Kidney stone pain can mimic many other signs that may confuse you about the reason for your pain. Our kidneys are bean shaped organs present in the abdomen. They are located on either side of the spine. A healthy human is born with a pair of kidneys that remove excess water and waste from the blood flowing through the body via urine.
Additionally, with waste removal, the kidneys are also responsible for producing certain hormones that regulate the body’s normal functioning. One of such physiological functions is blood pressure regulation. They release various hormones to stabilize blood pressure, trigger the production of red blood cells, and, most importantly, vitamin D modification for calcium absorption.
Sometimes, the salts or minerals accumulate and harden, resulting in hard calcified stones known as kidney stones. They form when the waste matter builds up inside the kidneys, which can naturally exit through the urinary tract. Let’s look at different kinds of pain that a kidney stone mimic, hinting at its presence.
Abdominal Pain Indicating Kidney Stone
The process of a kidney stone formation does not cause pain. It is when they start maneuvering around or travels to the ureter you will feel sharp stings of pain. Abdominal pain associated with kidney stones comes in variation and intense fluctuations.
When the kidney stone reaches the urinary tract, that is when it starts to mimic abdominal pain, the intensity may cause nausea or vomiting.
Urine Changes
Since the main function of a kidney is waste removal through urine, the first thing that is affected in case of improper functioning is urine.
Kidney stones cause pain during urination, also scientifically known as burning micturition. Moreover, their presence also changes urine’s visual appearance. It may look cloudy, have pink or reddish type color with a foul odor.
Increased urge to urinate might tag along too. If you notice any such symptoms, schedule a detailed checkup with your physician.
Back Pain
There are various reasons due to which your back may hurt. From sudden jerks to improper sleeping positions, anything can trigger back pain. The kidneys are also located at the back, each on the side of the spinal cord. The presence and movement of kidney stones can lead to back pain with varying intensity.
One way to distinguish back pain from the one due to kidney stones is location. Your kidneys are present on the upper side. If the pain hits there, you can say it is because of stones. Additionally, the back problems mostly hit the lower back and get better with position changes or cold packs, which is not the case with kidney pain.
Diagnosis
Kidney stones are quite easy to detect. There are multiple invasive and non-invasive techniques available to confirm their presence, two of which are mentioned below.
Urine Analysis
It is one of the simplest methods to detect kidney stone issues. The doctor will look at certain minerals and other material levels in it to make a deduction.
Ultrasound
It is a fast and most convenient method of detection. Ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure in which ultrasonic waves are passed to check stone presence.
Treatment Plan for Kidney Stone
There are multiple treatment methods. A surgical procedure known as lithotripsy is very popular amongst doctors. In this treatment, shocks are sent through using ultrasonic waves to break the kidney stones into smaller pieces to pass through the body naturally.
Home remedies for dissolving kidney stone
- Drink more water than usual
- Lemon juice in water
- Basil juice
- ACV-apple cider vinegar
- Kidney bean broth
When To See the Doctor?
You might not feel any difference in your body during stone formation, but the pain will be intense during its movement. Do not sit back and rush immediately to San Ramon Urgent Care for prompt treatment and pain relief in such a case scenario. Our services are widespread through 925-361-5959 San Ramon 209-825-5155 Manteca, and 209 983 9000 Lothrop. Call for more assistance.