What should you know about right flank pain?

The flank is the area between the ribs and hip on the side of the back. Pain there may follow lifting, twisting, coughing, or prolonged awkward posture and may worsen when the muscles are used. A kidney stone can cause severe pain that travels towards the groin, sometimes with nausea or blood in the urine. A kidney infection often presents with flank pain alongside fever, chills, feeling unwell, or painful frequent urination. A bladder infection can cause urinary symptoms without flank pain, but pain higher in the side deserves attention. Digestive or skin and nerve problems can also be felt in this region.

Record when the pain began, its intensity, whether it moves, and what makes it better or worse. Note fever, vomiting, urine colour, burning, frequency, bowel changes, rash, or recent physical strain. Drink normally unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids; forcing large amounts is not a treatment for every cause. Rest from heavy lifting, and use only pain medicine that is safe for you and taken as directed. Arrange a clinical review if the pain persists, returns, or has urinary features. A clinician may examine your abdomen and back and test a urine sample.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, fever with flank pain, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, inability to pass urine, or visible blood in the urine. Get prompt advice if you are pregnant, have one functioning kidney, or have a weakened immune system. Sudden flank pain with abdominal tenderness or a rigid abdomen also needs urgent assessment. Mild pain after a clear muscle strain may be monitored briefly, but worsening symptoms should not be attributed to the back without examination.

Could this be muscular or urinary? Do I need a urine test or examination today? Which changes in pain, temperature, or urination should prompt urgent help?