Flank pain

Alternative names:

pain in the side; side pain

Definition:

Flank pain refers to pain in the side of the trunk between the right or left upper abdomen and the back.

Considerations:

Flank pain often means kidney trouble, but not always. If flank pain is accompanied by fever, chills, and urinary problems, then the kidney is the likely source.

One American in seven has kidney stones at some time. The pain from a kidney stone is agonizing, comes in sharp stabbing waves or spasms, and usually is not limited to the flank.

Common causes:

• acute pyelonephritis
• muscle spasm
• kidney stone (calculi or nephrolithiasis)
• kidney abscess
• nephrolithiasis
• shingles (flank pain with one-sided rash)
• spinal arthritis
• disk disease

Note: There may be other causes of flank pain. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for flank pain, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.