out of place. It is usually triggered by accidents, injuries, and strain on the spine.

Sometimes when the vertebrae slip, it places pressure on one of the spinal nerves and cause lower back pain. This can also lead to pain radiating down to the testicles or leg.

Symptoms of this condition include;

• Back tenderness and stiffness
• Weakness in one or both legs when walking or standing
• Numbness and tingling sensation in the back and legs.

Pelvic Dysfunction

Individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction may also experience lower back and testicles pain. This is because of the contraction of the pelvic floor muscles. It makes it difficult for surrounding muscles to relax and sometimes causes difficulty controlling urination and pain in the testicles. It occurs more in men, especially the younger patients.

Symptoms include;

• Pelvic muscle spasms
• Constipation
• Pain and pressure in the pelvic region.
• Painful urination

Symptoms Of Lower Back And Testicle Pain

There are various signs and symptoms of lower back and testicular pain depending on the condition. Although there are a few common symptoms, some of which include;

Pain

Pain and discomfort are usually prevalent in most conditions. It can occur in the lower back, abdomen, testicles, and groin area. Pain may be mild, severe, or chronic, depending on the duration of the problem and treatment taken.

Tenderness or soreness

Besides this, there may be discomfort, heaviness or achy sensation in the groin, testicles, or abdomen. Tenderness may signal an underlying or severe case if it occurs with redness and swelling of the scrotum area.

Treatment Of Lower Back And Testicle Pain

Treatment varies for every individual and condition. Before the procedure, you will need a diagnosis is to know the cause of your pain and discomfort.

Treatment process includes;

Medications

Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat a viral infection. There are different antibiotics for various infections and some infections are resistant to certain drugs, hence you may have to do tests to help determine the best medications for your condition.

Pain medications

These will help ease pain and discomfort. They mostly include anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen to help relieve swelling and painful symptoms.

Surgery

Surgery is usually recommended in severe cases, such as when there are large and painful kidney stones, twisted testicles, accumulated fluid in the testicles, undescended testicles. This is a corrective procedure mostly done by professionals.

Exercises

Pelvic floor exercises are also used during pelvic floor dysfunction, they help control involuntary bodily response. You can also have muscle relaxants to prevent muscle spasms and contractions. Take this with your physician’s recommendation.

Home remedies

Infections and testicle pain can sometimes be treated with some self-care practices. However, this is only where pain does not require medical care. Simple measures include;

• Use an ice cube, or pack to reduce scrotum swelling
• Take warm baths
• Lay down and place a towel under your scrotum or wear an athletic cup. Remember to always use a rolled-up towel. These help support the testicles and scrotum.
• Use an over-the-counter medication to reduce pain

Prevention of infections and testicle pain

It is sometimes possible to prevent infections, although not all cases of testicle pain can be prevented. Here are some steps that can reduce your risk of developing infections and pain.

• Drink enough fluids, most especially water. It helps flush out infection strains.
• Do not store urine, completely empty your bladder when you urinate
• Always practice safe sex and use a condom during intercourse
• Go for regular checkups
• Treat yourself and your partner to prevent recurrent strains
• Frequently examine your testicles for changes, lumps, and bumps.
• Reduce having multiple sexual partners

When To See A Physician

Contact your physician or health center if you experience lower back and testicle pain that is severe, recurrent, or interfering with your overall wellbeing and functionality. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms of kidney stones, infections, or any of the following;

• Sudden and severe testicular pain
• Pain alongside nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Lump on your scrotum
• Red, tender scrotum
• Recent contact with someone with mumps
• Painful injury and swelling
• Severe pain in the back, sides, abdomen or groin
• Pain and difficulty urinating
• Bloody urine

Things To Know About Testicular Pain

While lower back pain on its own may not be a serious problem, there are certain facts to know about testicular pain.

• Testicular pain can become an emergency, especially if it is a first time case. When the cords linking your lower abdomen to your scrotum becomes twisted, it can cut off blood supply to your testicles. However, a quick intervention may not require a simple procedure.

• Worrying and overdoing self exams can aggravate your condition. This is because the testicles are sensitive and only require gentle, minimal pressure.

• The nervous system can affect and trigger testicle pain. This happens when it is overactive and triggers the testicles to retract deep within the lower abdomen.

• Pelvic rehabilitation can help ease triggers such as cold, stress, and low back pain.

• Starting new exercise routines with extreme efforts on your abdominal wall can affect your lower back and scrotal areas. Always give your body a chance to adapt to routines and remember to stretch in between exercises.

Lower back and testicle pain may show an underlying condition that can become serious when left untreated. See a doctor if the pain is debilitating, recurrent, severe, or triggered along with other symptoms.

References:

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