What should you know about right hand side flank pain?

The flank is the area between the lower ribs and the hip, toward the side of the back. Pain that follows lifting, twisting, or a tender muscle may be musculoskeletal. Severe waves of pain that move toward the groin can occur with kidney stones. A kidney infection may present with flank pain alongside fever, chills, nausea, or urinary burning. Right-sided pain can also overlap with problems in the bowel or gallbladder, so location alone cannot identify the cause.

Note when the pain began, whether it is constant or comes in waves, and whether movement changes it. Drink normally unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids, and avoid strenuous activity while you observe the pattern. Do not start leftover antibiotics. A clinician can examine your abdomen and back and may check urine or arrange imaging when the symptoms suggest a urinary cause. See Flank Pain for broader symptom information.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for persistent or worsening pain, fever, repeated vomiting, blood in the urine, difficulty passing urine, or pain with urinary symptoms. Seek emergency help for sudden severe pain with fainting, confusion, a rigid abdomen, or inability to keep fluids down. Pregnancy, a single functioning kidney, or significant immune problems lower the threshold for urgent advice.

Could the pain be from my muscles, kidney, bowel, or gallbladder? Do I need a urine test, blood tests, or imaging? Which symptoms should make me seek urgent help? What pain relief is suitable with my other medicines?