Kidney Stone Pain In Lower Abdomen And Back: What You Need To Know

When a kidney stone moves into or becomes lodged at the junction of the ureter and renal pelvis, it often causes severe pain known as renal colic. This type of pain is typically sharp and intense, and can be felt in the lower back and sides. Additionally, the presence of a stone can irritate the ureteral mucosa, leading to ureteral spasms, which also contribute to back and abdominal discomfort. The pain may radiate toward the lower abdomen and, in some cases, even extend to the genital area.

If the stone remains within the renal pelvis or calyces, the pain may subside completely. Larger stones may not cause significant pain at all, although in some instances they can lead to calyceal dilation. Kidney stones that result in hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney due to blocked urine flow) may cause dull, aching pain or a feeling of fullness in the flank area. Smaller stones, which are more mobile within the kidney, tend to cause sudden, intense pain when they slip into the ureter, resulting in classic symptoms of flank and abdominal colic. Radiating pain to the lower abdomen is also commonly reported.

When experiencing these symptoms, patients may consider medication to help ease discomfort and facilitate stone passage. For example, oral administration of 654-2 (an anticholinergic drug) can effectively relax the smooth muscles of the ureter, aiding in the expulsion of stones. Alpha-1A receptor blockers such as Urief (tamsulosin) can also be used to dilate the ureter and promote the passage of stones. These treatments, combined with adequate hydration and medical supervision, can significantly improve outcomes for individuals dealing with kidney stones.