5 Signs of Kidney Stones… Don’t Ignore Them

Kidney stones are one of the most painful medical conditions a person can experience. They form when minerals and salts in your urine crystallize and stick together, creating small, hard stones that can block the urinary tract.

The pain can be sudden, intense, and completely overwhelming — but kidney stones don’t always start with dramatic symptoms. Often, the early warning signs are subtle and easy to ignore.

Recognizing these signs early can help you seek treatment sooner, prevent complications, and avoid severe pain. Here are five important symptoms that may indicate the presence of kidney stones — and why you should never ignore them.

1. Sharp Pain in the Back or Side (Usually on One Side)

This is the most classic and widely known symptom of kidney stones.

The pain typically begins in the flank area — the side of your back, below your ribs — and may come in waves.

Why this pain happens:

A stone is moving inside the kidney

Pressure builds up as the stone blocks urine flow

The urinary tract becomes irritated

What the pain feels like:

Sharp and stabbing

Comes suddenly without warning

Radiates toward the lower abdomen or groin

Comes in waves (pain intensifies, then eases, then intensifies again)

Important note:

If the pain becomes unbearable, seek medical attention immediately.

Severe kidney stone pain is considered one of the most intense pains known in medicine.

2. Painful or Burning Urination

Kidney stones don’t just cause back pain — they can also affect the lower urinary tract.

When a stone reaches the ureter (the tube between the kidney and bladder), it can cause sharp pain during urination.

Symptoms include:

A burning sensation

Sharp pain at the end of urination

Feeling like you can’t empty your bladder fully

Urgency without actually producing much urine

Why this happens:

The stone irritates the lining of the urinary tract, making urination painful and uncomfortable.

Don’t ignore this sign:

Many people mistake it for a simple urinary tract infection (UTI), but persistent burning pain — especially combined with back pain — may indicate a kidney stone.

3. Blood in the Urine (Pink, Red, or Brown Color)

Even if you can’t see the stone, your body might show signs of internal irritation.

Blood in the urine — medically called hematuria — is a major warning sign.

The urine may appear:

Pink

Red

Brown

Cloudy

Sometimes the blood is microscopic and can only be detected through a urine test.

Why kidney stones cause bleeding:

The stone has sharp edges

As it moves, it scrapes the tissues inside the urinary tract

This causes inflammation and small tears

Important reminder:

Blood in the urine is never normal.

Always seek medical evaluation if you notice it, especially when combined with pain or nausea.

4. Constant Urge to Urinate (Even When Little Comes Out)

Kidney stones can make you feel like you need to urinate urgently — even if your bladder isn’t full.

Why this happens:

The stone irritates the bladder or the ureter

It disrupts the normal flow of urine

The bladder becomes hypersensitive

Symptoms include:

Frequent urination

Sudden strong urges

Small amounts of urine each time

Feeling like something is “blocking” the flow

Be cautious:

This symptom is often confused with bladder infections or overactive bladder, but when paired with pain or blood in the urine, it strongly points toward kidney stones.

5. Nausea and Vomiting (Triggered by Intense Pain)

Kidney stone pain can trigger a chain reaction in the body — including nausea and vomiting.

Why kidney stones cause nausea:

Severe pain activates nerve pathways shared with the digestive system

The body enters stress mode

The kidneys struggle to function normally

The blockage affects digestion indirectly

Common symptoms:

Sudden stomach upset

Vomiting from pain intensity

Loss of appetite

Feeling faint or lightheaded

When to seek urgent help:

If vomiting persists and you can’t keep fluids down, you risk dehydration — which can worsen kidney stones.

🌟 Bonus: Additional Symptoms to Watch For

Kidney stones may also cause:

Foul-smelling urine

Fever and chills (possible infection — seek emergency care)

Difficulty finding a comfortable position

Sweating from pain waves

💡 What to Do If You Suspect a Kidney Stone

If you notice any combination of the above symptoms:

Drink plenty of water

Avoid caffeine and alcohol

Use pain relievers if needed

Seek medical evaluation

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen

Early detection can prevent complications like infections or complete urinary blockage.