Last Updated on November 6, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
It’s hard to tell if back pain is just normal or from kidney stones.kidney stones and poop feelingKidney Scintigraphy: Uses & Diagnostic Value Kidney stone disease hits about one in eleven people in the U.S. and 9.9 percent worldwide. Knowing the difference in pain is key to getting help fast.
Kidney stones are hard, mineral-based objects in urine that form in the kidneys. They can cause a lot of pain as they move. At Liv Hospital, we focus on finding kidney stone symptoms to treat them right.
Kidney stone disease is a big health issue in the U.S. It affects a lot of people. About one in eleven Americans will get a kidney stone at some point. Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the urine crystallize.
Kidney stone disease is getting more common. Studies show that more people are getting kidney stones. This is due to diet, how much water we drink, and genetics.
| Year | Prevalence of Kidney Stones |
| 1990 | 3.6% |
| 2000 | 5.2% |
| 2010 | 8.8% |
The table shows kidney stones are more common now. This highlights the need to understand and manage the condition better.
Kidney stones form when urine has too many substances that can form crystals. Dehydration, diet, and some medical conditions can affect this.
“Kidney stones form when the urine becomes supersaturated with stone-forming salts, leading to crystallization.”
The most common kidney stones are made of calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine. Knowing how these substances form is key to preventing and treating kidney stones.
There are several types of kidney stones, each with different causes and risk factors.
Knowing the type of kidney stone is key to finding the right treatment and prevention.
The Connection Between Kidney Stones and Back Pain
Kidney stones and back pain are linked through the urinary system’s anatomy and pain pathways. Stones can cause severe pain in the back as they move in the urinary tract.
Kidney stones block urine flow, causing pressure in the kidney. This pressure can make the kidney swell, leading to pain. The pain, called renal colic, is very severe and can spread from the back to the lower abdomen and groin.
The pain pathway involves the nerves that run from the kidney to the spinal cord. When a stone moves, it irritates these nerves, sending pain signals to the brain.
“The pain of renal colic is often described as one of the most severe pains humans can experience, rivaling childbirth and certain types of surgical pain.”
The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Stones can form in the kidneys and travel down the ureters. The ureters are narrow tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder, and stones can get stuck here, causing pain.
The pain pathways involve complex interactions between the nerves of the urinary system and the spinal cord. Understanding these pathways is key for diagnosing and treating kidney stone pain effectively.
| Location | Pain Characteristics |
| Kidney | Dull ache or severe pain in the flank area |
| Ureter | Sharp, stabbing pain radiating to the groin |
| Lower Abdomen | Cramping or discomfort |
Back pain can be a sign of a kidney stone if it’s with other symptoms like blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, or needing to urinate often. The pain usually starts suddenly and is very intense, making people seek medical help.
If you have severe back pain and other urinary symptoms, see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Distinguishing Kidney Stone Pain from Other Back Pain
It’s important to know the difference between kidney stone pain and other back pains. Kidney stone pain, or renal colic, has its own unique signs. These signs help doctors diagnose and treat the problem correctly.
Renal colic pain feels sharp and stabbing, like a wave. It’s very intense and can make you feel really bad. You might also feel sick to your stomach and throw up.
Back pain from muscle strain or poor posture is different. It’s usually dull and doesn’t change much. Resting or moving around can help.
Kidney stone pain feels sharp and moves like a wave. Regular back pain is dull and stays the same. These differences help figure out what’s wrong.
| Characteristics | Kidney Stone Pain | Regular Back Pain |
| Sensation | Sharp, stabbing | Dull, aching |
| Pattern | Wave-like | Constant |
| Intensity | Severe | Variable |
| Associated Symptoms | Nausea, vomiting | Muscle stiffness |
Knowing these differences helps both patients and doctors find the right treatment. It’s all about understanding the pain to get better.
It’s important to know where kidney stone pain is felt to diagnose and treat it right. The pain usually starts in the back, just below the rib cage. It can spread to other spots as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
Kidney stone pain often starts on one side of the back, just below the rib cage. It can be very painful. This pain happens because the stone irritates the lining of the urinary tract.
The pain can feel sharp and stabbing. Its intensity can change as the stone moves.
As the kidney stone moves through the urinary tract, pain can spread to the lower abdomen and groin. This happens because the nerves that supply the urinary tract also cover these areas. The pain can get worse and may be joined by symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
The pain from kidney stones can shift as the stone moves. At first, it might be in the back. But as it moves, it can go to the lower abdomen and groin. Knowing these changes is key to tracking the stone’s movement and finding the right treatment.
In summary, kidney stone pain can appear in different places, starting in the back and moving to the lower abdomen and groin. Spotting these patterns is vital for correct diagnosis and treatment.
Back pain is a common symptom of kidney stones. But, these stones can also mess with your stomach, causing nausea and vomiting. It’s important to know how these symptoms are linked to kidney stones for better care.
Kidney stones can mess with your bowel habits because of the pain. This pain can make you feel sick and throw up. It can also change how often you go to the bathroom.
The pain from kidney stones can slow down your bowel movements. This is because it affects the sympathetic nervous system. Also, pain meds can make it harder to go to the bathroom.
Many people with kidney stones feel sick and throw up. The severe pain from kidney stones can make you feel this way. It’s like your body is reacting to the pain.
Some people might get so dehydrated from throwing up that it makes things worse. If you’re feeling really sick, it’s key to drink lots of water and see a doctor.
