Flank pain

Considerations:
Flank pain often means kidney trouble, but not always. If flank pain is accompanied by fever , chills, and urinary problems, then the kidney is the likely source.

One American in seven has kidney stones at some time. The pain from a kidney stone is agonizing, comes in sharp stabbing waves or spasms , and usually is not limited to the flank.

Common Causes:

Note: There may be other causes of flank pain. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for flank pain, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Treatment depends on the cause. Follow your health care provider's instructions.

Rest, physical therapy, and exercise are recommended for flank pain caused by muscle spasm .

Anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy may be prescribed for flank pain caused by spinal arthritis . Continue physical therapy exercises at home.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • there is flank pain accompanied by high fever , chills, nausea, or vomiting.
  • there is blood (red or brown color) in the urine.
  • there is prolonged, unexplained flank pain.



What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. If the pain is related to an injury, the condition will be stabilized first.

Medical history questions documenting flank pain in detail may include:

  • location
    • Is the pain on one side only (unilateral) or both sides?
    • Which side?

  • quality
    • Is the pain mild?
    • Is the pain periodic and changing intensity over minutes; crampy (colicky)?
    • Is the pain severe enough to require narcotics?

  • time pattern
    • Did the pain begin recently?
    • Has the pain been gradually getting worse over months?
    • Did the pain rapidly get worse?

  • radiation
    • Does the pain go into your groin?
    • Does the pain go into your back?
    • Does the pain go up into your chest?

  • associated complaints

Fluid intake and output may be monitored and recorded.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to flank pain to your personal medical record.


Anatomical areas of the back that may be referred to in the symptom analysis section are labeled. There are three body views (front, back and side) that may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the "flank" may not have both names, so the location may be unclear. These illustrations should clarify the position of those anatomical sites.



Anatomical areas on the front of the body that may be referred to in the symptom analysis section are labeled. These three body views (front, back and side) may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the "flank" may not have both terms so the location may be unclear. These illustrations should clarify the position of those anatomical sites.



Anatomical areas on the side of the body that may be referred to in the symptom analysis section are labeled. These three body views (front, back, and side) may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the "flank" may not have both terms so the location may be unclear. These illustrations should clarify the position of those anatomical sites.