What causes loin pain?

The loin is the area between the lower ribs and the hip, toward the side or back. Pain there may be aching, cramping, burning or sharp, and it may stay in one place or travel toward the abdomen or groin.

Urinary causes include a kidney stone, a urinary tract infection that has reached the kidney, or blockage of urine flow. Kidney stones may cause waves of severe pain, while kidney infection often comes with fever, chills, nausea or painful urination. A pulled back or abdominal muscle can hurt more when you twist, lift or press the area. Shingles can cause burning or sensitivity before a skin rash appears.

The pattern alone cannot identify the cause. A clinician may ask about urinary changes, bowel symptoms, recent activity, injuries, fever, pregnancy possibility and medicines, then examine your abdomen and back. Urine testing or imaging may be considered when the symptoms point to a urinary or other internal cause.

Note when the pain began, which side is affected, whether it comes in waves, and what makes it better or worse. Record fever, vomiting, urine colour or smell, burning during urination, blood in the urine, rash, constipation and any recent lifting or injury.

Arrange medical advice if the pain persists, keeps returning, interferes with normal activity, or occurs with urinary symptoms. Until you are assessed, rest from strenuous activity and drink normally unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids. Use only pain medicine that is suitable for you; kidney disease, pregnancy, ulcers and other conditions can change which medicines are appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help for loin pain with a high fever or shaking chills, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, severe weakness, or inability to pass urine. Get prompt assessment if you see blood in the urine, have one functioning kidney, are pregnant, or the pain is sudden and severe. Call emergency services for collapse, trouble breathing or severe pain with a rigid or very tender abdomen.

Ask: Could this pain be coming from my kidneys, urinary tract, muscles or nerves? Do I need a urine test or imaging? Which pain relievers are safe with my health conditions and medicines? What changes should make me seek urgent care?