Kidney stone pain: symptoms, scans and treatment options
Patient education
Kidney stone pain: symptoms, scans and treatment options
What kidney stone pain can feel like and how stones are investigated and treated.
Quick answer
Kidney stone pain can cause severe loin-to-groin pain, nausea, blood in urine and urinary symptoms. Fever with stone pain needs urgent assessment.
What this can mean
Not every stone needs surgery. Management depends on stone size, location, symptoms, infection risk and kidney function.
Scans help confirm the diagnosis and guide whether observation, medication, shockwave treatment, ureteroscopy or laser treatment may be discussed.
How specialist assessment may help
- Assess pain pattern and infection symptoms.
- Review imaging and stone location.
- Check kidney function where needed.
- Discuss observation versus active treatment.
Questions to ask at your appointment
- How large is the stone?
- Where is it located?
- Is there blockage or infection?
- What treatment options apply?
Common questions
When is stone pain urgent?
Severe pain, fever, vomiting, a single kidney or difficulty passing urine should prompt urgent medical help.
Can stones pass by themselves?
Some small stones pass, but this depends on size, location and symptoms.
General information only. It should not replace personalised advice from a qualified clinician. Last updated 27 June 2026.