Kidney stones can remain unnoticed while they are still inside the kidney. Symptoms often begin when a stone moves into the ureter, the narrow tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. Depending on the stone's size and location, the discomfort can range from mild irritation to sudden and severe pain.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of kidney stones can help patients seek appropriate medical evaluation rather than assuming that every episode of abdominal or back pain is simply muscular.

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, a super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides evaluation and specialized care for kidney and urinary tract conditions, including patients requiring assessment for kidney stones and related kidney problems.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits that develop when certain substances in urine become concentrated and form crystals. Different stones can have different compositions, including calcium-based stones, uric acid stones and other less common types.

A stone may stay inside the kidney without producing symptoms. Problems can occur when it moves and interferes with urine flow.

Common signs and symptoms of kidney stones

1. Sudden pain in the side or back

One of the most recognized kidney stone symptoms is pain in the side of the body or back, often below the ribs.

The pain can be:

• Sudden
• Severe
• Sharp or cramping
• Intermittent
• Difficult to ignore

The intensity may change as the stone moves through the urinary tract.

2. Pain spreading toward the abdomen or groin

Kidney stone pain does not necessarily remain in one location.

Depending on where the stone is situated, discomfort may move from the side or back toward:

• Lower abdomen
• Groin
• Lower pelvic region

This changing pattern can occur as the stone travels through the ureter.

3. Blood in the urine

A kidney stone can irritate the urinary tract and cause blood to appear in the urine.

Urine may look:

• Pink
• Red
• Brown
• Tea-colored

Sometimes blood is not visible to the eye and is detected only through a urine examination.

Blood in the urine should not automatically be attributed to kidney stones because urinary infections, kidney diseases and other conditions can also cause it.

4. Burning while urinating

Some people with a kidney stone may experience discomfort or burning while passing urine, particularly when the stone is closer to the bladder.

However, burning urination is also a common symptom of urinary tract infection.

5. Frequent urge to urinate

A stone near the lower part of the urinary tract can cause a frequent or urgent need to urinate.

A person may feel the urge repeatedly even when only a small amount of urine is passed.

6. Nausea and vomiting

Severe kidney stone pain can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

If vomiting is persistent, dehydration can develop and may make the situation more complicated.

7. Restlessness during severe pain

People experiencing renal colic may find it difficult to remain in one position because the pain comes in waves.

Restlessness can occur alongside intense flank or abdominal discomfort.

8. Changes in urine

Depending on the stone and associated condition, patients may notice:

• Cloudy urine
• Blood in urine
• Stronger than usual urine odor
• Reduced urine output when obstruction is significant

These symptoms require proper assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Can kidney stones cause fever?

A kidney stone itself does not always cause fever.

However, fever or chills in someone with a suspected urinary obstruction can be a warning sign of infection. An obstructed infected urinary tract can become a serious medical problem.

A patient with suspected kidney stones who develops fever, chills or a worsening illness should seek urgent medical evaluation.

What does kidney stone pain feel like?

Kidney stone pain is often described as intense and wave-like. It may begin around the flank or back and move toward the abdomen or groin.

The pattern varies depending on:

• Stone size
• Stone location
• Degree of urinary obstruction
• Individual pain sensitivity

Not every kidney stone causes severe pain.

Can kidney stones cause back pain?

Yes, kidney stones can cause pain in the side or back, especially when the stone obstructs urine flow.

However, ordinary back pain is extremely common and is often caused by muscles, joints or the spine.

Kidney stone related pain is more likely to require evaluation when it occurs with urinary symptoms, blood in urine, nausea, vomiting or severe intermittent flank pain.

Can kidney stones cause urine blockage?

A stone can obstruct the ureter and interfere with urine drainage from the kidney.

The consequences depend on:

• Size of the stone
• Location
• Degree of obstruction
• Whether one or both kidneys are affected
• Presence of infection
• Baseline kidney function

People with a single functioning kidney or pre-existing kidney disease may require particularly prompt assessment when obstruction is suspected.

What tests are used to detect kidney stones?

A doctor may recommend different investigations depending on symptoms and clinical findings.

These can include:

Urine tests

Urine examination can identify:

• Blood
• Signs of infection
• Crystals
• Other abnormalities

Blood tests

Blood testing may help evaluate:

• Kidney function
• Electrolytes
• Infection or inflammation
• Other factors relevant to stone formation

Ultrasound

Ultrasound can help identify kidney stones, urinary obstruction and swelling of the kidney.

