Kidney stone pain happens when a stone moves through the urinary tract or blocks urine flow from the kidney. It often starts as sharp pain in the back or side, below the ribs, and may move towards the lower abdomen or groin.
This wave-like pain is sometimes called renal colic. Severe pain, recurring pain, fever, vomiting, or difficulty passing urine should be assessed promptly. A urologist can check the stone’s size, location, and whether treatment is needed.
What Does Kidney Stone Pain Feel Like?
Kidney stone pain can feel sharp, cramping, or very intense. It may start suddenly, even when there is no injury.
The pain may:
- Come and go in waves
- Start in the back or side
- Move towards the lower abdomen or groin
- Become worse if urine flow is blocked
The pain level does not always depend on the size of the stone. A small kidney stone can still cause severe pain if it blocks the urinary tract.
Where Does Kidney Stone Pain Hurt?
Kidney stone pain may change location as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
Common areas include:
- Back or side below the ribs
- Lower abdomen
- Groin or pelvic area
- Discomfort when passing urine, especially when the stone is closer to the bladder
Pain in the Back or Side
Kidney stone pain often begins on one side of the back or flank, just below the ribs. This is usually one of the first areas where pain is felt.
Pain Moving Towards the Lower Abdomen
As the stone moves down the ureter, the pain may shift towards the lower abdomen. Some people notice that the pain changes position over time.
Pain Radiating to the Groin or Pelvic Area
When the stone moves closer to the bladder, the pain may spread to the groin or pelvic area. Some people may also feel discomfort when passing urine.
Can Kidney Stone Pain Feel Like Back Pain?
Yes. Kidney stone pain can sometimes feel like back pain because it may begin in the back or side.
However, back pain can have many causes, including muscle strain and spine conditions. Pain location alone is not enough to confirm the cause.
Seek medical assessment if the pain is severe, persistent, keeps coming back, changes location, or occurs with urinary symptoms.
What Other Symptoms Can Happen With Kidney Stone Pain?
Kidney stones may cause symptoms beyond pain, especially if the stone irritates the urinary tract or affects urine flow.
These symptoms may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Difficulty passing urine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever or chills
- Feeling weak or unwell
Fever, chills, vomiting, or difficulty passing urine should be assessed promptly, especially if the pain is severe.
Why Does Kidney Stone Pain Come and Go?
Kidney stone pain may come and go because the urinary tract contracts as it tries to move the stone.
The pain may improve for a while if the stone changes position. However, this does not always mean the stone has passed.
If the pain keeps returning, you should get it checked to see whether the stone is still present or causing a blockage.
When Is Kidney Stone Pain Urgent?
Kidney stone pain may need urgent medical attention if there are signs of blockage, infection, dehydration, or reduced urine flow.
Seek medical care promptly if you have:
- Severe pain that does not improve
- Fever or chills
- Vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Difficulty passing urine
- Reduced or no urine output
- Feeling weak or very unwell
- Kidney stone pain with only one functioning kidney
These symptoms should not be ignored, even if the pain comes and goes.
When Should You See a Urologist for Kidney Stone Pain?
You should consider seeing a urologist if the pain keeps coming back, blood appears in your urine, or urinary symptoms do not improve.
You should also seek assessment if you have had kidney stones before, the stone does not seem to have passed, or the pain affects your daily activities.
A urologist can check:
- The stone’s size
- The stone’s location
- Whether urine flow is blocked
- Whether there are signs of infection or complications
- Whether monitoring, medication, or a procedure is needed
How Does a Urologist Diagnose Kidney Stone Pain?
A urologist will review your symptoms and may recommend tests to confirm whether you have a kidney stone.
Tests may include:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Urine tests, such as urinalysis
- Blood tests to check kidney function
- Ultrasound
- CT scan, including CT KUB in selected cases
- X-ray in selected cases
These tests help identify the stone’s size, location, and whether it is causing a blockage.
How Is Kidney Stone Pain Treated?
Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone, your symptoms, and whether there are any complications. Some small stones may pass naturally, while larger stones or stones causing blockage may need treatment.
Monitoring and Medication
Small kidney stones may pass naturally. A urologist may recommend:
- Drinking enough fluids
- Pain relief medication
- Medication to help relax the urinary tract
Shock Wave Lithotripsy
Shock wave lithotripsy, also known as ESWL, uses focused shock waves to break suitable kidney stones into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces may then pass more easily in the urine.
Ureteroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy
Larger stones, or stones causing ongoing pain or blockage, may need ureteroscopy. During the procedure, the stone may be removed or broken into smaller pieces using laser lithotripsy.
In some cases, a temporary ureteral stent may be placed to help urine drain after treatment.
Can Kidney Stones Come Back?
Yes. Kidney stones can come back, especially if the underlying risk factors are not addressed.
To reduce the risk of future stones, a urologist may advise you to:
- Drink enough water each day
- Reduce excessive salt intake
- Eat a balanced diet
- Follow dietary advice based on the type of stone
- Send the stone for analysis, if available
- Attend follow-up appointments if you have recurrent kidney stones
Some common stone types include calcium oxalate stones and uric acid stones. Knowing the stone type can help guide prevention advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does kidney stone pain last?
Kidney stone pain may last from several minutes to several hours. It often comes and goes in waves. Pain may continue until the stone passes or is treated.
Can kidney stones cause blood in the urine?
Yes. Kidney stones can irritate the urinary tract and cause visible or microscopic blood in the urine. However, not everyone will notice blood. In some cases, it can only be detected during a urine test.
Can kidney stone pain go away on its own?
Yes. Pain may improve if a small stone passes naturally. However, pain relief does not always mean the stone has fully passed. If symptoms continue or return, follow-up may be needed.
When is kidney stone pain an emergency?
Kidney stone pain should be assessed urgently if it occurs with fever, chills, vomiting, difficulty passing urine, reduced urine output, or if you feel very unwell.
Don’t Ignore Kidney Stone Pain
Kidney stone pain may come and go, but severe, recurring, or persistent pain should not be ignored. Early assessment can help identify whether the stone is causing a blockage, infection, or other complication.
If you have kidney stone pain, blood in your urine, or difficulty passing urine, consult a urologist in Singapore for proper assessment and treatment advice.
