How Painful Are Kidney Stones?

One of the common symptoms of kidney stones is agonizing pain that is unbearable to any human being. Many people wonder why kidney stones cause so much pain, especially when passing them out. Regardless of the pain you will feel, it is important that you let out the stones to reduce the risk of further complications. Kidney stones vary in size and a person may have several of them in their kidneys. The bigger the stones are in size, and then they are more than likely to cause pain at one point as they are being passed out. The pain is experienced in different parts between the kidneys and urinary tract, which is the path they take as they’re being excreted.

Why do kidney stones cause so much pain? The kidney, where the stones are formed, is the same organ that produces urine. At one point, you will have to help yourself and in the process, a kidney stone or two may be carried along the path of the urine. The areas within your body are very sensitive and when any small problem arises, pain is usually the first thing you feel. If a stone blocks the path of urine on the kidney, pressure builds up within the organ and it swells, which leads to pain. This is because the swollen kidney sends pain signals via nerves to the brain. Along the urinary tract, pain may result from the stones as they are passed through the ureter or when they press against the bladder. This makes one feel the urge to urinate frequently. As you relieve your bladder, you may also experience painful urination.

Male and females are at risk of kidney stones, but men have a higher risk than women. The general areas where you feel pain as kidney stones are being passed include the back (below the ribcage), groin or in your lower abdomen. The stones only cause pain if they are causing some obstruction, otherwise, you will barely feel any pain. On a scale of 1-10, pain from kidney stones tends to be on the higher numbers and cause the patient discomfort. It even gets worse when the stones cause a blockage on the tube that connects the kidney and ureter. You will feel pain from time to time as it comes and goes within a certain period cycle.

Many people seek immediate assistance from a doctor when they experience kidney stones pain because it is unbearable. Not to mention, it causes a lot of discomfort and one can barely stay calm as the pain tends to make them jittery. Pain medication is usually a fast way to relieve the pain. This makes it easier to pass the stones without pain for a prolonged period of time. Narcotic pain medications can also be administered, although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also effective. Needless say, the latter has fewer side effects than the former. Adding to that, drink plenty of water to help with the passing of the stones. Pain from kidney stone lasts as long as the stone is moving before it is out of your body. The time taken before a stone is excreted depends on the size and location of the stone, which can be days or weeks.

Pain from kidney stone varies from one patient to the other. While some will experience no pain, others experience excruciating pain. However, the pain can be felt in different parts of the lower body which helps trace the location of the stone. The size of a kidney stone also matters when it comes to the pain they cause. Small-sized stones barely cause any pain and will pass out easily whereas bigger stones are harder to pass out and cause more pain. In cases of larger stones, the best way to relieve pain is by having a surgical procedure to remove the stones.

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