Kidney stone pain is typically located in several key areas related to the urinary tract as the stone moves:
- Flank pain: The most common site is the flank, which is the area on either side of the lower back just below the ribs where the kidneys are located. This pain is often sharp and severe and can come in waves due to ureter contractions trying to pass the stone
- Side and lower back: Pain may be felt along one side of the body, below the ribs, and above the hip bone. This pain can be intense and sudden
- Lower abdomen and groin: As the stone moves down the ureter toward the bladder, the pain often radiates to the lower abdomen and groin area. Men may experience pain in the testicles, while women may feel pain in the labia
- Urinary symptoms: Pain may also be accompanied by painful urination, frequent urges to urinate, and sometimes blood in the urine, indicating irritation or injury caused by the stone
The pain is usually severe, sharp, and intermittent, often described as one of the most intense types of pain. It tends to shift locations as the stone moves through the urinary tract, starting near the kidney and moving downward toward the groin
. In summary, kidney stone pain is primarily felt in the flank or lower back, radiating to the lower abdomen and groin, often accompanied by urinary symptoms