Kidney Stone? Why Your Side Hurts & Medically Approved Next Steps

A sudden, sharp pain in your side can be alarming. One common cause is a kidney stone — a small, hard deposit made of minerals and salts that forms inside your kidneys. While kidney stones are common and often treatable, they can be extremely painful and sometimes require medical care.

If you're wondering whether your side pain could be a kidney stone, here's what you need to know — clearly, calmly, and based on credible medical guidance.

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What Is a Kidney Stone?

A kidney stone forms when certain substances in your urine — like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid — become concentrated and crystallize. Over time, these crystals can stick together and grow into a stone.

Kidney stones can range in size from:

• As small as a grain of sand
• To as large as a golf ball (though large stones are less common)

Some stones pass on their own. Others can block the urinary tract and cause significant pain.

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Why Does a Kidney Stone Cause Side Pain?

Your kidneys sit in your upper abdomen toward your back, just under your ribs. When a kidney stone moves into the ureter (the tube connecting your kidney to your bladder), it can:

• Block urine flow
• Stretch and irritate the ureter
• Trigger intense muscle spasms

This causes the classic symptom known as renal colic — severe, cramping pain that comes in waves.

What Kidney Stone Pain Feels Like

People often describe kidney stone pain as:

• Sharp or stabbing
• Severe and sudden
• Located in the side or back (usually one side)
• Radiating toward the lower abdomen or groin
• Coming in waves (not constant)

The pain may shift location as the stone moves.

Unlike muscle pain, kidney stone pain:

• Doesn't improve with position changes
• Often causes restlessness (you may feel unable to get comfortable)

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Other Symptoms of a Kidney Stone

In addition to side pain, you may notice:

• Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown color)
• Painful urination
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Fever and chills (this can signal infection — urgent evaluation is needed)

Not everyone has all symptoms. Some small stones cause only mild discomfort.

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What Increases Your Risk of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are common, and about 1 in 10 people will experience one in their lifetime. Risk factors include:

• Not drinking enough water
• Diet high in salt or animal protein
• Obesity
• Family history of kidney stones
• Certain medical conditions (like gout or hyperparathyroidism)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Digestive diseases affecting absorption

Dehydration is one of the biggest contributors. When you don't drink enough fluids, urine becomes concentrated — making stone formation more likely.

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What to Do If You Think You Have a Kidney Stone

Step 1: Assess Your Symptoms

If you have:

• Severe side pain
• Blood in your urine
• Pain with urination
• Nausea

A kidney stone is possible.

To help determine whether your symptoms align with a kidney stone, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones) symptom checker to get personalized insights within minutes before your doctor's visit.

However, online tools are not a substitute for medical care.

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Step 2: Know When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Some situations are urgent.

Go to the emergency room or seek immediate medical attention if you have:

• Fever and chills (possible infection)
• Severe, unbearable pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Difficulty urinating
• Only one kidney
• Pregnancy
• Signs of sepsis (confusion, weakness, low blood pressure)

A kidney stone combined with infection can become life-threatening and requires urgent treatment.

Do not delay care in these situations.

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How Doctors Diagnose a Kidney Stone

If you see a doctor, they may:

• Ask about your symptoms and medical history
• Perform a physical exam
• Order urine tests (to check for blood or infection)
• Order imaging tests (CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray)

A CT scan is often the most accurate way to confirm a kidney stone, but ultrasound is commonly used in certain patients (such as pregnant individuals).

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Medically Approved Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of your kidney stone.

Small Stones (Usually Less Than 5–6 mm)

Most small kidney stones pass on their own.

Treatment may include:

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Pain medication (such as NSAIDs, if appropriate)
• Medications that relax the ureter (like tamsulosin)
• Straining urine to catch the stone for analysis

Passing a stone can take days to weeks. While uncomfortable, it is often manageable with medical guidance.

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Larger Stones or Complications

If a kidney stone is too large to pass or causes complications, procedures may be necessary:

• Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL): Uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces.
• Ureteroscopy: A small scope is inserted through the bladder to remove or break up the stone.
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Surgical removal for very large stones.

These procedures are generally safe and commonly performed.

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Can Kidney Stones Cause Long-Term Damage?

Most kidney stones do not cause permanent damage if treated appropriately.

However, complications can occur if:

• The stone blocks urine for a long time
• Infection develops
• Stones recur frequently

Repeated kidney stones can increase the risk of chronic kidney disease over time, especially if untreated.

That's why proper evaluation and prevention matter.

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How to Prevent Future Kidney Stones

If you've had one kidney stone, you are at higher risk of having another.

Prevention strategies may include:

1. Increase Fluid Intake

• Aim for enough fluids to produce clear or light-yellow urine.
• This often means 2–3 liters per day, but your doctor can personalize this.

2. Reduce Salt Intake

• High sodium increases calcium in the urine.
• Avoid processed and packaged foods when possible.

3. Moderate Animal Protein

• Red meat and shellfish can increase uric acid.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

5. Follow Specific Dietary Advice

Your doctor may recommend changes based on the stone type (calcium oxalate, uric acid, etc.).

Importantly, most people with calcium stones should not eliminate dietary calcium unless instructed. Normal calcium intake may actually help prevent stones.

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When Side Pain Is Not a Kidney Stone

Not all side pain is caused by a kidney stone.

Other possibilities include:

• Muscle strain
• Urinary tract infection
• Gallbladder disease
• Appendicitis
• Ovarian conditions
• Shingles
• Gastrointestinal problems

If pain persists or worsens, it's important to speak to a doctor for proper evaluation.

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The Bottom Line

A kidney stone is a common and very painful condition, but it is usually treatable. The key signs include:

• Sudden, severe side or back pain
• Pain that comes in waves
• Blood in the urine
• Nausea

Most small stones pass on their own, but some require medical treatment.

If you're experiencing these symptoms and want to better understand what might be causing them, try Ubie's free Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones) symptom checker for a quick, AI-powered assessment you can share with your healthcare provider.

However, online tools cannot replace medical care.

Speak to a doctor immediately if you have severe pain, fever, vomiting, difficulty urinating, or any symptoms that could be serious or life-threatening.

Side pain is your body's signal that something needs attention. With proper evaluation and timely care, kidney stones can be managed safely — and future episodes may be preventable.