how does kidney stone pain feel like
I am really struggling here and just need some advice. Last week, I was at work when I started feeling this intense pain that came out of nowhere. It was like a sharp stabbing in my lower back and side, so bad that I couldn't concentrate at all. I thought maybe it was just a muscle thing, but then it got worse, radiating down to my abdomen. I’ve had back aches before but this pain felt like something totally different. After talking to a buddy who had kidney stones before, I started freaking out! I never knew how does kidney stone pain feel like, and now I think maybe that’s what I’m dealing with. I went to the ER, and they did some tests and confirmed they found stones, but the doctor didn’t really explain how does kidney stone pain feel like in detail, you know? They prescribed some pain medication which helps a little, but I’m still in so much discomfort!! I just wanna understand better what I'm going through. Is the pain always this bad? Like, is it supposed to come in waves, or is it usually consistent? Also, how does kidney stone pain feel like when it’s passing?? Just really confused and worried about how long this will last. Any insight would be super helpful!!
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Doctors' responses
Kidney stone pain, often described as one of the most intense types of pain a person can experience, is typically characterized by sharp, severe pain that comes on suddenly. It’s often felt in the flank area, which is the side between the ribs and hips, but it can also radiate to the lower abdomen and groin as the stone moves through the urinary tract. The pain often comes in waves rather than being constant, which is due to the stone moving and causing spasms in response to its passage. These waves can be excruciating and seem to intensify over time — they might subside momentarily, only to surge back strongly.
When a stone moves from the kidney into the ureter, it can obstruct the flow of urine and cause significant pressure on the kidney as well. This pressure and the ureter’s contraction to push out the stone is what leads to the classic pain you’re experiencing. As the stone progresses down the urinary tract, the pain may shift location, possibly feeling like it wraps around to the front as it passes closer to the bladder area. When a stone is closer to being passed, you might feel an urgency to urinate, which can also include discomfort or blood in your urine.
Management is pivital during this time — staying well-hydrated can aid in flushing the stones through, but do this within reasonable limits. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen, can also help manage symptoms, but if you’ve been prescribed medication, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. If you experience symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills, or if the pain becomes unbearable, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately since they could indicate a complication or a more severe problem. Usually, smaller stones can be passed naturally within a few days to weeks, but this varies per individual. Depending on the stone’s size and location, additional interventions might be needed. Keep monitoring your symptoms and stay in communication with your healthcare provider to ensure a smooth and safe passage through this process.
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