Kidney Pain

Kidney pain is pain felt in the side or back, just below the ribs, on one or both sides. Kidney pain is most often caused by a kidney stone or kidney infection. It feels different from muscle back pain.

What Is It

Kidney pain is usually deep, felt higher and to the side, and does not change much with movement. Muscle back pain is usually lower, worse with movement, and eases with rest. Kidney pain often comes with urinary symptoms, fever, or nausea.

Symptoms

Deep pain in the side or back under the ribs
Pain on one side
Pain that spreads to the groin or belly
Fever and chills
Burning when peeing or blood in urine
Nausea or vomiting

Not sure what is causing it? Severe pain that comes in waves may be kidney stones. Side pain with fever after a UTI may be a kidney infection.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider examines your back and belly and tests your urine. Treatment depends on the cause. Kidney infections are treated with antibiotics. Kidney stones are treated with pain relief and fluids, and some need a urologist.

At home:

Drink plenty of water
Use heat on the side for comfort
Use over the counter pain relievers as directed
Watch for fever or vomiting

Pain from a small kidney stone often passes within days to a few weeks.

When to Get Care for Kidney Pain

Watch at Home

Mild back pain after lifting that eases with rest and movement

Come to Urgent Care Today

Pain in the side or back with burning when peeing
Side pain with fever
Blood in urine with side pain
Pain that comes in waves
Side pain during pregnancy

Go to the Emergency Department

Severe pain with vomiting, unable to keep fluids down
High fever with shaking chills
Unable to pee
Confusion or feeling faint

FAQ

How do I know if it’s kidney pain or back pain?

Kidney pain is usually deep, higher, and to the side, and does not change with movement. Back pain is lower, worse with movement, and eases with rest.

What causes kidney pain?

Kidney pain is most often caused by a kidney stone or kidney infection. Less common causes include injury and blockage of the urinary tract.

Where is kidney pain felt?

Kidney pain is felt in the side or back, just below the ribs. It may spread to the groin, lower belly, or inner thigh.

Can drinking water help kidney pain?

Drinking water can help kidney pain from a small stone or mild dehydration. Pain with fever or vomiting needs to be checked.

Can urgent care treat kidney pain?

Yes, urgent care can evaluate kidney pain. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine you and test your urine for blood and infection. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is kidney pain an emergency?

Kidney pain is an emergency with severe pain and vomiting, high fever with shaking chills, being unable to pee, or confusion.

Last reviewed October 2026