Pain in the body can occur for many reasons, but certain types of pain are extremely rare because they begin suddenly and are very painful. Kidney stone pain can be the most horrible and unforgettable type of pain someone can experience. It is normally described as stabbing, sharp, and intolerable — painful enough to disrupt normal life and get someone to rush to the emergency room.
So, where exactly do you feel kidney stone pain, and how can you tell if the pain is because of stones? Let’s discuss it in this blog.
What are Kidney Stones in Simple Terms?
Small lumps that form in the kidneys from salts and minerals are called kidney stones. Small stones may leave the body naturally without much pain but bigger stones can block the urine and cause serious discomfort.
Where Do You Feel Kidney Stone Pain?
1. Back and Side
Many people first feel kidney stone pain in the back or side, just below the ribs. This happens when the stone blocks urine flow inside the kidney.
2. Pain Moving to the Lower Abdomen and Groin
As the stone starts moving down toward the bladder, the pain shifts to the lower stomach, pelvis, or groin area.
3. Pain While Passing Urine
You may feel burning or sharp pain stone reaches near the bladder
4. Spreading Pain
Pain can also spread to the hips, thighs, or private parts. This depends on where the stone is stuck.
How Does Kidney Stone Pain Feel?
Pain of a kidney stone is different from any other pain. Patients often describe it as:
- Sharp and intense rather than dull or achy
- Colicky pain – arrives in strong waves, becomes less severe, then comes back stronger
- Uncertain in length – on and off for hours or occasionally days until the stone passes or is removed.
Other Symptoms That Come With Kidney Stone Pain
Kidney stones usually cause more than just pain. You may also notice:
- blood in urine
- Frequent urge to urinate but passing only a small amount
- No clear urine with a bad smell
- Nausea and vomiting due to pain
- Fever if infection develops
How to Know If It’s Kidney Stone Pain or Something Else?
Pain can sometimes be confused with back pain or stomach issues. Here’s how to tell the difference:
- Kidney stone pain – it can be sudden, severe, move from back to groin, often with urinary problems
- Back pain –it’s usually dull, stays in one spot, worsens with movement, no urinary symptoms
- Stomach pain – linked to digestion or food, doesn’t usually affect the urine
How Long Does the Pain Last?
The kidney pain depends on the size and movement of the stone:
- Small stones may pass in a few days to weeks with on or off pain.
- Medium to large stones often cause intense pain and usually need medical treatment.
When should you go to the Doctor?
should seek medical help immediately if you have:
- Severe pain that doesn’t go away
- Blood in urine
- Fever or vomiting
- Trouble during urination
No action for these symptoms can cause infections or even kidney damage.
The conclusion of the report
Basically, the Discomfort of a kidney stone begins in the side or back and slowly comes to the lower abdomen and groin as the stone moves to the urinary tract. It hurts in waves, and you may have a burning sensation when you pee, blood in urine, or peeing frequently. Do not take these issues lightly.
If you or someone you know has these symptoms, contact Dr. Deepanshu Gupta, the best urologist in Guragon, with over 12+ years of experience and has performed 9500+ surgeries and received 20+ awards. Talk to Dr. Gupta as soon as possible. Early treatment can stop the pain, remove the stones safely, and protect your kidneys.