Kidney stones typically cause severe pain that is often described as sharp, cramping, or stabbing. The pain usually starts suddenly and is felt in the lower back, side (flank), or abdomen, often on one side. It can radiate to the groin or lower belly as the stone moves through the urinary tract. This pain, known as renal colic, often comes in waves and can be excruciating, sometimes compared to the intensity of childbirth

. Other sensations associated with kidney stones include:

• Burning sensation or pain during urination
• Frequent urge to urinate or feeling like urination is incomplete
• Blood in the urine, which may appear brown, red, or pink
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Nausea and vomiting due to intense pain
• Fever and chills if infection is present

The pain is caused by the stone moving through the narrow ureter, blocking urine flow and causing pressure buildup and spasms as the body tries to expel the stone

. In summary, a kidney stone feels like sudden, severe, sharp or cramping pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen that comes in waves, often accompanied by urinary symptoms and sometimes nausea or fever if complications occur