What should you know about lower right back flank pain?

The flank is the area between the ribs and hip on the side of the back. A pulled muscle may hurt more when you twist, bend, or press the area. Kidney stones can cause intense, wave-like pain that travels toward the groin, while a kidney infection can cause a deeper ache with fever, chills, nausea, or feeling unwell. A urinary tract infection may add burning, urgency, or frequent urination.

Pain can also come from the spine, ribs, bowel, or abdominal organs. The location alone cannot identify the cause. Note whether the pain began after activity, comes in waves, changes with movement, or occurs with urinary or digestive symptoms.

For mild pain after a clear muscle strain, reduce aggravating activity, keep moving gently, and use warmth if it feels soothing. Drink normally unless a clinician has advised fluid restriction. A pharmacist can help choose suitable pain relief. Do not delay assessment for severe pain, fever, vomiting, or blood in the urine while trying home care.

Get urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening pain, fever with flank pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, inability to pass urine, or visible blood in urine. Prompt review is also needed if you feel very unwell or have pain after a significant injury. Arrange an appointment when discomfort persists, returns, or is accompanied by urinary changes.

Describe the onset, movement triggers, radiation toward the groin, urine changes, fever, and medicines. Ask whether you need a urine test, blood tests, or imaging to assess the kidneys and other causes.