Flank Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

However, constant or severe pain in the flank may indicate a serious medical condition, such as dehydration orurinary tract infection, Kidney stones or other kidney problems can also cause persistent flank pain.

Although flank pain is often a symptom of a kidney problem, it can also be the result of other medical conditions if it occurs with additional symptoms. It is essential to see your doctor if you have chronic or severe flank pain, especially if you have other symptoms as well.

Common Causes of Flank Pain

Flank pain can be caused by one of the following causes:

• Muscle strain from overuse or heavy lifting
• Poor posture
• Sleeping in an uncomfortable position
• Dehydration leading to muscle cramps
• Menstrual cramps or ovulation-related discomfort
• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Minor injuries or bruises in the side/back area

Conditions that cause Flank Pain

• Kidney stones: Hard mineral deposits in the kidneys cause sharp, intense pain in the flank that may radiate to the groin.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): An infection in the urinary system can lead to dull or burning flank pain along with urinary symptoms.
• Pyelonephritis: A kidney infection that causes severe flank pain, fever, and chills.
• Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited condition where fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys cause persistent flank discomfort.
• Shingles: A viral infection that causes nerve pain and a rash along one side of the body, including the flank area.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas may radiate pain to the flanks, often accompanied by abdominal discomfort.
• Appendicitis (retrocecal): A less common form where appendix pain may present in the right flank area.
• Arthritis: Inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine or ribs can radiate pain to the flank region.
• Back problem (such as disk disease): Herniated or degenerative spinal discs may compress nerves, leading to referred pain in the flanks.
• Gallbladder Disease: Gallstones or inflammation can cause upper abdominal pain that sometimes radiates to the right flank or back.
• Gastrointestinal disease: The conditions like colitis or diverticulitis can cause abdominal and side pain, including the flanks.
• Liver disease: Inflammation or enlargement of the liver can cause dull or aching pain in the right upper flank.
• Muscle spasm: Sudden or prolonged spasms in the back muscles can result in localized flank pain.
• Kidney stone, infection, or abscess: These directly affect the kidneys, which are located in the flank area, leading to sharp or dull pain.
• Shingles: This is a viral infection that affects nerve pathways, causing pain and sensitivity in a band-like pattern along the flank.
• Spinal fracture: A break in the vertebrae can cause back and flank pain, especially with movement or pressure.

When to See a Doctor?

Call your doctor if your fever and chills do not improve after 48 hours of home care or if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Torticollis
• Wheezing
• Severe Cough
• Shortness of Breath
• Confusion
• Slowness
• Irritability
• Abdominal Pain
• Painful Urination
• Violent Vomiting
• Frequent urination or lack of urination
• Unusual sensitivity to bright light

Diagnosis of Flank Pain

The supplier will examine you. You will be asked questions related to your medical history and symptoms, including:

The following tests can be performed:

• Abdominal scanner
• Blood tests to check renal and liver function
• Pulmonary radiography
• Renal or abdominal ultrasound
• X-ray of the lumbosacral spine
• Tests to check the renal and bladder, such as urinalysis and urine culture or cystourethrogram

Treatment and Management of Flank Pain

Rest is the primary therapy for any flank pain. Minor flank pain usually resolves with a combination of rest and physical therapy. Your doctor may also recommend specific exercises you can do to relieve muscle spasms quickly.

• Pain relievers such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen to manage discomfort.
• Antibiotics for infections like UTIs or pyelonephritis causing flank pain.
• Surgery or procedures to remove kidney stones if they're large or causing blockage.
• Physical therapy for musculoskeletal causes like spinal or disc-related pain.
• Prescription medications for underlying conditions like arthritis or shingles.
• Imaging and diagnostic tests to guide targeted treatments (CT, ultrasound, MRI).

Prevention of Flank Pain

You could be able to prevent flank pain by:

• Consume at least eight glasses of water a day
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
• Practice safe sex and hygiene
• Eating diet foods, mainly vegetables, fruits, and lean protein
• Exercise at least three times a week

Lifestyle Changes for Flank Pain

Long-term habits to reduce recurrence or manage chronic conditions:

• Maintain proper posture to avoid spinal strain and muscular imbalances.
• Stay physically active with low-impact exercises to strengthen back and core muscles.
• Drink enough water regularly to support kidney health and prevent stones.
• Limit alcohol and processed foods to reduce stress on kidneys and liver.
• Manage weight to reduce strain on the spine and abdominal organs.
• Follow medical advice consistently if you have chronic conditions like arthritis or liver disease.

Home Remedies for Flank Pain

Comfort measures done at home for temporary relief, not replacements for medical care:

• Apply a warm compress or heating pad to relax tense muscles or ease cramps.
• Take an Epsom salt bath to relieve muscular pain and inflammation.
• Practice gentle stretching to ease muscular tightness and improve flexibility.
• Use over-the-counter topical pain relievers for localized muscle pain.
• Drink cranberry juice or unsweetened fluids for mild urinary tract discomfort (with caution).
• Rest in a supportive position to reduce pressure on the painful side.