Kidney Pain? Why Your Kidney Is Aching & Medically Approved Next Steps

If you're feeling kidney pain, it can be uncomfortable — and sometimes worrying. Your kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, balancing fluids, and keeping your body's chemistry stable. When something affects them, your body often lets you know.

The good news: not all kidney pain means something serious. But it's important to understand what could be causing it and when to take action.

Below, we'll explain what kidney pain feels like, common causes, warning signs, and medically approved next steps — in clear, practical language.

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Where Is Kidney Pain Felt?

Your kidneys sit in your upper back, just below your ribcage, one on each side of your spine.

Kidney pain typically:

• Occurs in the upper back or side (flank area)
• May be felt on one or both sides
• Can radiate to the lower abdomen or groin
• Often feels deeper and more internal than muscle pain

It's important to note that lower back pain is often mistaken for kidney pain. Muscle strain usually worsens with movement or pressing on the area. Kidney pain tends to feel deeper and may come with other symptoms.

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Common Causes of Kidney Pain

Several medical conditions can affect the kidney. Some are mild and treatable. Others need urgent attention.

1. Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)

A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that spreads to the kidney.

Symptoms may include:

• Fever and chills
• Pain in the side or back
• Nausea or vomiting
• Frequent or painful urination
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

This condition requires prompt medical treatment with antibiotics. Left untreated, it can become serious.

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2. Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidney.

Pain from kidney stones:

• Is often severe and sharp
• Comes in waves
• May spread to the lower abdomen or groin
• Can be accompanied by blood in the urine

Small stones may pass on their own. Larger stones may require medical procedures.

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3. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Acute Kidney Injury happens when the kidney suddenly stops working properly. It can develop over hours or days.

Common causes include:

• Severe dehydration
• Certain medications (like NSAIDs or some antibiotics)
• Severe infections
• Blockages in the urinary tract
• Reduced blood flow to the kidney

Symptoms may include:

• Decreased urine output
• Swelling in legs or ankles
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion

AKI can be serious but is often reversible if treated early. If you're experiencing any combination of these symptoms and want to understand your risk level, you can use a free Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) symptom checker to help determine whether you should seek immediate medical attention.

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4. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease develops slowly over time. Early stages often have no symptoms.

As it progresses, symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Swelling in feet or hands
• Changes in urination
• High blood pressure

CKD usually does not cause sharp pain. If you have ongoing kidney discomfort and risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, it's important to speak with a doctor.

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5. Polycystic Kidney Disease

This inherited condition causes fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidney, potentially leading to:

• Dull back or side pain
• High blood pressure
• Blood in urine

It requires medical monitoring but often progresses slowly.

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6. Injury or Trauma

A direct blow to the back or side (such as from a fall or accident) can injure the kidney. Seek urgent care if you notice:

• Blood in urine
• Severe pain
• Dizziness
• Signs of internal bleeding

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When Kidney Pain Is an Emergency

Seek immediate medical care if kidney pain is accompanied by:

• High fever
• Persistent vomiting
• Blood in urine
• Severe, unbearable pain
• Little or no urination
• Confusion
• Chest pain or shortness of breath

These symptoms may signal infection, blockage, or kidney failure — conditions that need urgent treatment.

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How Doctors Evaluate Kidney Pain

If you visit a healthcare provider, they may:

• Ask about your symptoms and medical history
• Perform a physical exam
• Order urine tests
• Check blood work (including kidney function tests like creatinine)
• Recommend imaging (ultrasound or CT scan)

These steps help identify whether the kidney is inflamed, infected, blocked, or functioning poorly.

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Medically Approved Next Steps

If you're experiencing kidney pain, here's what you can do:

✅ 1. Stay Hydrated (If Not Advised Otherwise)

Proper hydration supports kidney function and may help pass small kidney stones.

However, if you have heart failure, advanced kidney disease, or swelling, speak to a doctor before increasing fluids.

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✅ 2. Review Medications

Some medications can affect the kidney, especially:

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Certain blood pressure medications
• Some antibiotics

Do not stop prescribed medications on your own — but ask your doctor whether any could be contributing.

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✅ 3. Monitor Your Urine

Pay attention to:

• Color changes
• Blood
• Decreased output
• Foamy urine

These clues help doctors assess kidney health.

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✅ 4. Check for Signs of Infection

If you develop fever, chills, or urinary symptoms, seek medical care promptly. Kidney infections require antibiotics.

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✅ 5. Consider a Symptom Checker

If your symptoms are unclear, using a medically guided tool like this free Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) symptom checker can help you understand whether urgent evaluation may be needed.

Online tools are not a diagnosis, but they can guide your next step.

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Can Kidney Pain Go Away on Its Own?

Sometimes — yes.

• Mild dehydration improves with fluids
• Small kidney stones may pass naturally
• Minor muscle strain near the kidney area resolves with rest

However, pain that persists, worsens, or comes with systemic symptoms (fever, weakness, swelling) should not be ignored.

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Who Is at Higher Risk for Kidney Problems?

You may have increased kidney risk if you:

• Have diabetes
• Have high blood pressure
• Are over age 60
• Have heart disease
• Take frequent NSAIDs
• Have a family history of kidney disease
• Have recurrent urinary tract infections

If any of these apply, it's especially important to monitor kidney symptoms carefully.

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Protecting Your Kidney Health

You can support long-term kidney health by:

• Staying well hydrated
• Managing blood pressure
• Controlling blood sugar
• Avoiding unnecessary NSAID use
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Not smoking
• Getting routine lab work if at risk

Preventive care goes a long way in protecting kidney function.

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The Bottom Line

Kidney pain should never be ignored — but it also doesn't automatically mean something catastrophic.

Common causes include:

• Kidney infection
• Kidney stones
• Dehydration
• Acute Kidney Injury
• Structural conditions

The key is recognizing when symptoms require prompt care.

If you have:

• Severe pain
• Fever
• Blood in urine
• Reduced urination
• Swelling or confusion

Seek urgent medical attention.

If symptoms are milder but persistent, schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.

And if you're unsure whether your symptoms could point to something serious, consider completing a free Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) symptom assessment to better understand your risk level and whether you need immediate care.

Most importantly, speak to a doctor about anything that could be life‑threatening or serious. Early evaluation can protect your kidney function — and in many cases, prevent long-term damage.

Your kidneys work hard for you every day. If they're signaling discomfort, it's worth listening.