Flank Pain Without a Kidney Infection

Flank pain is characterized as a dull, or sharp, pain that is typically isolated to one side of the body. Flank pain generally isolates itself just below the rib cage and in between the back and abdomen. Although a kidney infection can cause flank pain, there are several other illnesses that are associated with flank pain. Flank pain that is persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, warrants medical attention.

Flank Pain

• Disorders that may be associated with flank pain may include urinary tract infections, shingles, spinal disorders and renal artery thrombosis of the kidney.

Urinary Tract Infections

• Urinary tract infections may cause flank pain. UTI is typically more common in women than in men. Symptoms associated with UTI may include fever, flank pain and painful urination.

Shingles

• When the rash associated with shingles is located in the flank area, flank pain may be present. Prescription-strength pain relievers may help reduce the pain associated with shingles flank pain.

Spinal Disorders

• Spinal conditions such as inflammation associated with arthritis and degenerated disk disease can cause flank pain.

Renal Artery Thrombosis

• Renal artery thrombosis a condition in which the blood supply to the kidney is blocked due to a blood clot formation in the kidney and can cause extreme flank pain.