Pain is the most common symptom that indicates a variety of health issues. Two types of pain that are often confused are back pain and kidney stones. While these conditions can cause tremendous discomfort, it’s important to understand the difference in their location and symptoms to help you identify the cause and seek appropriate treatment. In this guide, we will explain what exactly kidney stones are, what the signs of kidney stones are, and the possible solutions to prevent them.
Introduction
Kidney stones are relatively common, affecting 1 out of 10 people over their lifespan. These are found more often in men than in women. Back pain, mainly on the side or lower back, can be a significant symptom of kidney stones. It is usually described as sharp, severe pain that comes in waves and radiates towards the groin area. Other signs may include blood in urine, nausea, vomiting, and painful urination. Let us first understand what kidney stones are and the difference between back pain caused by kidney stones and other causes.
Understanding Kidney Stones and Back Pain
Back pain and kidney stones go hand in hand. Pain on the side and lower back, which then radiates to the groin area, can be a common symptom of kidney stones. However, to be sure about back pain caused by kidney stones, several other boxes must be ticked, like location, nature of pain, and other symptoms.
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis) are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside a person’s kidneys. Diet, excess body weight, some medical conditions, and certain supplements are among the many causes of kidney stones. The size of these stones can vary, and these can be as large as a golf ball. Smaller stones usually go unnoticed and pass out of the body along with urine, whereas larger stones can get stuck in the urinary tract and need surgery to remove them.
Back Pain - Common Causes vs. Kidney Stone-Related Pain
Causes of Back Pain
There can be multiple causes of back pain. Our daily routine, nature of work, sleeping postures, everything can contribute to the issue. The primary reasons can be:
- Bad postures
- Stress and strain on back muscles
- Standing or sitting in the same position for a long time
- Damage or dislocation of intervertebral disc
- Spine tumor
- Abnormal curvature of the spine
Causes of Kidney Pain
Many people are suffering from back ache. There can be many underlying factors, including kidney problems. These are slightly different than regular backaches. The primary reasons for kidney pain are:
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infection
- Blood clots
- Infections
- Injury to the organ
Signs Your Back Pain Could Be a Kidney Stone
One of the many symptoms of kidney stones is back pain. But how can you tell if it’s a kidney stone or simply back pain?
Here are some of the signs to look for:
Signs
Pain on the Side, Lower Back, or Underneath the Ribs
General back pain can be felt anywhere on the back, whereas pain due to kidney stones occurs on the side, middle portion of the back, underneath the ribs, or shoulders. This is a classic sign of kidney stone if the pain is persistent in these areas and radiates to the groin area.
Pain in Waves
You may feel pain differently as the kidney stone moves through the urinary tract. With a backache, the pain is usually constant. Kidney stones typically start high up, near the kidneys, and migrate towards the abdomen. They eventually move down towards the groin as they move further down the ureter.
Pain that doesn’t go away
With kidney stones, the pain won’t disappear when you move, and some positions may even make it worse. In these situations, painkillers may help for a short time, but the pain will come back after the drug wears off. It is advisable to consult a doctor if you feel constant pain.
Blood in Urine
You may also find blood in the urine with kidney stones and back pain in the side, lower back, or beneath the ribs. Kidney stones can cause urine to be pink, red, or brown.
Frequent Urination
Kidney stones can make you feel like you need to urinate more often. When a stone is almost ready to come out into the bladder, patients may feel the urge to urinate frequently.
Kidney Stone vs Back Pain: Differentiating the Symptoms
Kidney stones can be excruciating. These can pass into the ureter and block the passage of urine, leading to urinary obstruction. This can result in chronic kidney infection. The patient is more likely to experience pain and discomfort on one or both sides of the lower back. Sometimes, the pain can even radiate to the lower abdomen and inner thighs.
Back pain is not the only symptom of kidney stones and is accompanied by other symptoms that can help you determine whether your back pain indicates kidney stones. Some of the common symptoms of kidney stones that differentiate from back pain are:
- Traces of blood in urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pungent smelling urine
- Cloudy and dark urine
- Fluctuating body temperature
- Cold sweats and chills
- Frequent urination
- Passing small amounts of urine
Treatment Options and Remedies
Effective treatment for kidney stone-related back pain depends on the size and severity of the stone. Home remedies can manage mild cases, while larger stones may require medical intervention.
Medical Treatments for Kidney Stone Back Pain
For moderate to severe cases, doctors may recommend:
Pain Management
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen.
