Why does my urine smell like onions? my lower back is hurting as well, is this indicative of the beginning of a kidney infection?

Urine odor: Difficult to know why your urine odor is different. Often depends upon what you have been eating. If you think you may be developing an infection you should see a doctor ASAP.

Yes: Foul smelling urine is an early sign of bladder infection or UTI. Lower back pain if associated with fever and chills usually mean that kidney are also infected. you need to see your primary care provider and have a urine culture done to confirm infection.