A Question Many People Are Afraid to Ask
If you have ever felt a sudden, intense pain in your side or back with no obvious cause, you may have wondered whether a kidney stone was to blame.
It is common to ask this question. Kidney stone pain is notoriously difficult to describe because it can appear without warning and feel unlike anything a person has experienced before.
Understanding what kidney stones feel like, and what other symptoms tend to come with them, can help you act quickly and get the care you need.
This guide will walk you through the experience in clear, honest, and reassuring terms.
What Is a Kidney Stone?
A kidney stone is a hard, solid piece of material that forms inside the kidney.
It develops when certain minerals and salts in the urine become too concentrated and begin to crystallize. Over time, these crystals can stick together and form a stone ranging in size from a tiny grain of sand to something much larger.
Smaller stones may pass through the urinary tract on their own without much difficulty. Larger stones can become lodged in the urinary system and cause significant pain and other symptoms.
Kidney stones are more common than most people realize. They affect people of all ages and backgrounds, though some individuals are more at risk than others.
The important thing to know is that kidney stones are a manageable condition, and effective treatments are available when needed.
What Do Kidney Stones Feel Like? Describing the Pain
Many people who have experienced kidney stones describe the pain as some of the most intense they have ever felt.
That said, pain from kidney stones does not always start dramatically. In some cases, the discomfort begins gradually before building in intensity.
The classic kidney stone pain is called renal colic. It is sharp, cramping, and tends to come in waves. The pain often begins in the back or side, just below the rib cage, and then moves downward toward the lower abdomen and groin as the stone travels through the urinary tract.
The pain tends to come and go rather than remain constant. A wave of severe pain may last for several minutes, ease slightly, and then return. This cycle can repeat for hours.
For some people, the pain is so intense that it causes nausea, vomiting, and the inability to find a comfortable position. Unlike muscle pain, shifting around rarely provides lasting relief.
Where Is Kidney Stone Pain Usually Felt?
The location of kidney stone pain tends to shift as the stone moves.
Pain is commonly felt in the following areas:
- The back or side, just below the rib cage on one side
- The lower abdomen
- The groin area
- The inner thigh
- For men, sometimes in the testicles
The movement of pain from the back downward toward the groin is one of the hallmark signs of a kidney stone passing through the ureter, which is the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder.
When the stone reaches the bladder, some people feel pressure or urgency in the lower pelvic area. Once the stone passes into and through the urethra, the pain typically subsides.
Other Symptoms That Come With Kidney Stones
Pain is usually the most noticeable symptom, but kidney stones often bring other signs along with them.
Additional symptoms to be aware of include:
- Nausea or vomiting, especially during intense pain waves
- Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brownish
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Painful or burning urination, particularly as the stone nears the bladder
- Difficulty urinating or urinating in small amounts
- Fever and chills, if an infection is also present
- General restlessness or inability to find a comfortable position
It is important to note that fever alongside kidney stone symptoms is a serious sign. It may indicate that an infection has developed alongside the stone, which requires prompt medical attention.
How Long Does Kidney Stone Pain Last?
This is one of the most common questions people have when they are in the middle of a kidney stone episode.
The honest answer is that it varies.
Small kidney stones that pass quickly through the urinary tract may cause pain for just a few hours. Larger stones that move slowly or become stuck can cause pain that lasts for days.
The pain typically comes and goes in waves rather than staying at a constant level. Between waves, there may be moments of relief, though the discomfort tends to return.
If pain has been present for more than 24 to 48 hours without improvement, or if fever develops, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible.
What Causes Kidney Stones to Form?
Kidney stones form when the balance of minerals and fluids in the urine is disrupted.
The most common type is a calcium oxalate stone, which forms when calcium and oxalate in the urine crystallize together. Other types include uric acid stones, struvite stones, and cystine stones.
Risk factors that can increase the likelihood of kidney stones include:
- Not drinking enough water throughout the day
- A diet high in sodium, animal protein, or oxalate-rich foods
- A family history of kidney stones
- A personal history of kidney stones
- Certain medical conditions such as gout, hyperparathyroidism, or inflammatory bowel disease
- Obesity
- Certain medications or supplements taken in high doses
- Living in hot climates where dehydration is more common
Understanding your personal risk factors can help you and your doctor take proactive steps to reduce the chances of stones forming or recurring.
Kidney Stones vs. Kidney Infection: Key Differences
Because both conditions affect the kidneys and cause back or side pain, they are often confused.
