What Is Kidney Pain?
![Kidney pain is usually localized to the lower back, but may radiate through the groin. It may be dull or sharp or come in waves.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/kidney-stones-symptoms.jpg?output-quality=75)
What Are Symptoms of Kidney Pain?
Symptoms of kidney pain occur in the area of the kidneys, on the sides or middle to upper back, on one or both sides, and feels like:
- A constant, dull ache in the sides, back, or belly
- Pain in the side
- Severe or sharp pain
- Pain may come in waves
- Pain may radiate to the belly or groin area
Depending on the cause of the kidney pain, symptoms that may accompany it include:
What Causes Kidney Pain?
Possible causes of kidney pain include:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
- Blood clots in the kidney(s) (renal vein thrombosis)
- Bleeding in the kidney(s)
- Kidney tumor or cancer
- Kidney stones
- Kidney cysts
- Kidney swelling
- Trauma to the kidneys
- End stage renal disease
How Is Kidney Pain Diagnosed?
To diagnose the cause of the kidney pain, certain tests may be indicated, such as:
- Urine tests to screen for
- Blood
- Protein
- White blood cells
- Signs of kidney problems
- Pregnancy test
- Ultrasound
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis to look for
- Kidney stones
- Problems in the kidneys
- Problems in the urinary tract
What Is the Treatment for Kidney Pain?
Treatment for kidney pain depends on the cause.
Medications may help relieve pain, such as:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Morphine (for painful kidney stones)
- Patients with known kidney problems should be cautious with pain medications that are filtered through the kidneys, because this may cause further renal damage.
If kidney pain is due to a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) or urinary tract infection (UTI), antibiotics may be prescribed.
In some cases, kidney stones may require surgical removal.
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