Where does kidney stone hurt?

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on June 27, 2025
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Pain caused by kidney stones is generally in the lumbar region, that is, below the rib cage and beside the spine. If the stones are relatively small, most do not cause discomfort; however, when small stones fall into the ureter, they can cause renal colic. If the stones are large, they can cause kidney swelling or even infection, leading to a sour distention and pain in the lumbar area. The pain generally occurs on the side where the stone is located. In such cases, it is necessary to visit the hospital's urology department promptly for an ultrasound, and possibly a CT scan, to clearly determine the specific location and size of the stones, and whether there is associated swelling or infection, in order to manage the condition appropriately.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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How are kidney stones caused?

There are many causes leading to the formation of kidney stones, related to daily water and food intake, lifestyle habits, living environment, genetics, and certain diseases. For example, patients with hyperuricemia and those with hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands are prone to the formation of kidney stones. Additionally, individuals who often stay in high-temperature environments and neglect to drink water frequently and urinate regularly, can easily experience concentrated urine, which also promotes the formation of kidney stones. Furthermore, people who consume large amounts of calcium and oxalate-rich foods over long periods are also commonly at risk of developing kidney stones.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Are kidney stones severe?

The severity of kidney stones depends on the size of the stones and their location. For example, stones within the kidney parenchyma, if not large and not moving, generally do not cause much trouble. However, if the stones block the area of the renal pelvis and calyces, or even move downward to block the ureter, causing the urine produced by the kidneys to not be excreted smoothly, it will cause the patient to experience renal colic. This type of pain is very intense, radiating to the back and causing abdominal pain, as well as pain in the perineal area. Patients often may also experience fever and other clinical symptoms. Prolonged obstruction of the urinary system can lead to renal failure, which is quite dangerous.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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What to eat for kidney stones?

Patients with kidney stones do not have particular dietary prohibitions, but it is generally advised to avoid long-term, large consumption of foods that promote stone growth. For instance, one should not regularly consume foods high in calcium, such as dairy products like milk and cheese, or soy products like tofu, soy milk, etc. These foods should be consumed in smaller quantities. Also, it is advisable to eat less food high in oxalates, such as celery, spinach, and others. If the stones are uric acid stones, it is recommended to reduce the intake of foods high in purines, such as seafood, as well as beer, beverages, and animal offal. These foods have high purine content and should be limited to prevent or reduce the formation of uric acid stones.

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Written by Chen Feng
Urology
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What is the best treatment for kidney stones?

The treatment methods for kidney stones vary based on the size of the stone and whether it causes obstruction. If the kidney stone is relatively small and can pass through the ureter and urethra on its own, no special treatment is needed. In such cases, drinking more water, urinating frequently, and jumping can help the stone to pass naturally. If the kidney stone is relatively large but does not cause obstruction in the kidney or bladder, these patients can be temporarily observed with regular check-ups to monitor the stone's condition, without needing special treatment. Only when a large stone gets stuck at the junction of the renal pelvis, ureter, or urethra during its passage does it cause urinary obstruction, and the patient may also experience pain. In such cases, the treatment generally involves surgically removing the stone.

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Written by Zeng Zhong
Urology
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Where is the best place to massage for kidney stones?

Patients with kidney stones will find that massage is ineffective. For those with stones smaller than 0.5 cm, engaging in more physical activity such as playing basketball, jumping rope, or running, along with increasing fluid intake and urination, can help facilitate the expulsion of the stones. If the stones are larger, over 0.5 cm, treatment with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is necessary. For stones larger than 1.5 cm, surgical intervention is required. Beyond these methods, there are no other treatments, and massage does not have a therapeutic effect.