Lower Back Pain and Possible Blood in Urine: A Teen's Concern

I have pain in my left lower back, and today I noticed what seems to be blood in my urine?

Hello Doctor: I am a first-year high school student.
I started experiencing lower back pain around July of this year.
I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and felt a bit better.
However, after playing basketball, the pain returned slightly.
Later, I saw a Western medicine doctor, received injections, and took medication, which helped a lot.
But after playing basketball again, the pain returned.
I continued taking medication until early October and stopped playing basketball, and the pain went away.
I initially thought I was healed, but after playing basketball a few times, the pain returned about two weeks later and has persisted until today.
This morning, I noticed some blood in my urine, but I'm not sure if it's actually blood.
Could it be because I ate a whole red dragon fruit yesterday? My stool also has the seeds from the dragon fruit, and the color is a bit dark.
My back pain is not extremely severe; it's more of an uncomfortable pain, like a muscle strain.
It doesn't hurt when I press on my back, but it does hurt when I twist my waist.
I am very scared that it might be a serious illness.
Please help me with your advice.
Thank you.

Xiao Xiang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/10/24

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

The symptoms related to the student's condition suggest a possible diagnosis of a sports-related strain.
The reddish color of the urine could indeed be caused by consuming red dragon fruit, so it is not possible to determine the cause based solely on the color.
Therefore, it is recommended to visit a hospital or clinic for a urine test, which can provide a definitive diagnosis.
Adequate rest and hydration may be beneficial, but it is best to have a physician conduct a physical examination and assessment.

Reply Date: 2007/10/24

More Info

Dear Concerned Teen,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your lower back pain and the possibility of blood in your urine. It’s understandable to feel anxious about these symptoms, especially at your age. Let’s break down your situation and address your worries.

Firstly, lower back pain can arise from various causes, especially in teenagers who are active in sports. Given that you mentioned playing basketball, it’s possible that your pain is related to muscle strain or overuse, particularly if you’ve been engaging in activities that involve twisting or sudden movements. It’s good to hear that you’ve sought treatment from both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, and that you’ve experienced some relief. However, the recurrence of pain after playing sports suggests that you may need to focus on strengthening your core muscles and ensuring proper warm-up and stretching before engaging in physical activities.

Now, regarding the blood in your urine, it’s crucial to approach this symptom with caution. Hematuria, or blood in urine, can be caused by various factors, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or even trauma to the kidneys or bladder. You mentioned that you recently consumed a whole red dragon fruit, which can sometimes cause a reddish tint in urine due to its natural pigments. However, if you are noticing a significant change in the color of your urine or if you see what appears to be blood, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.

Given your age and the symptoms you’re experiencing, it would be wise to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider who can perform a thorough examination. They may recommend a urinalysis to check for blood and other abnormalities, as well as imaging studies if necessary. It’s important to rule out any serious conditions, especially since you’ve experienced persistent back pain and now have concerns about hematuria.

In the meantime, here are a few recommendations to help manage your lower back pain:
1. Rest and Ice: If you experience pain after playing sports, consider resting and applying ice to the affected area to reduce inflammation.

2. Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Engage in gentle stretching exercises for your back and core muscles. Strengthening these muscles can help prevent future injuries.

3. Hydration: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water, especially if you are concerned about your urine color. Staying hydrated can help dilute your urine and may alleviate some concerns regarding hematuria.

4. Avoid Strenuous Activities: Until you have a clearer understanding of your symptoms, it might be wise to avoid activities that exacerbate your back pain.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, including the frequency and appearance of blood in your urine, and report these to your healthcare provider.

Lastly, it’s essential to communicate openly with your parents or guardians about your symptoms and concerns. They can help you seek the appropriate medical care and support you through this process.

Remember, while it’s natural to worry about potential serious conditions, many causes of back pain and blood in urine are treatable. Seeking medical advice is the best course of action to ensure your health and peace of mind.

Take care, and I wish you a speedy resolution to your symptoms.

Best regards.

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