What should you know about constant flank pain both sides?

Flank pain is felt between the ribs and hips, often toward the side of the back. Pain on both sides may come from muscles, joints, posture, or the abdominal wall. Urinary causes include a kidney infection, urinary tract infection, or kidney stones; these may bring burning urination, urgency, blood in the urine, nausea, or pain that travels toward the groin. The location does not identify the cause by itself.

Describe whether the pain is aching, cramping, sharp, or movement-related, and whether it began suddenly or gradually. Fever, chills, feeling faint, reduced urine, or inability to keep fluids down makes medical review more urgent.

Book a clinical assessment for ongoing or unexplained pain. Note its severity, movement triggers, urinary symptoms, bowel symptoms, recent exercise, injuries, fluid intake, and any medicines taken. Gentle movement may help a muscular ache, but stop if it increases pain. Drink normally unless a clinician has advised fluid restriction; do not force fluids to flush out a suspected stone. A clinician may examine your abdomen and back and arrange urine or other tests.

Seek urgent help for severe sudden pain, fever with flank pain, confusion, fainting, repeated vomiting, blood in the urine, very little urine, or inability to urinate. Prompt review is also needed during pregnancy, with one functioning kidney, or when symptoms are rapidly worsening. Emergency symptoms should not be explained away as a muscle strain.

Ask whether the pattern suggests a muscle, urinary tract, or kidney problem; whether urine testing or imaging is appropriate; which pain medicines suit your health; and which changes should trigger urgent care.