Kidney stone pain: what it feels like and when to get help
If you think you might have a kidney stone, the first goal is figuring out what's happening and whether you need urgent care. This page is educational — it is not a diagnosis and not a substitute for talking to a clinician.
After the pain — get a free prevention tracker
Get medical help right away if you have any of these:
- Severe pain you cannot control
- Fever or chills
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Blood in your urine
- Trouble urinating, or no urine output
- Only one working kidney, are pregnant, or have a transplant
Severe stone pain with fever can mean a blocked, infected kidney — that's an emergency. Don't wait it out at home.
Where kidney stone pain usually happens
Pain from a kidney stone is most often felt in the flank — the area along your back below the ribs, on one side. As the stone moves down the ureter, the pain can shift toward the lower abdomen and groin. Some people also feel pain when urinating once the stone gets close to the bladder.
What it can feel like
Many people describe stone pain as one of the most intense pains they've experienced. It often comes in waves (sometimes called "renal colic") rather than a steady ache. Between waves, you may feel sore but functional. Position changes usually do not relieve it — that's one of the things that distinguishes it from typical muscle back pain.
How long it lasts
The pain itself can come in waves of 20–60 minutes. The full episode can last from a few hours to several days, depending on how quickly the stone passes. Smaller stones (under about 4 mm) often pass on their own; larger stones may need procedures. A urologist can confirm with imaging.
Frequently asked questions
Where does kidney stone pain happen?
Kidney stone pain is often felt in the back or side below the ribs (the flank), and may move toward the lower abdomen and groin as the stone travels. The exact location can shift as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
How long does kidney stone pain last?
Pain from a passing stone can come in waves lasting 20–60 minutes at a time and may continue for hours or days until the stone passes. Persistent or severe pain — especially with fever, vomiting, or blood in urine — needs urgent medical care.
Is kidney pain different from back pain?
Kidney pain is usually deeper and higher than typical lower-back muscle pain, often felt in the flank below the ribs, and is not relieved by changing position. Muscle back pain often improves with rest or stretching. If you're unsure, see a clinician.
When should I go to the ER for kidney stone pain?
Seek emergency care if you have severe pain you cannot control, fever or chills, persistent vomiting, blood in your urine, difficulty urinating, or only one working kidney. These can indicate infection or a blocked kidney.
After the immediate pain
Once the urgent issue has been addressed, many people are told to pay closer attention to hydration and diet to reduce the chance of another stone. What to do after a kidney stone →
This page is educational. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you may be experiencing a kidney stone, contact a clinician or seek urgent care.