Main causes of kidney stone pain
Obstruction in the urinary tract:
A stone formed in the kidney travels down the ureters, it obstructs the flow of urine. The ureter is very narrow. When the stone gets stuck in this path, the urine cannot flow out. This creates excessive pressure on the kidneys and the ureter. This pressure is the main cause of pain.
Excessive muscle spasm:
The body tries to remove the obstruction in the urinary tract. For this, the muscles of the ureter contract and expand very strongly (peristalsis). As long as the stone is there, the continuous contraction of these muscles causes severe pain.
Inflammation & Edema:
When the stone rubs against the wall of the urethra, small cuts are made and inflammation occurs. This inflammation irritates the nerves, increasing the intensity of the pain.
Where can the pain be felt?
This pain usually changes in location:
Midsection: Starts on the flanks of the midsection.
Sides of the abdomen: The pain gradually spreads to the sides of the abdomen and down.
Thighs/Girdles: As the stone approaches the urethra, the pain spreads down and can be felt in the groin.
Why does the pain change suddenly?
As the stone moves through the narrow part of the urethra and reaches the bladder, the obstruction is removed and the pressure is reduced. This quickly stops the pain. However, if the stone causes a small obstruction again, the pain may return.
