Kidney Stone Pain: Where is the Pain and What to Do if You get it in NYC

by Alex Shteynshlyuger MD


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4421

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger  is a board certified urologist in NYC who specializes in treating men and women with kidney stones and ureteral stones.


Where is the Pain from Kidney Stones? 

Kidney PainKidney stones are one of the most painful medical conditions that men and women experience. However, many people remain unaware that they have stones in their kidneys because they have no symptoms from them.

Tiny stones in the kidney can be completely painless until they grow and move around and break free.

Signs and symptoms of kidney stones usually occur when stones get lodged in the ureters, the narrow tubes that connect each kidney to the bladder.

Many people pass tiny kidney stones that look like sand (1-3 mm in diameter) without realizing it. They might have a mild discomfort that most people just ignore and it goes away.

When stones become large enough, typically greater than 3-4 mm, they tend to cause pain when they pass from the kidney to the bladder.  Occasionally stones that ‘sit’ in the kidney can also cause intermittent pain.

Most often, kidney stones cause severe unrelenting pain in the back or flank (side) of the body below the ribs. The pain comes in waves of varying intensity (called renal colic). The pain can spread to the lower abdomen and groin, and it may shift in location as the stone moves through the urinary tract.

Pain from kidney stones can be mild, described as discomfort or can be excruciating. It can also come and go.  Kidney stone pain can sometimes disappear for a day or two or a few days only to return.

If you think you have pain from kidney stones, call New York Urology Specialists. Our doctors will promptly address your needs.

What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

Typical Symptoms of Kidney Stones (some people get only one of the symptoms below, other people may develop many or all of the symptoms below):

  • Intense pain below the ribs in the back and flank
  • Radiation (spread) of the pain to the lower abdomen and groin
  • Waxing and waning waves of pain that fluctuate in intensity
  • Pain with urination
  • Blood-tinged urine (red, pink, or brown)
  • Foul-smelling or cloudy urine
  • Frequent urination
  • Feeling a persistent need to urinate “urgency
  • Passing a small amount of urine each time
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever and chills when infection is present

It is important to remember that many of these symptoms can also be caused by medical problems other than kidney stones.  Prompt evaluation by a physician can determine what is the cause of your symptoms and what treatment if any needs to be done.


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4421

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger has helped hundreds of men and women with kidney stones suffering from pain to become stone-free.  He uses minimally invasive technology to improve patient care. Most patients are able to return to their activities the next day.