Key Takeaways
- Kidney stone pain is usually sudden, severe and felt in the side or back, spreading to the groin.
- Small stones (under about 5 mm) often pass on their own with fluids and medicines.
- Larger stones or stones causing blockage or infection usually need a procedure.
- Fever with stone pain, or very little urine, is an emergency.
- Drinking enough water and cutting salt are the best ways to prevent new stones.
Kidney stone pain is often described as one of the most severe pains a person can experience. Many patients want to know one thing: will the stone pass on its own, or will it need treatment? The answer depends mainly on the size and position of the stone.
What Causes Kidney Stone Pain?
Kidney stones form when minerals in urine crystallise. A stone sitting quietly in the kidney may cause no pain at all. Pain starts when it moves into the narrow tube (ureter) between the kidney and bladder and blocks the flow of urine.
Typical Symptoms
- Sudden, severe, cramping pain in the side or back, often coming in waves
- Pain spreading to the lower abdomen or groin
- Blood in urine – pink, red or brown urine
- Nausea, vomiting and restlessness
- Frequent, urgent or painful urination as the stone nears the bladder
Will My Stone Pass on Its Own?
Stone size is the most important factor. These are general guides – your urologist will advise based on your scan.
| Stone size | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Under 5 mm | Most pass on their own within a few weeks with fluids and medicines |
| 5–10 mm | May pass with medicines; many need a procedure |
| Over 10 mm | Unlikely to pass; a procedure is usually needed |
Stones lower down in the ureter pass more easily than those higher up. Medicines that relax the ureter can help small stones pass faster.
Home Care While Waiting for a Stone to Pass
- Drink enough water to pass about 2–2.5 litres of urine a day, unless your doctor advises otherwise
- Take pain-relief and other medicines exactly as prescribed
- Stay active – walking may help the stone move
- Strain your urine if advised, so the stone can be tested
When Is a Procedure Needed?
- The stone is too large to pass or does not move after a few weeks
- Pain cannot be controlled with medicines
- The stone is blocking the kidney or causing infection
- You have a single kidney or reduced kidney function
Common procedures (chosen by your urologist)
- Shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) – breaks stones from outside the body
- Ureteroscopy (URS) with laser – a thin scope through the urine passage breaks and removes the stone
- RIRS – a flexible scope to treat stones inside the kidney
- PCNL – keyhole removal of large kidney stones through a small cut in the back
Read more about kidney stone treatment.
Emergency Signs – Go to Hospital Immediately
- Fever or chills with stone pain – a blocked, infected kidney is dangerous
- Very little or no urine
- Pain not relieved by medicines, or continuous vomiting
How to Prevent Kidney Stones
- Drink enough water through the day, especially in Gujarat’s hot summers
- Reduce salt, packaged foods and excess non-vegetarian protein
- Do not cut out calcium-rich foods unless advised – normal dietary calcium helps
- Limit very high-oxalate foods if your stone type needs it, such as spinach and excess tea
- Get stone analysis and follow-up if you have had stones before
Why Choose Pluto Hospital, Himatnagar
At Pluto Super Speciality Hospital, urinary and kidney problems are treated by Dr. Anil Jangid, MBBS, MS, MCh (Urology), a Gold Medalist from IKDRC. Sonography, 128-slice CT, an automated lab, Class 100 operation theatres and 24×7 emergency care are available under one roof, with cashless insurance support.
Conclusion
Small kidney stones often pass with fluids and medicines, while larger stones or those causing blockage or infection need a procedure. Do not ignore fever with stone pain, and do not leave a stone untreated for months even if the pain settles. A scan and a urologist’s opinion will tell you the safest plan.
Suffering from kidney stone pain?
Consult Dr. Anil Jangid, Urologist, at Pluto Hospital, Himatnagar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size of kidney stone can pass naturally?
Stones under about 5 mm usually pass on their own. Stones of 5–10 mm may pass with medicines, while stones over 10 mm usually need a procedure.
How long does it take for a kidney stone to pass?
Small stones often pass within 1–4 weeks. If a stone has not passed in this time, or pain keeps returning, see your urologist.
Can beer or home remedies remove kidney stones?
No. Alcohol can cause dehydration, and home remedies are not proven to dissolve stones. Water and prescribed medicines are the safe approach.
Is kidney stone pain an emergency?
Severe pain needs prompt care. Fever with stone pain, very little urine or uncontrolled vomiting is an emergency.
Can kidney stones come back?
Yes, stones often recur. Drinking enough water, reducing salt and following dietary advice based on stone type lower the risk.