Kidney pain and stones: which doctor should I see?
Kidney pain is felt at the side of the lower back, under the ribs, and can spread to the groin. Stones cause severe pain that comes in waves, and an infection a dull pain with a fever. Here you will learn what may be behind it, when it is urgent and which specialist to see.
Book a specialistWhen it is urgent
- Severe pain in the lower back with a high fever and chills.
- You cannot pass urine, or you pass very little.
- Severe pain with nausea and vomiting that does not pass.
- There is a lot of blood in the urine, or there are large clots.
- The pain in the belly or back is sudden and very severe, or comes with pale or grey skin, difficulty breathing or fainting.
- Confusion, severe drowsiness or difficulty speaking.
With these signs, seek emergency help — call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Call 112What it may mean
- Stones in the kidney or the ureter — severe pain in waves that spreads to the groin.
- A kidney infection — a dull pain in the lower back, a fever and burning on urination.
- Pain from the muscles or the spine — often mistaken for kidney pain.
- Cysts or other changes in the kidneys — found on an ultrasound.
Which specialist
How to prepare for the visit
Note where exactly it hurts, whether the pain spreads to the groin and whether there is a fever or burning. Bring ultrasounds, urine and blood tests and discharge summaries, and a list of the medicines you take.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether the pain comes from the kidneys or the back?
It is hard to judge on your own. The doctor will examine you and may order a urine test and an ultrasound. Book a visit without delay if the pain is severe or comes with a fever, chills or burning on urination, or if you see blood in the urine.
Does drinking more water help?
With kidney stones, drinking enough water often helps. How much and what, the doctor will advise.
Urologist or nephrologist?
For stones, blood in the urine or pain in waves the first specialist is a urologist. For changes in kidney function tests, a nephrologist.
This information does not replace a visit to a doctor.