Kidney stones typically cause intense pain that is often described as sharp, cramping, or colicky and usually starts suddenly. The pain is commonly felt in the lower back, side (flank), or abdomen and may radiate to the groin area. This pain often comes in waves, fluctuating in intensity as the stone moves through the urinary tract. It can be severe enough to cause nausea and vomiting
. Other sensations associated with kidney stones include:
- Burning pain during urination once the stone reaches the junction of the ureter and bladder
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate, sometimes in small amounts
- Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine, possibly indicating infection
- Fever, chills, or signs of infection if the stone causes a blockage or infection
Smaller stones may cause little or no pain and sometimes pass unnoticed, but even small stones can cause severe pain when moving through narrow parts of the urinary tract
. In summary, kidney stones feel like sudden, severe, sharp or cramping pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen, often radiating to the groin, accompanied by urinary symptoms and sometimes blood or infection signs
