Have you ever felt a sudden, sharp, stabbing pain in your back or side that just will not go away? If so, you are likely wondering: What do kidney stones feel like? It is a question many people ask, especially when that pain starts to come in intense, throbbing waves.
Do not panic. Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. While the pain can be extreme, understanding what you are dealing with is the first step toward feeling better.
The Feel of Kidney Stones: What to Watch For
Kidney stones often do not cause pain while they are small and sitting inside the kidney. The trouble starts when they move into the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. Once they block the flow of urine, the real discomfort begins.
-
Severe, Sharp Pain: This is typically felt in the side or back, just below the ribs. It is often described as deep and intense.
-
Pain in Waves: The sensation often changes in intensity, coming and going as your body tries to move the stone.
-
Radiation: The pain often moves from the back toward the lower stomach area and the groin.
-
Burning Sensation: You may feel stinging or burning when you go to the bathroom.
-
Urine Changes: Look for pink, red, or brown urine, which indicates blood, or urine that looks cloudy and smells strong.
-
Upset Tummy: It is very common to feel nauseous or to actually vomit during an intense episode of pain.
Pro Tip: In hot climates, dehydration is a massive risk. It concentrates your urine, making it much easier for minerals to clump together and form stones. Keep your hydration up and aim for pale, clear urine.
When It Is Time to See a Doctor
Some symptoms suggest that the stone is causing a blockage or an infection, which requires immediate medical attention. Do not try to wait this out if you experience the “Danger Zone” red flags.
| Early Warning | Danger Zone (Go to ER) |
| Dull ache in side | Pain so severe you cannot sit still |
| Mild burning while peeing | High fever over 101°F and chills |
| Feeling a bit nauseous | Vomiting that will not stop |
| Frequent need to go | Inability to pass any urine |
Treatment: How Do Docs Help?
If you have these symptoms, a doctor needs to confirm if it is a stone or something else. They will usually use an ultrasound or a CT scan to see the stone’s size and location.
-
Small Stones: Often, the “treatment” is simply time, plenty of water to help flush the stone out, and pain medication to keep you comfortable.
-
Medication: Your doctor might prescribe alpha-blockers like tamsulosin, which help relax the ureter so the stone can pass more easily.
-
Procedures: If the stone is too large to pass or is blocking your kidney, you may need a procedure. This could involve shockwave therapy (using sound waves to break the stone up) or a minor procedure (ureteroscopy) to remove it.
Do you have severe, stabbing pain or fever? Do not try to tough it out. Call your doctor or visit your local urgent care center today for a diagnosis.
