What to know about lower flank pain on both sides

The flank is the side of the back between the ribs and hip. Strained muscles can hurt on both sides after lifting, exercise, coughing or prolonged posture. Urinary symptoms, fever, nausea or pain that moves toward the groin raise concern for a Urinary Tract Infection, Kidney Infection or Kidney Stones. Constipation, spinal irritation and shingles can also cause side pain; a rash may appear after discomfort begins.

Notice whether movement, meals or urination changes the pain, and record its onset and severity. Rest from strenuous lifting, keep gently mobile, drink normally unless a clinician has limited your fluids, and use only a suitable label-directed pain medicine. Do not take leftover antibiotics. A clinician may check your abdomen and back and arrange urine or blood testing when urinary causes are possible.

Get urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening pain, fever with shaking chills, repeated vomiting, blood in urine, inability to pass urine, faintness, new leg weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Pregnancy, one functioning kidney or significant immune problems lower the threshold for prompt assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest a urinary, muscular or spinal cause, whether urine testing is needed, and which pain medicines are safe with your health conditions.