Kidney Stone Symptoms: Why Your Side Is Aching & Medically Approved Next Steps

If you're dealing with a sharp ache in your side or lower back that seems to come out of nowhere, you might be wondering about kidney stone symptoms. Kidney stones (also called nephrolithiasis) are common, affecting about 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives. While they can be very painful, most are treatable — especially when recognized early.

Let's break down what kidney stones are, the most common symptoms, why they cause that intense side pain, and what medically approved next steps look like.

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What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside your kidneys. They develop when substances in your urine — such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid — become too concentrated and crystallize.

Stones can:

• Stay in the kidney without causing symptoms
• Move into the ureter (the tube connecting kidney to bladder)
• Block urine flow, causing pain and other symptoms

It's usually when the stone moves or causes a blockage that symptoms begin.

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Common Kidney Stone Symptoms

The most well-known of all kidney stone symptoms is sudden, severe pain, but there are several others to watch for.

1. Severe Side or Back Pain (Renal Colic)

This is the hallmark symptom.

• Sharp, cramping pain in the side (flank) or lower back
• Pain may radiate to the lower abdomen or groin
• Often comes in waves
• May change in intensity as the stone moves

Many people describe it as one of the most intense pains they've ever felt. The pain happens because the ureter tightens and spasms around the stone while trying to push it out.

2. Pain During Urination

If the stone moves closer to the bladder, you may feel:

• Burning with urination
• Sharp pain at the tip of the penis (in men)
• Pelvic discomfort

This can sometimes be confused with a urinary tract infection (UTI).

3. Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)

Another common kidney stone symptom is blood in the urine. It may appear:

• Pink
• Red
• Brown

Sometimes the blood is microscopic and only seen on a urine test.

4. Frequent Urge to Urinate

You may feel like you need to urinate more often, even if little comes out. This happens when the stone irritates the bladder or lower urinary tract.

5. Nausea and Vomiting

The kidneys and digestive tract share nerve pathways. When the kidney is irritated, it can trigger:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• General stomach upset

6. Fever and Chills (Emergency Warning)

Fever is not a routine kidney stone symptom. If you have:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sweating
• Weakness

This may mean there's an infection behind the blockage. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate care.

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Why Your Side Is Aching

The intense side pain comes from pressure buildup.

Here's what's happening:

1. A stone moves from the kidney into the ureter.
2. The ureter is narrow — the stone may get stuck.
3. Urine backs up behind the blockage.
4. The kidney stretches and spasms.
5. Nerve endings send strong pain signals.

The pain often comes in waves because the ureter contracts rhythmically, trying to push the stone forward.

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Who Is at Higher Risk?

Certain factors increase your chances of developing kidney stone symptoms:

• Not drinking enough water
• High-sodium (salty) diet
• High animal protein intake
• Obesity
• Family history of stones
• Certain medical conditions (like gout or hyperparathyroidism)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections

If you've had one kidney stone, you're more likely to have another.

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Medically Approved Next Steps

If you suspect kidney stone symptoms, here's what doctors typically recommend.

1. Seek Medical Evaluation

A healthcare provider may order:

• Urinalysis (to check for blood or infection)
• Blood tests (kidney function, calcium levels)
• Imaging tests (CT scan or ultrasound)

Imaging confirms the size and location of the stone.

If you're experiencing symptoms like severe side pain, blood in your urine, or nausea and want to quickly assess whether they align with Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones), a free AI-powered symptom checker can help you understand what may be causing your discomfort before your doctor's appointment.

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2. Pain Management

For small stones, treatment often focuses on managing symptoms while the stone passes.

Doctors may recommend:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Prescription pain medication
• Anti-nausea medication

Pain control is important — you don't need to "tough it out."

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3. Hydration

If the stone is small (usually under 5–6 mm), it may pass on its own.

• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor advises otherwise)
• Aim for enough urine output to keep it pale yellow
• Strain your urine (your doctor may ask you to collect the stone for analysis)

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4. Medications to Help Pass the Stone

Some patients are prescribed medications (such as alpha blockers) that relax the ureter and make it easier for the stone to pass.

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5. When Procedures Are Needed

If the stone is too large, causing severe symptoms, or not passing, medical procedures may be necessary:

• Shock wave lithotripsy – Uses sound waves to break up the stone
• Ureteroscopy – A small scope removes or breaks up the stone
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy – Used for large stones

These procedures are common and generally safe.

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When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Certain kidney stone symptoms should never be ignored. Seek urgent medical attention if you have:

• Fever or chills
• Severe, uncontrollable pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Decreased urination
• Signs of dehydration
• One kidney or known kidney disease

An infected, blocked kidney can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

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Preventing Future Kidney Stones

After a stone episode, prevention becomes key.

General recommendations include:

• Drinking enough fluids to produce about 2–2.5 liters of urine daily
• Reducing sodium intake
• Eating normal (not excessive) calcium
• Limiting high-oxalate foods if advised
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Your doctor may recommend additional testing to determine the stone type and tailor prevention strategies.

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The Bottom Line

Kidney stone symptoms often start with sudden, severe side or back pain that may spread toward the groin. Other symptoms include blood in the urine, nausea, frequent urination, and discomfort during urination.

While many stones pass on their own, some require medical treatment. The key is not ignoring severe or concerning symptoms — especially fever or uncontrollable pain.

If you're experiencing troubling symptoms and want to better understand whether they could be related to Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones), using a free online symptom assessment tool can provide helpful insights before your medical consultation.

Most importantly, speak to a doctor if you suspect kidney stones — especially if your symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever. Prompt evaluation can prevent complications and help you get relief faster.

Kidney stones are painful — but they are treatable, and with the right steps, manageable.