Symptoms of Flank Pain

Flank pain accompanied by other symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem.

Flank pain, or side pain, can have several possible causes, depending on the severity of the symptoms and any accompanying symptoms. If the symptoms of flank pain are limited to discomfort, the pain may be due to a muscle spasm. If flank pain is accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate a kidney problem.

Location

Flank pain occurs on one side of the body, between the upper abdomen and lower back and above the hip to above the waistline.

Causes

Symptoms of flank pain may be caused by muscle spasm, arthritis, disk disease, shingles or a kidney stone, abscess or disease.

Features

When symptoms of flank pain include a rash, the cause may be shingles. When flank pain is accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting or blood in the urine, it may be a sign of a kidney disorder.

Treatment

Depending on the cause of the symptoms of flank pain, treatment may include antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medications. If the cause is a muscle spasm or arthritis, treatment includes rest and physical therapy.

Warning

Call your doctor immediately you have persistent, unexplained symptoms of flank pain or if your flank pain is severe or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or blood in the urine.

References

• Penn State Hershey: Flank Pain
• University of Cincinnati/Net Wellness: Kidney Pain

Resources

• Flank Pain