Kidney pain can be worrying — and rightly so. It can signal a problem in the kidneys or urinary system that may need medical attention. The pain is usually felt in the side or back, just under the ribs, and can range from a dull ache to sharp, severe discomfort. Kidney pain has several potential causes, including kidney stones, infections, or other kidney conditions as well as from the muscles and joints of the back or bowel related issues. The good news is that most causes are treatable, especially when caught early. In this article, I’ll explain what kidney pain is, how to recognise it, and what you can do if you’re experiencing it.
What is kidney pain?
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of your spine, just below the ribcage. They play an important role in filtering waste from your blood, regulating blood pressure, and balancing fluids in your body.
Kidney pain is discomfort that comes from these organs or the structures around them. It can be a sign that something is wrong with your kidneys or urinary tract (the system that removes urine from your body). Often, the pain is your body’s way of telling you that there’s an infection, blockage, or inflammation that needs to be addressed.
What does kidney pain feel like?
Kidney pain can feel different depending on the cause. You might experience:
- A dull ache on one or both sides of your back or abdomen
- Sharp, stabbing pain that comes in waves (especially with kidney stones)
- Constant soreness or tenderness in your side
- Pain that may spread to the lower abdomen or groin
Because the kidneys sit near the back, kidney pain is often mistaken for ordinary back pain. However, back pain is usually lower down and related to movement or posture, whereas kidney pain is typically higher and deeper and does not change much with movement.
Kidney pain location
Kidney pain is usually felt in the flank — the area between your lower ribs and the top of your hips, on either side of your spine. If only one kidney is affected, the pain will likely be on that side (left or right). If both kidneys are affected, the pain may be felt on both sides.
You may also feel the pain in the upper abdomen, in the groin area (if the problem is affecting the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys) or pain radiating downwards if the issue involves kidney stones moving through the urinary tract.
How to differentiate kidney pain from back pain
- Kidney pain is often constant and dull or sharp, depending on the cause.
- It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, nausea, or changes in urination.
- Back pain is more likely to be muscular and triggered by movement, sitting, or lifting.
Kidney pain symptoms
If you’re experiencing kidney pain, you may also notice other symptoms depending on the underlying issue. These may include:
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Needing to urinate more often or urgently
- Blood in the urine (red, pink, or cola-coloured)
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Fever or chills (suggesting an infection)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or general feeling of being unwell
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes (in chronic kidney disease)
If you have any of these symptoms along with kidney pain, it’s important to see a doctor or ideally a Urologist, promptly.
Causes of kidney pain
- Kidney Stones
- Hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe, cramping pain when they move through the urinary tract. Read more about kidney stones here.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Infections in the bladder or urethra that can spread to the kidneys if not treated, causing pain, fever, and discomfort during urination.
Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) - A more serious type of UTI that affects the kidney itself. Usually accompanied by fever, chills, and feeling very unwell.
- Hydronephrosis
- Swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine, often caused by a blockage such as a kidney stone or scar tissue.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- A genetic condition where fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys, sometimes causing pain and affecting kidney function.
- Kidney Injury (Trauma) - A fall, accident, or heavy blow to the back or side can bruise or damage the kidney, causing pain.
- Kidney Cancer -
Usually painless in its early stages but may cause pain as it grows or spreads. Blood in the urine can also be a warning sign.
- Blood Clots or Poor Blood Flow
- Can cause sudden, severe kidney pain if blood supply is blocked.
Kidney pain treatment
The treatment for kidney pain depends on what’s causing it:
- Kidney Stones: Small stones may pass on their own with increased fluid intake and pain relief. Larger stones might require shock wave therapy, medication, or surgery.
- UTIs and Kidney Infections: Treated with antibiotics. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications.
- Hydronephrosis or Obstruction: May need procedures to drain the kidney or remove the blockage.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: Managed with medications, lifestyle changes, and monitoring kidney function.
- Injury or Trauma: May require pain relief, rest, or surgery in more severe cases.
- Kidney Cancer: Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the stage.
How to relieve kidney pain
If you’re dealing with mild kidney pain or waiting to see a doctor, here are some things that may help:
- Stay well-hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out the urinary system and may help pass small stones.
- Take over-the-counter painkillers: Paracetamol is usually safe. Be cautious with NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) as they can affect kidney function — especially if your kidneys are already compromised.
- Use a warm compress: A hot water bottle or heating pad on the affected area may ease discomfort.
- Rest: Avoid strenuous activity and give your body time to recover.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: These can irritate the bladder and make symptoms worse.
Kidney pain treatment at Ramsay Health Care
Kidney pain should never be ignored. While some causes are mild and pass quickly, others may need medical treatment to prevent more serious problems. If you experience pain in your side or back, especially with other symptoms like fever, nausea, or changes in urination, speak to your doctor or urologist. Early diagnosis and treatment can protect your kidneys — and your overall health.
Ramsay Health Care offers expert diagnosis and treatment for kidney pain, including fast access to consultations and surgery if required. Contact us today to book an appointment today .
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