15 Foolproof Ways to Spot the Sneaky Signs of Kidney Pain

The kidneys are vital organs that filter waste and excess fluid from the blood to produce urine. Beyond this, they play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, balancing minerals, producing essential hormones, and maintaining bone strength. Kidney pain can arise from various causes, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, injury, trauma, or renal cancer. However, distinguishing kidney pain from back pain, which is often caused by issues with bones, nerves, or muscles, can be challenging. While kidney pain is typically felt deep in the flank area, back pain from nerve issues is often localized to one side. With back pain being more common than kidney pain among the general population, understanding the differences is essential. To provide greater insight, we’ve expanded our list to explore 15 causes and symptoms of kidney pain, helping readers better identify and address this condition.

1. Location Of Pain

The location of pain can provide a better idea of whether an individual is experiencing pain in their kidneys or another tissue in the body. The main area where kidney pain is known to occur is in an individual's flank, which refers to the middle to upper back on either side of the spine. Pain in the kidney feels more like it is coming from deep inside of the body rather than a painful sensation that occurs just under the skin. The pain location may be described as the lower back part of an individual's ribcage, as the kidneys are located in that region. Kidney pain can occur on just one or both sides of an individual's spine, depending on its underlying cause. Kidney pain has also been known to manifest in the middle of an individual's sides a couple of inches above the navel. Pain that occurs due to other issues an individual may have in their back will be located underneath the region where kidney pain typically manifests. Changes in position can make a large difference in back pain, but position changes typically do not significantly alter the severity or location of pain when it is due to the kidneys.

2. Type And Severity Of Pain

An individual can help determine whether they are experiencing kidney pain by the type and severity of their pain. The type and severity of kidney pain depend on what is causing it. Kidney stones are known to produce sudden, intense, and sharp pain when they irritate the inside of the kidney and move into the ureters. Nerve pain is often mistaken for stone related kidney pain because it also produces sharp and intense stabbing pain. However, nerve pain radiates to other parts of the body differently than kidney pain. Kidney stone pain will only ease up once the stone is inside of the bladder or once it has been expelled from the body. Pain that occurs due to a kidney infection is usually a deep and dull ache sensation that remains stable and constant over time. Position changes do not alter it. This type of soreness will only improve upon several doses of antibiotics that successfully kill the infection-causing bacteria. Pain that occurs due to muscle and bone issues in an individual's back will not improve upon treatment with antibiotics and will fluctuate significantly with activity levels and position changes.

3. How The Pain Can Radiate

A certain property of kidney pain that can help identify it from other types of pain is how the pain can radiate in an individual's body. Because of the location of an individual's organs, kidney pain can easily radiate to the upper and middle abdominal areas in the front of the body. Pain that occurs due to kidney stones can radiate down to the individual's inner thighs or buttocks. Kidney pain associated with an infection that has made its way to the kidneys can radiate to the lower back and lower front abdominal region because of bladder involvement. Kidney pain linked to a growing malignant tumor in or on the kidney can radiate around a patient's sides and deep into their abdomen. Pain caused by another source in the back is more likely to stay isolated to one area. However, some types of back pain that involve nerve problems can cause pain to radiate all the down into the individual's lower leg.

4. Accompanying Symptoms

An individual's accompanying symptoms can indicate they may be experiencing kidney pain as opposed to pain of another type of tissue. The kidneys can be affected by conditions that produce symptoms such as hematuria, urinary frequency, vomiting, fever, chills, fatigue, cloudy urine, dark urine, pain when urinating, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and dizziness. Individuals affected by a disease that has caused major damage to their kidney structure or functionality may experience foul-smelling breath, shortness of breath, confusion, muscle cramping, metallic taste, leg swelling, ankle swelling, irregular heartbeat, and swelling of the feet. Patients with back pain rather than kidney pain will have different accompanying symptoms such as spinal aches, spinal stiffness, neck pain, muscle spasms, problems walking, and numbness and tingling that progresses from the back to the limbs. These accompanying symptoms can be confirmed through the use of a urine test, blood test, CT scans, x-rays, and ultrasounds.

