Pain in the side or back
Pain may be sharp or come in waves, and can move toward the lower abdomen or groin.
Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)
Hard mineral deposits in kidneys causing pain.
Learn about kidney stone symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Your own clinician can tailor advice to your health and test results.
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About this condition
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form when substances in urine crystallize. A stone may remain in the kidney without symptoms, or cause pain if it moves into the urinary tract. Symptoms, causes and appropriate care vary. A clinician can diagnose a stone and discuss options based on your history, examination and test results.
Briefly about this condition
What they are
Hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in one or both kidneys.
Possible symptoms
Pain in the side or back, blood in the urine, nausea or vomiting. Some stones cause no symptoms.
Diagnosis
A clinician may use your history, an examination, urine or blood tests, and imaging.
Care
Monitoring, symptom relief, medicines or a procedure may be considered depending on the stone and your circumstances.
Symptoms & warning signs
Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones) symptoms
Some kidney stones cause no symptoms. Pain or other problems may occur when a stone moves into the urinary tract or blocks urine flow. Symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so a clinician must assess them.
Blood in the urine
Urine may look pink, red or brown; sometimes blood is found only on a test.
Nausea or vomiting
Some people feel sick or vomit when a stone causes significant pain.
Frequent or painful urination
A stone moving lower in the urinary tract may cause an urge to urinate or discomfort.
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
These changes can occur with a urinary infection and should be discussed with a clinician.
Risk factors
Risk depends on a combination of personal, medical and lifestyle factors. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will develop a stone.
- Not drinking enough fluid or losing a lot of fluid through sweating.
- A diet high in salt or animal protein may increase risk for some people.
- A personal or family history of kidney stones.
- Some medical conditions, medicines or inherited disorders.
- Some urinary infections and digestive conditions.
Possible complications if untreated
- Urine flow blockage — A stone can block urine flow and may need medical assessment.
- Infection — A blocked urinary tract with infection can become serious and needs urgent care.
- Kidney damage — A prolonged blockage may harm kidney function; prompt clinical assessment matters.
- Recurrence — People who have had a stone may develop another, so discuss an individual prevention plan.
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosing Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)
Diagnosis usually considers your symptoms, medical history and examination. Testing helps confirm whether a stone is present, where it is, and whether another problem needs attention.
Medical history and examination
A clinician asks about symptoms, previous stones and relevant health conditions.
Urine tests
Tests can look for blood, infection and substances related to stone formation.
Blood tests
Tests may assess kidney function and minerals that can be associated with stones.
Imaging
Ultrasound or other imaging can help locate a stone and assess the urinary tract.
Stone analysis
If a stone is passed or removed, analysis may help guide prevention.
Choosing the right tests
The choice of tests depends on your symptoms, health and circumstances. Your clinician will explain which tests are appropriate and what the results mean for you.
Treatment options
Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones) treatment
Care depends on the stone, symptoms, test results and your overall health. A clinician will discuss whether monitoring, symptom management, medicines or a procedure is appropriate.
Monitoring
Some stones can be monitored with a clinician when they are not causing urgent problems.
Symptom management
A clinician can recommend suitable pain relief and advise what to do while a stone passes or is monitored.
Shockwave lithotripsy
Shockwaves may be used to break a stone into smaller pieces in suitable cases.
Endoscopic or surgical procedures
Ureteroscopy or another procedure may be considered when a stone needs to be removed or broken up.
Prevention
How to prevent Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)
Prevention is most useful when it is tailored to the type of stone and the reasons it formed. Ask your clinician whether testing or a personalised prevention plan is appropriate.
- Drink enough fluid unless your clinician has advised you to restrict fluids.
- Discuss salt intake and a balanced diet with your care team.
- Do not restrict dietary calcium or make major diet changes without clinical advice.
- Ask whether stone analysis or urine testing can guide prevention.
Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones) doctors
Specialists for this condition
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Clinics treating Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)
University Hospital
Urologic Oncology & Robotic Surgery
Academic Medical Center
Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery
Specialty Hospital
Comprehensive Kidney & Urologic Care
Johns Hopkins Brady Urological Institute
✓ AccreditedAcademic Medical Center
Urologic Oncology & Innovation
Everyday guidance
Diet and lifestyle
Diet advice depends on the type of stone and your health. General information cannot replace advice from your clinician or a renal dietitian.
Fluids
Ask your clinician how much fluid is appropriate for you, especially if you have been given a fluid limit.
Salt and protein
Discuss sodium and animal-protein intake as part of an individual prevention plan.
Calcium and oxalate
Do not restrict calcium or avoid specific foods unless your clinician recommends changes for your stone type.
A renal dietitian can help tailor food and fluid guidance to your stone analysis, kidney function and other health needs.
Good questions
Frequently asked questions
Can kidney stones cause no symptoms?
Yes. Some stones remain in the kidney without noticeable symptoms. Symptoms can occur if a stone moves or blocks urine flow.
When should I seek urgent care?
Seek urgent care for severe pain with fever or chills, inability to keep fluids down, or if you feel seriously unwell.
How are kidney stones diagnosed?
A clinician may use your history, examination, urine or blood tests, and imaging to assess for a stone.
Can kidney stones be prevented?
Prevention depends on the stone type and individual health. Ask your clinician whether testing or a tailored prevention plan is appropriate.
Sources
- Kidney Stones: Definition & Facts, Symptoms & Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Eating, Diet, & NutritionNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Kidney StonesNational Kidney Foundation (updated July 24, 2025)
- Renal and ureteric stones: assessment and management (NG118)National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
Talk to a kidney specialist
Get answers from a qualified specialist. Care options depend on your health and test results. You can also support clear, accessible kidney health information for everyone.