where do kidney stones hurt

Kidney stones typically cause pain that starts in the side and back, often in the area just below the ribcage on one side. This pain, known as renal colic, can indeed radiate to the lower abdomen and groin as the stone moves through the urinary tract, which matches what you’re describing. The pain from kidney stones is often quite severe and can come in waves as the ureter experiences spasms while trying to push the stone along. These waves of pain might be why you’re noticing sharp, sudden jabs. It’s also common for the pain to make it difficult to find a comfortable position, hence the restlessness you’re experiencing. Occasionally, the pain can radiate to other areas including the front of the pelvis, lower abdomen, or groin, depending on the stone’s location. That said, each person’s experience might vary slightly. Aside from the pain, you might notice other symptoms, such as changes in urination like frequency or urgency, blood in the urine (giving it a pink, brown, or red hue), and sometimes nausea or vomiting. If your symptoms align with kidney stones, it’s crucial to get things checked out, as stones vary in size and some may require medical intervention to prevent complications like infection or kidney damage. If your pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever or difficulty urinating, seek medical attention promptly, as these can be symptoms that warrant urgent evaluation and treatment. In the meantime, staying hydrated can help pass smaller stones and conducive to relieving symptoms, although be careful not to overhydrate as it may increase discomfort. Once diagnosed, treatment options may vary from medication to relieve discomfort and allow the stone to pass naturally, to more involved procedures if the stones are too large or cause consistent issues. Keep in touch with your doctor to ensure consistent monitoring and an appropriate treatment pathway.