Dull Pain in the Right Flank: What to Know

The flank is the area between the lower ribs and the hip, toward the side of the back. A strained muscle may hurt more when you twist, lift, cough, or press the area. Kidney infection presents with flank pain alongside fever, chills, feeling unwell, or urinary changes. Kidney stones can cause pain that rises and falls, sometimes with nausea or blood in the urine. A urinary tract infection may bring burning, frequent urination, or lower abdominal discomfort, and can spread upward if untreated.

Pain from the right side can also overlap with digestive or gallbladder problems. The location alone cannot identify the cause.

Note when the pain began, whether movement changes it, and whether it travels toward the groin or abdomen. Drink normally unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids, and avoid strenuous lifting while you observe the pattern. Arrange a medical assessment if the discomfort persists, returns, or occurs with urinary symptoms; an examination and urine testing may help distinguish a muscle problem from a urinary cause. Do not start leftover antibiotics.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, fever with flank pain, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, inability to pass urine, or visible blood in the urine. Get prompt assessment after a significant blow to the side, especially if you feel weak or light-headed. Pregnancy, one functioning kidney, or known kidney disease lowers the threshold for contacting a clinician.

Could this be muscular, urinary, or related to another abdominal organ? Do I need a urine test or imaging? Which pain medicines are appropriate with my health conditions? What changes should prompt urgent review?