Pain in the Flanks
Flank pain is a feeling of discomfort or pain in the side of your back, below your rib cage and above your waist. It can occur on one or both sides. Flank pain can have many causes, including:
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Cause
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Description
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Kidney stones
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A kidney stone entering the ureter can cause severe, crampy pain in the flank or lower back that often extends to the groin or testis.
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Urinary tract infection
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A kidney infection can cause swelling of the kidney tissue, which stretches the renal capsule and causes steady, aching pain.
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Shingles
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Shingles can cause pain in the flanks if the nerve pathways affected are those in the lower back. The pain is generally described as burning or tingling and is associated with a red rash that usually has blisters.
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Pulled muscle
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A pulled muscle in the flank area can occur from activities such as lifting, bending, twisting, or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
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Other causes of flank pain include:
- Arthritis or infection of the spine
- Back problems, such as disk disease
- Gallbladder disease
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Liver disease
- Spinal fracture
Flank pain may get better on its own, but you should seek medical attention if you experience new symptoms, such as fever, nausea and vomiting, urination problems, pain that gets worse, and dizziness.