Kidney Stone Pain: Symptoms, Causes & Relief
- Kidney stone pain is often described as one of the most intense experiences a person can endure.
- This pain typically manifests in waves, lasting from 10 to 30 minutes at a time.
- The location of the pain shifts as the kidney stone travels through the urinary tract.
Understanding kidney Stone Pain: Symptoms, Location, and What to Expect
Table of Contents
What Does Kidney Stone Pain Feel Like?
Kidney stone pain is often described as one of the most intense experiences a person can endure. According to urologists at UCI Health in Orange, California, the pain can reach a level of 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. They emphasize that sufferers often find no comfortable position to alleviate the discomfort.
This pain typically manifests in waves, lasting from 10 to 30 minutes at a time. It frequently radiates from the back and side towards the groin and the front of the thigh.
Pain Location Varies with Stone Movement
The location of the pain shifts as the kidney stone travels through the urinary tract. once the stone descends further down the ureter, closer to the bladder, the pain tends to concentrate in the abdomen or groin. Men may specifically experience pain at the tip of the penis, as noted by Dr. Lieske [Everyday Health: Kidney Stones Guide].
As the stone moves,its pain can mimic other medical conditions. For example, a kidney stone on the right side can feel like appendicitis or inflammation of the appendix [Everyday Health: Appendicitis Guide]. Conversely, a stone on the left side might be mistaken for diverticulitis, an inflammation or infection of the small or large intestine [Everyday Health: Diverticulitis guide], explains Dr.Clayman.
Symptoms Similar to Urinary Tract Infection
When the kidney stone reaches the bladder, the symptoms can closely resemble those of a urinary tract infection (UTI). individuals may experience painful urination, frequent urges to urinate, and a persistent feeling of needing to go, according to Dr. Clayman.
Passing the Stone
Fortunately, once the stone enters the bladder, it usually has a greater chance of passing. The urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, is approximately twice the diameter of the ureter, making passage easier [Mayo Clinic: Kidney Stones].