Could this be a kidney stone?
- Sudden severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
- Pain that comes in waves and may radiate to the groin
- Burning, urgency, or blood when urinating
- Nausea, vomiting, or fever with the pain
- Only passing small amounts of urine
What a kidney stone feels like
Kidney stones cause pain when they move through the urinary tract. The pain is often sharp, cramping, and located in the flank — the area between your back and side. It may move toward the groin as the stone travels.
What we can do at urgent care
We can evaluate your symptoms, do a urine test to check for blood, and provide pain relief and anti-nausea medication. If a fever is present or the stone is causing complications, we'll send you to the ER.
Passing the stone
Most small stones pass on their own with hydration and pain control. Larger stones may need imaging or a urology referral. We can help you figure out the next step.
Come to urgent care for:
- Severe flank pain without fever
- Blood in urine with manageable pain
- Nausea needing medication to control
- You suspect a stone and need pain relief
Go to the ER (or call 911) for:
- Fever with flank pain or chills
- Unable to urinate or only dribbling
- Uncontrolled vomiting or dehydration
- You have one kidney or a kidney transplant
Frequently asked
How long does kidney stone pain last?
It varies. Small stones may pass in hours to days. Larger stones can cause pain on and off until they pass or are treated.
Can urgent care diagnose a kidney stone?
We can strongly suspect it based on symptoms and urine testing. Imaging is needed to confirm size and location, which may require an ER or imaging center.
What helps kidney stone pain?
Hydration, pain medication, and sometimes anti-nausea medication. We can provide these in the clinic and help you avoid the ER if it's safe.