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Why Do Kidney Stones Hurt?

Kidney stones, small and hard crystallized minerals, can be extremely painful to pass. Many people think that a kidney stone has to be big to be painful, but this is not the case.

  1. The Pain Begins

    • The pain from a kidney stone will usually begin once the stone moves into your ureter. This is the small tube that carries urine from your kidney to your bladder. The stone, even a small one, will cause a spasm that results in pain.

    Painful Progression

    • Pain from kidney stones may start in your back and side and radiate to the lower abdomen and groin areas. The severity of pain may come and go, and there may be additional pain when you urinate.

    Complications

    • Kidney stones can cause scarring, kidney damage and infection and may block the ureter.

    Treatments

    • Smaller stones will pass on their own with extra fluid intake, but a larger stone may need to be broken up with a shock wave procedure or removed by surgery.

    Prevention

    • Increasing your daily fluid intake with water and fresh lemonade will help flush out stones. Medication and dietary restrictions may also be prescribed depending on the composition of the stones that form.

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