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Symptoms of Flank Pain

Flank pain, or side pain, can have several possible causes, depending on the severity of the symptoms and any accompanying symptoms. If the symptoms of flank pain are limited to discomfort, the pain may be due to a muscle spasm. If flank pain is accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate a kidney problem.

  1. Location

    • Flank pain occurs on one side of the body, between the upper abdomen and lower back and above the hip to above the waistline.

    Causes

    • Symptoms of flank pain may be caused by muscle spasm, arthritis, disk disease, shingles or a kidney stone, abscess or disease.

    Features

    • When symptoms of flank pain include a rash, the cause may be shingles. When flank pain is accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting or blood in the urine, it may be a sign of a kidney disorder.

    Treatment

    • Depending on the cause of the symptoms of flank pain, treatment may include antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medications. If the cause is a muscle spasm or arthritis, treatment includes rest and physical therapy.

    Warning

    • Call your doctor immediately you have persistent, unexplained symptoms of flank pain or if your flank pain is severe or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or blood in the urine.

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