Kidney Stone Pain? Why Your Body Is Forming Stones & Medically Approved Next Steps

If you've ever experienced kidney stones, you already know the pain can be intense. Many people describe it as one of the most severe pains they've ever felt. But why does this happen? Why does your body form stones in the first place? And what should you do next?

Let's break it down clearly and calmly—based on trusted medical evidence—so you understand what's happening and how to move forward safely.

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What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside your kidneys. Your kidneys filter waste from your blood to create urine. When certain substances—like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid—become too concentrated in the urine, they can crystallize and stick together. Over time, these crystals grow into stones.

Stones can range in size from a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Small stones may pass on their own. Larger ones can block the urinary tract and cause significant pain.

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Why Is Kidney Stone Pain So Severe?

The pain isn't usually from the stone sitting in the kidney. It happens when:

• A stone moves into the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder)
• It blocks urine flow
• The kidney becomes swollen from backed-up urine
• The ureter spasms in response to irritation

This type of pain is called renal colic. It typically:

• Starts suddenly
• Occurs in the side or lower back
• May radiate to the lower abdomen or groin
• Comes in waves
• Is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting

You may also notice:

• Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown urine)
• Burning with urination
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

If you have fever and chills along with these symptoms, seek urgent medical care. This may indicate infection, which can be serious.

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Why Is Your Body Forming Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones don't form for just one reason. Usually, several factors are involved.

1. Dehydration (Most Common Cause)

Not drinking enough fluids concentrates your urine. When urine becomes concentrated, minerals are more likely to stick together and form stones.

People at higher risk include:

• Those living in hot climates
• Individuals who sweat heavily
• People who don't regularly drink water

2. Diet Factors

Certain dietary patterns increase the risk of kidney stones:

• High sodium (salt) intake
• Excess animal protein (red meat, poultry, eggs)
• High oxalate foods (spinach, nuts, chocolate) in susceptible individuals
• High sugar intake, especially sugary drinks

It's important to note: calcium in food does not usually cause kidney stones. In fact, normal dietary calcium can help reduce risk. Problems more often arise from calcium supplements taken without medical guidance.

3. Family History and Genetics

If a close relative has had kidney stones, your risk increases. Some inherited conditions affect how your kidneys handle minerals.

4. Certain Medical Conditions

Medical causes can include:

• Gout
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Digestive diseases like Crohn's disease

5. Medications

Some medications can increase stone risk, including:

• Certain diuretics
• Calcium-based antacids
• Some antivirals
• Excess vitamin C supplementation

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Types of Kidney Stones

Understanding the type helps guide prevention:

• Calcium stones (most common)
• Uric acid stones
• Struvite stones (often linked to infections)
• Cystine stones (rare, genetic)

If you pass a stone, your doctor may send it for analysis. This helps determine the best prevention strategy.

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Medically Approved Next Steps

If you suspect kidney stones, here's what to do.

1. Consider a Symptom Check

If you're experiencing symptoms and want to better understand whether they could be related to kidney stones, try Ubie's free AI-powered Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones) symptom checker to get personalized insights in just a few minutes.

This does not replace a doctor, but it can help you prepare for your visit.

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2. Seek Medical Evaluation

You should speak to a doctor if you have:

• Severe pain
• Pain lasting more than a few hours
• Fever or chills
• Vomiting that prevents fluid intake
• Difficulty urinating
• A single kidney
• Pregnancy
• Ongoing medical conditions

Diagnosis typically includes:

• Urine tests
• Blood tests
• Imaging (CT scan or ultrasound)

A CT scan is often the most accurate way to confirm kidney stones.

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3. Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone.

Small Stones (Often Managed at Home)

If the stone is small:

• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor says otherwise)
• Use prescribed pain medication
• Strain your urine to catch the stone
• Take medications that relax the ureter (such as tamsulosin)

Most small stones pass within days to weeks.

Larger Stones (May Require Procedures)

If the stone cannot pass:

• Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL): Breaks stones into smaller pieces using sound waves.
• Ureteroscopy: A small scope removes or breaks up the stone.
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Surgery for very large stones.

Your doctor will recommend the safest approach based on your specific situation.

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How to Prevent Future Kidney Stones

Prevention is key—especially since about 50% of people with one kidney stone may develop another within 5–10 years without lifestyle changes.

Drink More Fluids

• Aim for enough fluid to produce about 2 to 2.5 liters of urine daily.
• Water is best.
• Lemon water may help due to citrate content.

Reduce Sodium

• Keep sodium intake under 2,300 mg per day (or lower if advised).
• Avoid heavily processed foods.

Moderate Animal Protein

• Limit large portions of red meat.
• Balance meals with plant-based proteins.

Get Normal Calcium from Food

• Include dairy or calcium-rich foods.
• Avoid high-dose calcium supplements unless prescribed.

Maintain Healthy Weight

Obesity increases the risk of kidney stones. Even modest weight loss can help.

Follow Personalized Advice

If your doctor identifies a specific stone type, they may recommend:

• Medications to lower uric acid
• Potassium citrate
• Thiazide diuretics
• Specific dietary adjustments

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When Kidney Stones Become Dangerous

Most kidney stones are not life-threatening. However, complications can occur if:

• A stone causes complete urinary blockage
• Infection develops behind a blocked stone
• Kidney function becomes impaired

Signs of a potentially serious problem include:

• High fever
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion
• Severe, uncontrolled pain
• Decreased urine output

If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.

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The Bottom Line

Kidney stones are common—and painful—but they are treatable and often preventable.

They form when urine becomes concentrated and minerals crystallize. Dehydration, diet, genetics, and certain medical conditions all play a role. The good news is that with proper medical evaluation, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication, you can significantly reduce your risk of future stones.

If you're unsure about your symptoms, checking them with a trusted tool like the Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones) symptom checker can help you understand what you're experiencing and prepare you for a more informed conversation with your doctor.

Most importantly, always speak to a doctor about severe pain, fever, persistent symptoms, or anything that feels serious or life-threatening. Early evaluation can prevent complications and give you peace of mind.

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