Kidney pain can be a concerning symptom, often signaling an issue within your urinary system. Understanding what kidney pain feels like is crucial for early detection and seeking appropriate medical attention. While only a doctor can diagnose the exact cause, knowing the common sensations and potential underlying conditions can empower you to describe your symptoms more effectively and get the help you need.
Kidney pain is most often felt in your flank, which is the area on either side of your back between your ribs and hip. It’s important to differentiate kidney pain from common back pain, which is often muscular. Kidney pain tends to be deeper and higher up the back than typical muscle soreness. The sensation of kidney pain can vary widely depending on the cause, but here are some common descriptions:
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Sharp, severe pain: This type of pain is often associated with kidney stones, especially when a stone is moving through the urinary tract. The pain can come in waves, known as renal colic, and may radiate to your groin or lower abdomen. It’s often described as one of the worst pains imaginable and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
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Dull ache or pressure: A persistent, dull ache in your flank could indicate a kidney infection, polycystic kidney disease, or even dehydration. This type of pain is generally less intense than kidney stone pain but can be constant and bothersome. You might also feel tenderness when the area is gently pressed.
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Burning sensation: While less common, a burning sensation in your flank might occur with a kidney infection, especially if it’s related to a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs primarily cause burning during urination, but the infection can ascend to the kidneys and cause pain in the back.
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Pain worsening with movement: Pain from a kidney injury might be aggravated by movement or specific positions. If you’ve recently had an accident or injury to your back, and experience pain that seems to be coming from deeper within, it could be related to your kidneys.
It’s important to remember that the feeling of kidney pain is subjective and can vary from person to person. Furthermore, some kidney conditions might not cause pain in their early stages. However, being aware of the potential sensations and associated symptoms is a crucial first step.
Here are some of the common causes of kidney pain and how the pain might manifest:
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are a frequent culprit behind intense kidney pain. These hard deposits form when waste products in the blood crystallize and clump together in the kidneys. Small stones may pass unnoticed, but larger ones can cause significant pain as they move through the urinary tract.
How kidney stone pain feels: Typically described as excruciating, sharp, and cramping pain that comes in waves. This pain often starts in the flank and can radiate to the groin, lower abdomen, and even the inner thigh. People often feel restless and unable to get comfortable. Nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine are also common symptoms alongside the intense pain.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs are infections caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, most commonly affecting the bladder and urethra. If left untreated, UTIs can ascend to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
How UTI-related kidney pain feels: If a UTI progresses to a kidney infection, you might experience a constant, dull ache in your flank. This pain is often accompanied by other UTI symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and fever. The pain might be less severe than kidney stone pain but is still significant and requires medical attention.
Dehydration
Dehydration, meaning your body lacks sufficient fluids, can sometimes lead to kidney pain. When you’re dehydrated, your kidneys work harder to filter waste with less water, which can cause discomfort.
How dehydration-related kidney pain feels: Dehydration might cause a mild, dull ache or a feeling of pressure in your kidneys. However, dehydration is more likely to cause other symptoms like fatigue, headache, dizziness, dark urine, and decreased urination. Kidney pain from dehydration is usually not severe and often resolves once you rehydrate properly.
Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
As mentioned earlier, kidney infections are usually caused by bacteria spreading from a UTI to the kidneys. These infections require prompt medical treatment to prevent kidney damage.
How kidney infection pain feels: Kidney infection pain is typically a moderate to severe, constant ache in the flank. It’s often described as a deep, throbbing pain and is usually accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and back pain. The pain can be felt on one or both sides of the back, depending on whether one or both kidneys are infected.
Kidney Injury (Trauma)
Kidney injury can occur due to trauma to the back or abdomen, such as from falls, accidents, or sports injuries. The severity of pain depends on the extent of the kidney damage.
How kidney injury pain feels: Pain from a kidney injury can range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of injury. It’s often a localized pain in the flank area that may worsen with movement or pressure. Bruising or swelling in the area might also be present. The pain can be sharp initially and then become a more constant ache.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer, in its early stages, may not cause any pain. However, as the cancer progresses, it can lead to persistent pain in the side, back, or abdomen.
How kidney cancer pain feels: Pain associated with kidney cancer is often a dull, persistent ache in the flank, back, or abdomen that doesn’t go away. It can be a vague discomfort initially and gradually worsen over time. Other symptoms of kidney cancer, such as blood in the urine, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and fever, might also be present alongside the pain.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder causing cysts filled with fluid to grow in the kidneys. These cysts enlarge the kidneys and can cause pain and other complications.
How PKD pain feels: PKD can cause a persistent ache or pressure in the back or side due to the enlarged kidneys pressing on surrounding tissues. The pain can be mild to moderate and may be accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. Sudden, sharp pain can occur if a cyst ruptures or bleeds.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It’s important to consult a doctor if you experience persistent or severe kidney pain. While this article provides information about what kidney pain feels like, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial to address the underlying cause of your kidney pain and prevent potential complications. Seek immediate medical attention if you have:
- Severe, sudden kidney pain
- Kidney pain accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting
- Blood in your urine
- Painful urination
- Pain that doesn’t improve with home care
Understanding what kidney pain feels like and being aware of the potential causes can help you communicate effectively with your healthcare provider and ensure you receive the best possible care.