CT imaging

In selected patients, non-contrast CT can provide detailed information about stone size and location.

The choice of imaging depends on the patient's symptoms, age, medical history and clinical situation.

When should kidney stone symptoms be treated urgently?

Seek urgent medical attention if suspected kidney stone symptoms occur with:

• Fever or chills
• Severe or worsening pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Very little or no urine
• Significant weakness
• Fainting or confusion
• Known obstruction with infection
• A single functioning kidney
• Known significant kidney disease

An obstructed urinary system associated with infection can require urgent treatment.

How are kidney stones treated?

Treatment depends on the stone's size, location, composition, symptoms and effect on urine flow.

Possible approaches include:

Observation and medical management

Some smaller stones may pass naturally.

The doctor may recommend observation, pain management and appropriate medication depending on the patient's circumstances.

Shock wave lithotripsy

Shock wave lithotripsy uses focused shock waves to break selected kidney stones into smaller fragments that can pass through the urinary tract.

Ureteroscopy

During ureteroscopy, a small instrument is passed through the urinary tract to reach the stone. The stone may be removed or fragmented.

Laser lithotripsy

A laser can be used during endoscopic stone procedures to fragment stones into smaller pieces.

RIRS

Retrograde intrarenal surgery, commonly called RIRS, uses a flexible scope to reach stones located inside the kidney and treat them using specialized instruments or laser energy.

PCNL

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, or PCNL, may be considered for larger or complex kidney stones. It involves accessing the kidney through a small opening in the back to remove the stone.

The appropriate procedure should be selected after evaluating the individual stone and patient.

Can kidney stones be prevented?

After a stone episode, prevention becomes particularly important because kidney stones can recur.

Depending on the type of stone and the patient's metabolic evaluation, prevention may involve:

• Maintaining appropriate fluid intake
• Reducing excessive salt
• Following an individualized dietary plan
• Maintaining appropriate dietary calcium intake
• Managing conditions that increase stone risk
• Taking prescribed preventive medicines when indicated

Patients with recurrent stones may benefit from stone analysis and metabolic evaluation.

Why you should not ignore recurring kidney stone symptoms

Repeated stone episodes can indicate an underlying tendency to form stones.

Recurring symptoms may warrant evaluation for:

• Dietary factors
• Family history
• Metabolic abnormalities
• Urinary tract abnormalities
• Certain medical conditions
• Medication related causes

Understanding why stones are forming can help create a more effective prevention strategy.

Kidney stone evaluation at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke evaluates patients with kidney and urinary tract problems and helps determine the appropriate course of care.

Depending on the clinical situation, evaluation may involve:

• Assessment of kidney stone symptoms
• Kidney function testing
• Urine examination
• Imaging evaluation
• Assessment of urinary obstruction
• Stone prevention guidance
• Referral or planning for appropriate stone procedures when required
• Follow up of patients with recurrent stones

Treatment decisions are based on the patient's symptoms, stone characteristics, kidney function and overall health.

Do not confuse kidney stone symptoms with other conditions

Flank, abdominal or back pain can occur because of many conditions, including urinary infections, gastrointestinal problems, muscle injuries and other kidney disorders.

Similarly, blood in urine should always be investigated rather than automatically assumed to be caused by a stone.

A proper medical evaluation is the safest way to determine the cause.

Conclusion

The signs and symptoms of kidney stones can include sudden flank pain, pain spreading toward the abdomen or groin, blood in urine, urinary discomfort, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting. However, symptoms vary considerably depending on the location and size of the stone.

Early assessment can help determine whether a stone is likely to pass naturally or whether a procedure is required. Urgent evaluation is particularly important when severe pain is accompanied by fever, chills, vomiting, reduced urine output or known urinary obstruction.

For personalized evaluation of kidney stone symptoms and related kidney conditions, patients can consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kidney stone symptoms can overlap with urinary infections, kidney disorders, gastrointestinal conditions and other causes of abdominal or back pain. Do not self-diagnose or start prescription medicines based solely on this content. Patients with severe pain, fever or chills, persistent vomiting, very low or absent urine output, known urinary obstruction, a single functioning kidney or significant kidney disease should seek prompt medical attention. Consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke or another qualified healthcare professional for an appropriate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.