While it’s normal to feel sick with kidney stones, some symptoms are a big deal. If you’re throwing up a lot, feeling really dehydrated, or have bad stomach pain, get help right away.
Watch out for signs of infection like fever or chills. These can make kidney stones worse. Knowing when to worry about your symptoms is key to getting the right help.
Additional Symptoms That Accompany Kidney Stone Back Pain
Kidney stones can cause more than just back pain. They can also lead to changes in how you urinate and signs of infection. Knowing these symptoms helps figure out how serious the problem is and what to do next.
Kidney stones can really mess with your bathroom habits. You might find yourself needing to go more often or feeling like you have to go right away. Sometimes, you might even see blood in your urine, which can be tiny or quite visible.
These changes in how you urinate often go hand in hand with back pain from kidney stones.
Fever and chills can mean you have an infection linked to kidney stones. If a stone blocks your urinary tract, bacteria can grow and cause an infection. A fever over 100.4°F (38°C) with chills is a big warning sign. It’s very important to watch your temperature and get medical help if you start to feel these symptoms.
Back pain is usually in the lower back, but kidney stones can also hurt your shoulder and upper back. This happens because the nerves in your back and kidney are connected. Knowing how kidney stones affect pain in different parts of your back is key to getting a correct diagnosis.
In short, kidney stones can cause many symptoms, not just back pain. These include changes in urination, blood in the urine, fever, and pain in the shoulder and upper back. Spotting these signs can help you get the medical help you need quickly.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Kidney Stone Pain
Knowing the signs of kidney stone problems can save lives. Kidney stones can cause a lot of back pain. It’s important to know when this pain means you need to see a doctor right away.
Some symptoms mean you need to get help fast. If you notice any of these, don’t wait:
These symptoms mean you should see a doctor quickly:
| Symptom | Description |
| Severe Pain | Pain that is unbearable and doesn’t respond to pain medication |
| Fever | High temperature indicating possible infection |
| Bloody Urine | Presence of blood in the urine, which can indicate stone movement or infection |
When you go to the emergency room for kidney stone pain, here’s what happens:
If you’re found to have kidney stones, your doctor will talk about treatment with you. Knowing when to get medical help can help you recover better and avoid problems.
Dealing with kidney stone back pain needs a full plan. This includes managing pain and using medical treatments. We know how painful kidney stones can be. So, we focus on easing this pain to help patients feel better.
Managing pain is key in treating kidney stone back pain. We use many ways to reduce discomfort. Here are some common methods:
Pain management is tailored to the individual, based on the stone’s size and location, and the patient’s health.
If pain relief doesn’t work, or if the stone is big, we might need to use medical procedures. We have several ways to remove kidney stones, including:
| Procedure | Description | Typical Use Case |
| Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) | A non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break the stone into smaller pieces. | For stones that are not too large and are located in the kidney or upper ureter. |
| Ureteroscopy | A minimally invasive procedure where a small scope is passed through the urethra and bladder to directly visualize and remove the stone. | For stones in the ureter or when ESWL is not suitable. |
Choosing the right procedure depends on various factors, like the stone’s size, location, and type, and the patient’s medical history.
Sometimes, patients need to stay in the hospital for severe pain, infections, or complications. We decide on hospitalization when:
The time it takes to recover from kidney stone treatment varies. It depends on the procedure and the patient’s health. Generally, patients can expect:
Understanding the recovery process helps patients know what to expect and when to seek more medical help if needed.
To prevent kidney stones, you need to make some changes. Drinking lots of water helps keep your urine diluted. This can lower the chance of stones forming. It’s also key to know the difference between kidney stone pain and back pain.
Eating more fruits, veggies, and whole grains can help. Try to eat less sodium and animal products too. Sometimes, kidney stones can cause pain in your shoulder or back. So, it’s important to find and fix the root cause.
Managing kidney stones long-term means watching for signs they might come back. You might need to make more changes to stop future stones. Knowing why you have kidney stone pain or back pain helps you take action. This way, you can lower your risk and handle symptoms better.
Yes, kidney stones can cause severe back pain. This pain is sharp and stabbing, feeling like waves. It can also spread to the lower abdomen and groin.
Kidney stone pain can be felt in the upper, lower back, and flank area. It can also spread to the groin, abdomen, and genital area as the stone moves.
Kidney stones can lead to nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel function. The pain and discomfort can also cause digestive issues.
Symptoms include frequent urination, urgency, and blood in the urine. Fever, chills, and shoulder pain can also occur.
Seek medical help for severe pain, vomiting, fever, chills, or trouble urinating. Look out for severe abdominal or back pain, pain with urination, and signs of infection.
Treatments include pain management, medical procedures to remove the stone, and hospitalization in severe cases. The choice depends on the stone’s size, location, and type, and the individual’s health.
Yes, kidney stones can cause lower back pain, often if the stone is in the lower urinary tract.
Preventing kidney stones involves staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and managing health conditions. Knowing how to prevent them can help avoid this painful condition.
Back pain from kidney stones can be in the flank area, lower back, or upper back. It can also spread to other areas.
Yes, kidney stones can cause significant back pain, which can be severe and debilitating.
Yes, kidney stones can cause shoulder pain, often if the stone is in the upper urinary tract.
Kidney stone pain is sharp and stabbing, feeling like waves. Regular back pain is dull and aching. Knowing the difference is key for accurate diagnosis and treatment.