Kidney stones tend to cause severe, sharp, wave-like pain that moves as the stone travels. They may cause blood in the urine and urinary urgency, but fever is not always present unless an infection develops alongside the stone.
Kidney infections tend to cause a deeper, more constant aching pain. They almost always come with fever, chills, and nausea. The pain does not typically shift or move in waves the way kidney stone pain does.
Both conditions require medical evaluation. If you are unsure which one you may be dealing with, a healthcare provider can help you get clarity through an exam and appropriate testing.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Not every kidney stone requires emergency care, but certain symptoms should always prompt a visit to your healthcare provider.
Please seek medical attention if you experience:
- Severe pain that you cannot manage at home
- Pain that is persistent and not improving after 24 to 48 hours
- Fever or chills alongside your pain
- Vomiting that is preventing you from staying hydrated
- Blood in your urine
- Inability to urinate or very reduced urine output
At Associated Nephrology Consultants in Maplewood, MN, our team is experienced in evaluating and managing kidney stones for patients across the Saint Paul area. If you have concerns about kidney stone symptoms, please reach out to our team.
We do not diagnose through this blog, but we always encourage patients to seek professional care when something does not feel right.
Prevention Tips: Reducing Your Risk of Kidney Stones
The good news is that kidney stones are often preventable, especially if you have had them before.
Practical steps to reduce your risk include:
- Drink plenty of water every day, aiming for pale yellow urine as a guide
- Reduce your intake of high-sodium foods such as processed snacks and canned goods
- Limit foods high in oxalate if your doctor recommends it, such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate
- Eat a balanced diet with moderate amounts of animal protein
- Avoid excessive use of vitamin C or calcium supplements without medical guidance
- Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight
- Follow up with your doctor if you have had kidney stones before
Your healthcare provider may also recommend specific dietary changes or medications based on the type of kidney stone you experienced.
You Are Not Alone in This
Experiencing a kidney stone can be frightening, especially if it is your first time. The pain can be overwhelming, and it is natural to feel anxious when you do not know what is happening in your body.
Know that kidney stones are one of the most commonly treated urological conditions. Millions of people go through this experience and recover fully with the right care and support.
At Associated Nephrology Consultants, our compassionate team of kidney specialists serves patients throughout Maplewood, Minnesota and the greater Saint Paul area. We are committed to helping you understand your condition, manage your symptoms, and take steps toward better kidney health.
If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out. You deserve clear answers and attentive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a kidney stone feel like when it first starts?
Kidney stone pain often begins suddenly as a sharp, cramping sensation in the back or side just below the ribs. Some people describe the onset as coming out of nowhere. The pain may start mild and quickly build in intensity. It often comes in waves and can be accompanied by nausea, sweating, and restlessness. Early symptoms may also include a frequent urge to urinate.
Can you feel a kidney stone in your bladder?
When a kidney stone moves from the ureter into the bladder, some people notice a shift in their symptoms. The severe flank pain may ease, but you might experience increased urgency to urinate, pelvic pressure, or discomfort in the lower abdomen. Once the stone enters the bladder, it typically passes into the urethra and out of the body within a short time.
How do I know if I am passing a kidney stone?
You may be passing a kidney stone if you have intense, wave-like pain in your back or side that moves down toward your groin, along with blood in your urine or a strong urge to urinate. Pain that gradually shifts downward over hours is a common sign the stone is moving through the urinary tract. If symptoms are severe, seek medical attention rather than waiting it out.
Do kidney stones always cause pain?
Not always. Some small kidney stones pass through the urinary tract without causing noticeable pain at all. These are sometimes discovered incidentally during imaging tests done for other reasons. However, when a stone is large enough to block or irritate the urinary tract, it typically causes significant pain and other symptoms that are hard to ignore.
Can drinking more water help pass a kidney stone?
Staying well hydrated can help small stones move through the urinary system more quickly. Water increases urine flow, which can help flush the stone along. Your doctor may recommend drinking two to three liters of water per day if you are passing a small stone. However, larger stones or those causing severe symptoms may require medical treatment rather than home management.
How long do kidney stones take to pass on their own?
Most small kidney stones, typically those under four millimeters, may pass on their own within one to two weeks. Larger stones can take longer or may not pass without medical assistance. The timeline depends on the size and location of the stone. If your symptoms are severe or not improving, speak with your doctor about treatment options available to you.