5. When To Contact A Doctor

An affected individual needs to know when to contact a doctor about kidney pain. Patients who mistake back pain for kidney pain will think they can treat their pain at home with over-the-counter medications, rest, and heat therapy. However, kidney pain should not be treated at home without the guidance of a physician. Any severe and persistent pain that is not improving in severity after resting should be evaluated by a physician. Kidney pain that worsens over time can indicate the progression of life-threatening conditions or diseases. Kidney stones can produce pain that may be debilitating to the point where a patient has trouble with walking or standing. If kidney pain is accompanied by other aforementioned symptoms, the patient must seek medical treatment. A kidney stone left untreated can cause a urinary obstruction that leads to irreversible kidney injury and kidney failure. An untreated kidney infection can lead to a life-threatening blood infection called sepsis. Untreated kidney cancer can progress to metastatic cancer that spreads to other parts of the body and cause kidney failure.

6. Does Not Change With Movement

Unlike other types of pain, kidney pain typically doesn't change with movement. Patients usually experience kidney pain on one side of the body, and it is generally felt in one of the flanks (the areas on either side of the spine between the bottom of the ribcage and hips). Pain that originates in the kidneys may sometimes radiate to the inner thighs or lower abdomen. Kidney pain is normally constant, and patients with kidney stones often notice sharp pain. Individuals with kidney infections tend to report feeling a dull ache. While kidney pain does not worsen when the patient moves, it will not resolve without treatment. Changing position does not reduce kidney pain.

7. How Doctors Diagnose Kidney Pain

To determine the underlying cause of kidney pain, Doctors begin by taking the patient's medical history. They will ask questions about the location and nature of the pain, when it began, and if anything makes it worse or better. Next, the doctor will perform a physical examination. They will gently press on the patient's abdomen and back to check for any signs of tenderness, pain, or masses. After completing the physical exam, the doctor may recommend urine and blood tests to obtain more information. A complete urinalysis helps check for the presence of red blood cells or excessive protein, and blood tests for blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate could be necessary as well. If a kidney infection is suspected, doctors may request a urine culture to isolate specific bacteria and fungi. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test can also be performed on a sample of the patient's blood to check for inflammation. The patient may need to have an ultrasound exam or a CT or MRI scan to check for tumors, cysts, or obstructions. A cystoscopy could be recommended if imaging studies are unclear. This procedure is performed with a local anesthetic, and it involves inserting a flexible scope into the patient's urethra to view the bladder. If a tumor or growth is detected, the patient may need to have a kidney biopsy. This may be performed with a fine needle guided by ultrasound, and it could also be completed with a hollow needle.

8. Triggers For Pain

Kidney infections, obstructions, and masses are some of the major triggers for pain in this area of the body. Patients could experience kidney pain if a urinary tract infection spreads to the kidneys from the lower urinary tract, and this may lead to a condition called pyelonephritis. Symptoms of this condition usually include painful urination, a high fever, urinary urgency, and nausea. Obstructions caused by kidney or bladder stones could produce intense pain in the kidneys as well. Occasionally, kidney pain can be triggered by tumors of the prostate, colon, bladder, cervix, or uterus. Renal vein thrombosis, neurogenic bladder, polycystic kidney disease, and benign prostatic hyperplasia could contribute to kidney pain too. Individuals who have recently been catheterized for a long time could notice pain in the kidneys, and pregnancy also increases the likelihood of kidney pain.

9. Kidney Stone Movement

Kidney stones are a common cause of intense kidney pain, particularly when the stones move within the urinary tract. These hard deposits form when minerals crystallize in the kidneys, often due to dehydration, certain diets, or genetic predisposition. The pain typically begins in the flanks and can radiate to the lower abdomen, groin, or inner thighs as the stones travel through the ureters. This pain, often described as sharp and cramping, comes in waves and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and hematuria (blood in the urine). Unlike muscular back pain, kidney stone pain doesn't improve with rest or position changes and often requires medical treatment. Doctors may use imaging studies such as CT scans or ultrasounds to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include hydration, pain relief, and medications to relax the ureters. In severe cases, surgical intervention or shockwave therapy may be necessary to remove the stones.

10. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys, leading to enlargement and dysfunction. This condition often produces dull, aching pain in the flanks or back, and it may radiate to the abdomen. As the cysts grow, they can cause pressure and discomfort, sometimes triggering acute pain if a cyst ruptures or becomes infected. Other symptoms include high blood pressure, hematuria, and recurrent urinary tract infections. PKD can also impair kidney function over time, potentially leading to kidney failure. Doctors diagnose PKD through family history, imaging studies like ultrasounds or MRIs, and blood tests to evaluate kidney function. Although there is no cure, treatments focus on managing symptoms, such as controlling blood pressure, relieving pain, and addressing infections. Regular monitoring is crucial for individuals with PKD to prevent complications and preserve kidney health.

11. Hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis occurs when urine cannot drain properly from the kidneys to the bladder, causing the kidneys to swell. This condition can result from kidney stones, urinary tract obstructions, or congenital abnormalities. The swelling produces sharp or dull pain in the flanks and can also cause nausea, vomiting, fever, and difficulty urinating. Patients may notice changes in urinary output, such as a decrease in volume or a cloudy appearance. Left untreated, hydronephrosis can lead to kidney damage and infections. Doctors diagnose the condition through imaging studies like ultrasounds or CT scans, which reveal the extent of kidney swelling. Treatment depends on the underlying cause; for example, removing obstructions with surgery or medication may resolve the issue. In severe cases, a catheter or stent might be placed to restore urine flow. Early detection and intervention are essential to prevent long-term complications.

12. Kidney Trauma

Kidney trauma is a serious condition that can occur due to blunt force injuries, such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. It may also result from penetrating injuries like gunshot or stab wounds. The pain associated with kidney trauma is often severe and localized to the flanks or lower back. Patients may experience hematuria, bruising around the site of injury, swelling, or shock symptoms like low blood pressure and rapid heart rate. In some cases, kidney trauma can lead to complications such as infection, kidney rupture, or loss of kidney function. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as CT scans or ultrasounds to assess the extent of damage. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and may range from rest and monitoring to surgical intervention. Early medical attention is critical to address complications and ensure proper kidney healing.

13. Renal Vein Thrombosis

Renal vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in the veins that drain blood from the kidneys. This condition can cause flank pain, hematuria, and swelling in the legs. It is often associated with underlying medical issues such as nephrotic syndrome, cancer, or clotting disorders. Renal vein thrombosis can also develop as a result of dehydration or trauma. In severe cases, the condition may impair kidney function, leading to symptoms like high blood pressure and reduced urine output. Doctors use imaging studies such as Doppler ultrasounds or CT angiography to diagnose the condition. Treatment typically includes anticoagulant medications to dissolve the clot and prevent new ones from forming. In some cases, thrombolytic therapy or surgical removal of the clot may be necessary. Managing underlying conditions and maintaining hydration are crucial in preventing future episodes.

14. Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)

A kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, is a severe form of urinary tract infection that affects one or both kidneys. It typically causes dull, aching pain in the flanks, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Patients may also experience frequent, painful urination and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. If untreated, a kidney infection can lead to complications such as abscess formation or sepsis. Diagnosis involves urine tests to identify bacteria, blood tests to check for infection markers, and imaging studies to evaluate the kidneys. Treatment usually involves antibiotics to eradicate the infection, and hospitalization may be required for severe cases. Pain relievers and increased fluid intake can help manage symptoms during recovery. Early treatment is essential to prevent kidney damage and complications. Patients with recurrent kidney infections may need further evaluation to identify and address any underlying issues, such as kidney stones or structural abnormalities.

15. Kidney Tumors

Kidney tumors, both benign and malignant, can cause pain and discomfort in the flanks or lower back. The pain is often dull and persistent, and it may be accompanied by symptoms such as hematuria, weight loss, fatigue, and fever. Kidney cancer, particularly renal cell carcinoma, is the most common malignant tumor affecting the kidneys. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and a family history of kidney cancer. Diagnosis involves imaging studies such as CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds, along with blood and urine tests to assess kidney function. A biopsy may be necessary to determine whether a tumor is cancerous. Treatment depends on the type and stage of the tumor and may include surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and preserving kidney function.

Understanding Kidney Pain for Better Health

Kidney pain can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, ranging from minor infections to life-threatening diseases. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and accompanying signs is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. The expanded list of 15 causes and indicators of kidney pain provides a comprehensive guide for recognizing potential issues. Whether the pain stems from kidney stones, infections, trauma, or other medical conditions, early intervention can prevent complications and improve outcomes. By knowing when to seek medical attention and understanding diagnostic processes, individuals can take proactive steps toward better kidney health. Ultimately, awareness and timely action are key to addressing kidney pain and preserving overall well-being.