Kidney Stone Pain

 
Kidney stone pain comes from several different causes. Generally speaking, it results when a stone formed in the kidney moves down the urinary tract and causes an obstruction. 

The muscles in the wall of the tiny ureter strain to clear the obstruction by squeezing the kidney stone down into the bladder.

Pain can feel like it's coming in waves as the body tries to move the stone along. This clearing effort is called renal colic.

"Renal" is the medical term describing processes involving the kidneys. 
 

How painful are kidney stones?

Kidney stone pain can be extremely severe and intense. Anyone experiencing pain from a kidney stone usually feels a sharp, cramping discomfort in the back and side or in the lower abdomen. Later, pain may spread to the groin.

It can last for minutes, or it may go on for hours as the kidney stone moves through the urinary tract, irritating tissues or blocking the flow of urine.

Then, suddenly and for no apparent reason, the pain stops and doesn't return for hours or even days.

Also see kidney stone removal surgery, kidney stone symptoms, kidney stone treatment and kidney stones.