Can kidney stones cause severe back or side pain?

Yes, severe back or side pain is one of the most common symptoms of kidney stones. The pain usually begins when a stone moves from the kidney into the ureter, blocking the flow of urine and causing pressure inside the kidney. It may start suddenly and can spread from the back or side to the lower abdomen and groin. 

Severe back or side pain is often the first symptom that prompts people with kidney stones to seek medical attention. This pain, known as renal colic, occurs when a kidney stone blocks or irritates the urinary tract. As urine flow becomes restricted, pressure builds up inside the kidney, leading to intense, cramping pain. 

The pain is usually felt on one side of the back, just below the ribs (flank pain), but its location may change as the stone moves through the urinary tract. Many people describe the pain as coming in waves, with periods of intense discomfort followed by temporary relief. 

If back or side pain is caused by kidney stones, you may also experience: 

•  Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen or groin 
•  Blood in the urine (hematuria) 
•  Burning sensation while urinating 
•  Frequent urge to urinate 
•  Nausea or vomiting 
•  Difficulty passing urine 
•  Fever and chills if a urinary infection is present 

The intensity of pain does not always depend on the size of the kidney stone. Even a small stone can cause severe pain if it blocks the ureter, while some larger stones may cause only mild discomfort if they remain inside the kidney without obstructing urine flow.

However, severe back or side pain is not always caused by kidney stones. Muscle strain, urinary tract infections, spinal problems, gallbladder disease, and other abdominal conditions can also produce similar symptoms. A proper medical evaluation is necessary to determine the exact cause.

To diagnose kidney stones, a urologist may recommend a urine test, ultrasound, CT KUB scan, or blood tests. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment depends on the stone's size, location, and severity. Small stones may pass with medication and hydration, while larger or obstructing stones may require minimally invasive procedures such as RIRS, URS, or PCNL.

SCI International Hospital / Dr. Gautam Banga

If you experience sudden, severe pain in your back or side, especially if it is accompanied by blood in the urine, burning during urination, or nausea, seek medical attention without delay. At SCI International Hospital, New Delhi, Dr. Gautam Banga, Senior Consultant Urologist and Andrologist, specializes in the accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment of kidney stones. Using modern imaging and minimally invasive procedures such as RIRS, URS, and PCNL, he provides personalized care focused on quick pain relief, effective stone removal, and long-term kidney health.