A dull ache in your upper back. A sharp pain in your side that won’t go away. Maybe you even feel sick to your stomach.

It’s normal to feel scared when you have these symptoms, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing them.

You may find yourself wondering, “Why would my kidneys hurt?” and searching for answers.

Kidney pain can have several causes. Some need medical care. If you live in Charlotte, NC or West Columbia, SC, knowing when to get checked can help protect your health.

What Are Kidneys and What Do They Do?

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in your mid-to-upper back, just below the rib cage on either side of your spine. They have the important job of keeping your body in balance by:

  • Filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood
  • Helping balance electrolytes
  • Regulating blood pressure
  • Producing urine, which travels from each kidney to the bladder through a narrow tube called a ureter

Could a Kidney Stone Be Causing My Pain?

Kidney stones are one of the most common causes of kidney pain. Stones themselves may not cause symptoms while sitting in your kidney. But pain often starts when the stone moves into the ureter or blocks urine flow. The pain can be intense, cramping, radiating, and come in episodes or waves. Nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine commonly occur alongside kidney stone pain.

Can a Kidney Infection Cause Kidney Pain?

Yes. A kidney infection develops when bacteria travel upward from the bladder into one or both kidneys. The pain is often steady and aching rather than sharp and may be felt in the flank or back. People with a kidney infection often also have other physical symptoms, including:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Painful or frequent urination
  • A general unwell feeling

If you are dealing with similar symptoms, getting checked by a urologist can help protect your kidneys and get you back to feeling well.

Can a Urine Blockage Make My Kidneys Hurt?

When a blockage stops urine from flowing normally, it can back up into the kidney and cause pressure. This pressure can lead to kidney swelling and pain that progressively worsen over time. If the blockage is not relieved, kidney function can gradually decline. Signs of a blockage combined with fever or infection symptoms require urgent medical attention.

What Other Conditions Can Cause Kidney Pain?

Kidney pain can sometimes be caused by:

  • Cysts
  • Injuries
  • Tumors
  • Inflammation
  • Some medications

If kidney pain keeps coming back or doesn’t go away, it should be checked by a doctor.

When Should I See a Doctor for Kidney Pain?

Kidney pain should be evaluated if it is persistent, getting worse over time, or severe. You should also seek care if pain occurs along with symptoms, such as:

These symptoms are warning signs that may point to an infection or blockage that needs urgent treatment.

Why Would My Kidneys Hurt? And When Should I See a Doctor?

Kidney pain is not something you should ignore. Even if it comes and goes, it can be a sign of a stone, infection, or another problem that needs treatment.

If you’re still wondering, “Why would my kidneys hurt?” our urology team in Charlotte, NC and West Columbia, SC is here to help. Schedule an appointment today so we can find the cause and help you feel better.

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