Some health problems that affect a kidney can cause pain. You might feel kidney pain as a dull, one-sided ache in your upper stomach area, side or back. But pain in these areas often has other causes that aren't related to the kidneys.
The kidneys are a pair of small organs in the back of the stomach area under the lower ribs. One kidney is located on each side of the spine. It's more common to have kidney pain, also called renal pain, on just one side of the body. Fever and urinary symptoms often happen along with kidney pain.
Call your health care provider right away if you feel constant, dull, one-sided pain in your back or side. Ask for a same-day appointment if you also:
- Have fever, body aches and fatigue.
- Had a recent urinary tract infection.
- Feel pain when you pee.
- See blood in your urine.
- Have an upset stomach or vomiting.
Get emergency care if you have sudden, serious kidney pain, with or without blood in your urine.
Show References
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- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-infection-pyelonephritis/symptoms-causes. Accessed Dec. 21, 2022.
- Ferri FF. Urolithiasis (nephrolithiasis). In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 21, 2022.
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Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/kidney-pain/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050902