Why does kidney stones cause abdominal pain?

Urine normally flows from each kidney through a narrow tube called the ureter to the bladder. A stone can rub against this tube or slow the flow of urine. The ureter may tighten in an effort to move the stone along, while pressure can build above a blockage. Both processes can create intense, wave-like pain.

Abdominal Pain is a very common presentation of Kidney Stones. Pain may begin in the side or back and move toward the lower abdomen or groin. Some people also have nausea, sweating, urinary urgency, or blood in the urine. Abdominal pain has many causes, so its location and pattern need clinical assessment.

Contact a clinician for new abdominal pain that may be from a stone, particularly if it is severe or comes in waves. They may test urine and use imaging to look for a stone and assess whether urine is flowing freely. The care plan can include pain relief, anti-sickness medicine, fluids when appropriate, and support while the stone passes or further treatment if needed.

Follow the advice given about fluids; forcing large amounts of fluid during severe pain may not help. If possible, note where the pain starts, whether it travels, and any urine changes to share during the assessment.

Seek urgent medical care if abdominal pain is severe, you have fever or chills, cannot keep fluids down, cannot pass urine, feel faint, or have worsening weakness. Fever with possible urinary blockage needs immediate assessment because infection can be trapped above the obstruction.

Ask whether imaging shows a blockage, what pain relief is safe with your medical history, and whether you should collect a passed stone for analysis. Ask which symptoms mean you should return without waiting.