Burning Pain in the Flank Area: What to Know

The flank is the side of the body between the ribs and hip. Strained muscles often hurt more when you twist, lift, or press the area. Nerve irritation can create burning, tingling, or pain that follows a narrow path. Kidney stones may cause severe waves of pain, nausea, or blood in the urine. A kidney infection often presents with flank pain alongside fever, chills, nausea, or feeling ill. A urinary tract infection may instead cause burning urination, frequent urges, or lower abdominal discomfort; see Urinary Tract Infection for related symptoms. A rash or skin sensitivity can point to a nerve-related skin condition.

Note whether the pain is constant or comes in waves, and whether movement changes it. Drink normally unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids; do not force large amounts of water during severe pain. Rest from heavy lifting and use only pain relief that is safe for you. Arrange an assessment if urinary changes, fever, vomiting, or recurring pain are present. A clinician may check your abdomen and back, urine, temperature, and other findings before deciding whether further tests are needed.

Seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, faintness, confusion, inability to pass urine, persistent vomiting, or heavy blood in the urine. Get prompt medical help for flank pain with fever or chills because a kidney infection can become serious; review Kidney Infection for more information. Contact a clinician soon when pain comes in waves, follows an injury, lasts beyond a short period, or keeps returning. Pregnancy, one functioning kidney, or known kidney disease lowers the threshold for urgent advice.

Could this be muscular, nerve-related, a stone, or an infection? Do I need a urine test? Which pain medicines are appropriate for my kidneys and other conditions? Which changes require emergency care?