- Prescription medications for severe discomfort.
Hydration Therapy
- Drinking 2-3 liters of water daily can help flush out small stones naturally.
Medications to Ease Stone Passage
- Alpha-blockers like Tamsulosin relax the ureter muscles, making it easier for stones to pass.
Medical Procedures for Large Stones
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) uses sound waves to break stones into smaller pieces.
- Ureteroscopy: A thin tube is used to remove or break down stones.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A minimally invasive surgery for larger stones.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Adjustments
For smaller stones, natural remedies and lifestyle changes can be highly effective.
Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep urine diluted and prevent stone formation.
- Coconut water and lemon juice help break down kidney stones.
Dietary Modifications
- Limit salt intake, as excess sodium increases calcium deposits.
- Reduce oxalate-rich foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolates.
- Increase citrate intake through citrus fruits (lemons, oranges) to prevent stone formation.
Herbal and Natural Remedies
- Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps dissolve kidney stones.
- Basil tea is a natural detoxifier for kidney health.
Regular Exercise
- Mild to moderate activity like walking can help the stones move.
- Avoid high-intensity workouts, which may worsen pain.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Back Aches
While mild back pain can often be managed at home, immediate medical attention is necessary if:
- Pain is severe and unbearable.
- There is blood in the urine.
- You experience fever, chills, or vomiting.
- Pain does not improve with hydration or over-the-counter medications.
If symptoms persist, a consultation with specialists at the Alleviate Pain Clinic can provide non-surgical treatment options tailored to your condition.
Conclusion
Kidney stones are a lesser-known yet significant cause of back pain, often mistaken for muscle strain or spinal issues. Recognizing distinctive symptoms such as one-sided lower back pain, urinary changes, and radiating discomfort is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
While small stones may pass naturally, larger stones require medical intervention to prevent complications. Hydration, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments can aid in kidney stone prevention and pain relief.
If you’re experiencing persistent back pain, seeking professional evaluation at Alleviate Pain Clinic can help determine whether the cause is musculoskeletal or kidney-related. With expert non-surgical pain management solutions, you can find effective relief and regain your quality of life.
For more information on back pain treatments, visit Alleviate Pain Clinic.
FAQs
Kidney-related back pain is usually sharp, one-sided, and occurs in waves, unlike musculoskeletal pain, which is dull and persistent. Signs that your back pain may be kidney-related include:
- Pain on one side of the lower back (below the ribs).
- Pain that radiates to the abdomen or groin.
- Fluctuating pain intensity (worsening in waves).
- Urinary symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urges, or blood in the urine.
- Fever, nausea, or vomiting, especially if there’s an infection.
If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor to rule out kidney-related issues.
In the early stages, small kidney stones may not cause any symptoms. However, as they grow or begin to move within the kidney or ureter, they can cause:
- Mild discomfort in the lower back or side.
- Slight urinary changes, such as increased frequency or cloudy urine.
- Dull aches may later turn into sharp pain as the stone moves.
If you suspect kidney stones but have mild symptoms, staying hydrated and monitoring urinary changes can help prevent further complications.
| Feature | Kidney Stone Pain | Regular Back Pain |
| Location | One-sided lower back and below the ribs | Middle or lower back, can be on both sides |
| Pain Type | Sharp, stabbing, comes in waves | Dull, aching, worsens with movement |
| Radiation | Moves to abdomen, groin, or lower stomach | Stays localized or radiates to legs (sciatica) |
| Trigger | Movement of kidney stone in the ureter | Poor posture, muscle strain, heavy lifting |
| Additional Symptoms | Urinary issues, nausea, fever | Stiffness, muscle tightness, reduced mobility |
Kidney-related pain usually occurs in the flank area, which is:
- Below the ribcage on either side of the spine.
- One-sided, depending on which kidney is affected.
- Deep, internal pain (unlike muscle pain, which feels more surface-level).
As the stone moves, pain can spread to the lower abdomen, groin, or thighs.
Kidney problems can manifest in various ways, and early signs to watch out for include:
- Lower back or flank pain (especially if sharp or persistent).
- Frequent urination or difficulty urinating.
- Changes in urine color (dark, cloudy, or with blood).
- Leg, ankle, or eye swelling (due to fluid retention).
- Fatigue and weakness (caused by toxins building up in the blood).
- High blood pressure (as the kidneys regulate fluid and salt balance).
- Nausea or loss of appetite.
If you notice these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for a kidney function evaluation.
