by Kidney pain is a common but often misunderstood health issue. It usually presents as a dull ache or sharp discomfort in your back, side, or abdomen. While this type of pain can sometimes be mistaken for regular back pain, the underlying cause could be more serious, especially if it’s related to kidney pain symptoms, causes, and treatment
Being able to identify the signs of kidney-related pain and understanding its potential causes is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
What Is Kidney Pain Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Kidney pain originates from the kidneys—two bean-shaped organs located on either side of your spine, just beneath your rib cage. Their primary role is to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, producing urine as a byproduct.
In addition to filtration, kidneys help regulate blood pressure, maintain electrolyte balance, support bone health, and stimulate red blood cell production through hormone secretion. Because of their many critical functions, any damage or disease affecting the kidneys can lead to noticeable symptoms, one of the most prominent being pain.
Where Is Kidney Pain Felt?
You’ll typically feel kidney pain in your lower back or flanks—just below the ribs on either side of your spine. The pain may remain localized or radiate to the lower abdomen, sides, or groin. This discomfort can vary in intensity and duration, depending on the root cause.
How Kidney Pain Differs from Back Pain
One of the most challenging aspects of diagnosing kidney pain is distinguishing it from muscular or spinal back pain. Here’s how they generally differ:
Feature Kidney Pain Back Pain Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Location Flank, under ribs, sometimes into abdomen Center of lower back or around spine
Type of pain Dull, aching, or sharp; may be constant Often related to movement, posture
Radiation May spread to groin or lower abdomen Usually stays in one localized area
Associated symptoms Fever, nausea, urinary changes Muscle stiffness, spasms, postural issues
Symptoms Associated with Kidney Pain
In addition to localized discomfort, several other symptoms may appear, depending on the underlying condition affecting the kidneys. These can include:
A persistent dull ache or sharp pain on one or both sides
Pain that radiates to the groin or lower abdomen
Nausea and vomiting
Fever and chills
Pain or burning during urination
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Common Causes of Kidney Pain Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Kidney pain can be triggered by a variety of conditions. Some are mild and temporary, while others are more serious and require immediate attention.
1. Kidney Stones
One of the most intense causes of kidney pain, kidney stones are hard deposits made from minerals and salts. When they obstruct the flow of urine through the ureters (the tubes connecting kidneys to the bladder), they can cause severe, cramping pain that radiates from the back to the groin.
Symptoms:
Sudden, sharp pain in the side or back
Pain that comes in waves
Blood in urine
Difficulty urinating
2. Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis)
A bacterial infection that reaches the kidneys can cause inflammation and significant pain. Often stemming from an untreated urinary tract infection (UTI), this condition may affect one or both kidneys.
Symptoms:
Pain in the flank, back, or groin
Fever and chills
Frequent or painful urination
Nausea
3. Dehydration
Insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can interfere with the kidneys’ ability to filter waste efficiently. Dehydration may contribute to kidney stone formation or other complications.
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Symptoms:
Dry mouth
Decreased urine output
Fatigue
Kidney pain due to toxin buildup
4. COVID-19-Related Kidney Complications
The COVID-19 virus has been shown to affect kidney function, particularly in hospitalized patients. The virus can directly infect kidney cells or reduce oxygen supply, causing damage.
Potential mechanisms:
Blood clots reducing kidney blood flow
Direct infection of kidney tissues
Immune system overreaction affecting multiple organs
5. Urinary Retention
When the bladder does not empty completely, urine may back up into the kidneys, leading to swelling and pressure. This condition can result in pain and long-term kidney damage.
6. Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
This condition involves the backward flow of urine from the bladder to the kidneys, increasing the risk of infections and inflammation.
Symptoms:
Flank pain
Pain during urination
Recurrent UTIs
7. Ureteral Stricture
A narrowing of the ureter due to scarring, tumors, or previous surgery can prevent normal urine flow, leading to pressure buildup and pain.
8. Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction
This blockage where the kidney connects to the ureter slows down urine drainage, causing kidney swelling (hydronephrosis) and discomfort on the affected side.
9. Hydronephrosis
Swelling of one or both kidneys due to urine buildup is called hydronephrosis. It can result from blockages, kidney stones, or infections.
10. Kidney Cysts
Simple cysts usually cause no symptoms. However, larger ones may exert pressure on surrounding tissues and cause dull, localized pain.
11. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
A genetic disorder where multiple cysts develop in the kidneys, PKD can cause chronic pain, kidney enlargement, and loss of function over time.
12. Kidney Cancer
In its early stages, kidney cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms. As it progresses, it may result in persistent pain in the side, blood in the urine, and a palpable mass.
13. Benign Renal Tumors
Noncancerous masses in the kidney may still cause pain, especially if they grow large enough to press against nearby tissues.
14. Renal Vein Thrombosis
A blood clot in the vein draining the kidney can cause sharp, persistent pain along with potential kidney damage.
15. Kidney Trauma or Injury
Injuries from sports, accidents, or falls can damage the kidneys, causing pain that ranges from mild to severe depending on the extent of the injury.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Kidney pain should never be ignored—especially when accompanied by other warning signs like fever, blood in urine, or vomiting. Contact a healthcare provider if:
Pain is severe or persistent
You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection
There are changes in your urine (color, smell, amount)
You develop fever or chills
You’re at risk of kidney disease (diabetes, high blood pressure)
Treatment Options
Treatment for kidney pain depends on its underlying cause:
Kidney Stones: May require pain relief, hydration, or medical procedures to break up or remove stones.
Infections: Require antibiotics and sometimes hospitalization for intravenous treatment.
Dehydration: Managed through increased fluid intake and, in severe cases, IV fluids.
Structural Problems: May need surgery or medical intervention to correct blockages or reflux.
Chronic Conditions: Such as PKD or kidney cancer, require long-term management and possibly surgical intervention.
Final Thoughts
Kidney pain is a symptom that can signal a wide range of health issues, from mild dehydration to serious infections or even cancer. Early detection and prompt medical evaluation are key to preventing complications and preserving kidney function.
If you’re experiencing persistent or unexplained pain in your back or sides, don’t dismiss it—talk to your healthcare provider to identify the cause and begin appropriate treatment.
