What should you know about pain in flank area both sides?

The flanks are the areas between the ribs and hips on either side of the back. Pain that changes with movement, lifting, twisting or pressing the area may arise from muscles or the spine. Kidney infection can cause flank discomfort with fever, chills, nausea, or painful and frequent urination. Kidney stones often cause intense waves of pain that may travel toward the groin, sometimes with blood in the urine. A urinary tract infection may cause burning urination and lower abdominal discomfort, although flank pain with fever needs prompt attention.

Rest from heavy lifting and note whether gentle movement changes the pain. Drink fluids normally unless a clinician has told you to restrict them, and record urinary changes, fever, vomiting, injury, and the time pattern. Arrange a medical review if pain persists, returns, or is accompanied by urinary symptoms. A clinician may examine your abdomen and back and check urine; the findings determine whether further evaluation is needed.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, fever with shaking chills, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, or blood in the urine. Get prompt help if you cannot pass urine, feel very unwell, or have new flank pain during pregnancy. After a significant injury, worsening pain, weakness, or difficulty breathing also warrants emergency assessment.

Ask whether the location and movement pattern fit a muscle problem or urinary cause, whether a urine test is needed, how to manage pain safely, and which symptoms should prompt same-day reassessment.