Kidney stones are the cause for the severest of all pains; happen to people. Ever been stabbed in the back or lower abdomen by a pain sharp enough, you often ask yourself whether a kidney stone is the cause? But where exactly does the kidney stone pain hurt? Does the pain remain localized or transfer? How do you tell kidney stone pain from the generic types of pain? Let us break it down so that you can recognize the signs and get prompt medical attention.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys when urine becomes too concentrated. These stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. While some kidney stones may pass unnoticed, larger stones can cause severe pain as they move through the urinary tract.
Where Does Kidney Stone Pain Start?
The first point of pain depends on where the stone is lodged in the urinary system. Here is a breakdown of the most common locations of pain:
1. Lower Back and Flank Pain
In most instances, kidney stone pain starts in the lower back or side (flank area) just below the ribs. It starts as a dull ache and then progresses to severe, cramping pain explosive in nature. This type of pain will often localize to one side of the body, depending on the kidney that is involved.
2. Abdominal and Groin Pain
As the stone moves from the kidney into the ureter, the pain shifts into the lower abdomen or groin. Some people often refer to this pain as a type that comes in waves with intense episodes of pain followed by periods of relief.
3. Urination Pain
Burning or painful urination occurs when a stone has passed into the bladder. This burning sensation could also be painful for some, while a few feel.
4. Irradiating Pain to Inner Thigh or Genitals.
Kidney stone pain often radiates down into the testicles or penis due to further nerve connections in men. In later stages of the stones approach towards bladder position, women might feel pain in the vaginal area.
How to Identify Kidney Stone Pain vs. Other Pain
1. Muscle Strain vs. Kidney Stone Pain
When people say muscle pain, they usually mean a dull ache which worsens with movement. Kidney stone pain is sharp and very intense, seemingly unaffected by rest or a change in body position.
2. Appendicitis vs. Kidney Stone Pain
Pain due to appendicitis is mostly localized in the lower right abdomen. Kidney stone pain is usually felt in the back area and radiates to the front and shifts from one site to another.
3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) vs. Kidney Stone Pain
Both conditions result in painful urination. The presence of a foul or cloudy urine sample indicates a UTI, while the presence of blood means that the urinary stone is the culprit.
Other Signals Associated with Kidney Pain
When pain occurs, the following conditions may also be present:
- Frequent urination
- Blood in urination (color is usually pink, red, or brownish)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever with chills (when there is an infection)
- Inability to pass urine
- Any of these require immediate medical care.
What Should You Do If You Have Kidney Stone Pain?
Home Remedies for Small Kidney Stones
- The most important home remedies for small kidney stones
- If the stone is smaller than 5mm, it will most likely come out on its own. You can try:
- Drinking at least 2-3 liters of water every day in order to help flush out the stone.
- Using any over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen.
- Using heating pad in muscle pain or tension accompanied by lower back pain.
When to See a Urologist
See a doctor if you experience:-
- Severe and unbearable pain that goes on
- Blood in urine or difficulty in voiding urine
- High fever with chills (most likely representing infection)
- Nausea and vomiting that inhibit drinking fluids
Treatment Options for Kidney Stones
If the stone is too large to be expelled, the urologist may suggest:
- Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is a very minimally invasive approach to treating kidney stones that uses a flexible telescope (ureteroscope) entered through the urinary tract to access the kidney and fragment stones with laser energy.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Uses shock waves to break the stone into smaller pieces.
- Ureteroscopy: A thin tube is inserted through the urethra to remove or break the stone.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A minimally invasive surgery for large stones.
Preventive Measures against Kidney Stones
The development of kidney stones can be prevented by making simple lifestyle changes:-
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water dilutes the urine and prevents mineral accumulation.
- Restriction of Salt and Processed Foods: High sodium may create stones.
- Increase Citrusy Foods: These contain citric acid, which may act against stones.
- Monitor Calcium Intake: However, while calcium is necessary, exceeding this with supplements can help in the making of stones.
Conclusion: Get Expert Help for Kidney Stones
The pain induced by kidney stones is severe and disruptive. But timely diagnosis and treatment will help one prevent complications. Persistent pain, presence of blood in urine, and even a few difficulties in passing urine- the best option here would be to consult a urologist.
Dr. Deepanshu Gupta is versed in handling cases of kidney stones-from diagnosis, treatment, and management. As he has undergone training in advanced techniques for removal of stones, he would take care of his patients in recovering quickly, with no future stone formation. So if you are suffering from kidney stones, do not wait for it to worsen.
Book a consultation today for expert guidance and relief from kidney stones.