Pain is our body’s way of indicating something is wrong. While the cause of some pain is usually easily identified, a sudden onset of pain is a warning that needs immediate attention. For any pain you haven’t experienced before or that you do not have an explanation for, see a medical professional right away. The caring staff at Urgent Team’s Family of Urgent Care & Walk-in Centers is always ready to help.
If you experience severe, cramping pain in your lower back, side, groin or abdomen that is not relieved when you change position – and the pain ebbs and flows in intensity – you may be experiencing a kidney stone. Kidney stones (medically known as nephrolithiasis) are hard, crystalline mineral materials that form within the kidney or urinary tract. Besides the pain, other symptoms include blood in the urine, fever, difficulty urinating or urinary urgency; or penile/testicular pain. Additional facts about kidney stones:
- Kidney stones are more common in men than women and occur between the ages of 20 – 49. People who are prone to recurring incidences will see the first attack in their 20s or 30s, and there is typically a family history of kidney stones.
- In industrialized countries, kidney stones are more common than bladder stones – and the southwestern region of the U.S. has a higher incidence.
- Increased incidences for kidney stones are considered to be tied to the obesity epidemic.
- Kidney stones are more common in Caucasians and Asians than other people groups.
- Gout, hyperparathyroidism, some kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diabetes or hypertension are also associated with a higher risk for kidney stones.
- Kidney stones can result from a urinary tract infection.
- High salt or sugar intake, high vitamin D intake, or a diet high in animal protein can also be risk factors.
While many people pass kidney stones, imaging tests are usually performed to diagnose them. Patients may undergo a non-contrast CT scan; however, as CT scans expose patients to significant radiation, a simple abdominal X-ray has been shown to be just as effective in diagnosing kidney stones.