What should you know about radiating flank pain?

Pain at the side of the back may move towards the lower abdomen, groin or front of the body. A stone can cause severe, wave-like pain that shifts as it moves through the urinary tract. A kidney infection may cause flank pain with fever, chills, nausea or painful urination. A urinary tract infection can cause burning or frequent urination, although flank pain may suggest involvement higher in the urinary system. Muscle strain, rib irritation or a pinched nerve can also send pain outward, especially when movement, coughing or pressing the area changes it.

Note the start of the pain, its direction, severity, and whether it comes in waves or stays steady. Record urine changes, bowel symptoms, fever, vomiting and recent lifting or injury. Drink normally unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids, and avoid taking leftover antibiotics. A clinician may examine your abdomen and back and arrange urine testing or imaging when the pattern suggests a urinary cause. Read more about [Flank Pain](/symptoms/flank-pain/), [Kidney Stones](/conditions/kidney-stones/) and [Kidney Infection](/conditions/kidney-infection/).

Seek urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening pain, fever with flank pain, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, blood in the urine, or difficulty passing urine. Prompt assessment is also sensible during pregnancy, after significant injury, or when you have one functioning kidney. These features can signal a problem needing timely examination rather than home observation.

Could the direction of the pain suggest a urinary, muscular or nerve-related cause? Do I need urine testing or imaging? Which symptoms should make me seek urgent help? What pain relief is suitable with my medicines and health conditions?