Medically reviewed by Mr Maneesh Ghei, Consultant Urological Surgeon (GMC: 5208045)

Kidney stone pain — known medically as renal colic — can be some of the most severe pain a person experiences. Understanding how to stop kidney stone pain immediately, and knowing when to seek specialist help, can make a significant difference to how quickly you recover.

Understanding how to relieve kidney stone pain swiftly and effectively is crucial, especially while waiting for medical assistance. If you are based in London and need a private urologist to review your symptoms or manage recurring stones, Mr Ghei offers same-week appointments.

Why do kidney stones hurt so much?

Kidney stones are solid deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They develop when urine contains higher levels of substances like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid than it can dilute. While some stones are as small as a grain of sand and may pass unnoticed, others can be significantly larger, causing blockages and intense pain.

Kidney stone pain, medically known as renal colic, occurs when a stone moves or obstructs the urinary tract. The urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, is highly sensitive. A blockage can stretch and irritate the walls of these organs, triggering severe spasms and discomfort.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin.
• Pain that fluctuates in intensity, often coming in waves.
• Nausea or vomiting due to the pain or the body’s reaction to the blockage.
• Frequent and painful urination if the stone is near the bladder.
• Blood in the urine caused by irritation from the stone’s movement.

You can read more about the first signs of kidney stones here.

How to stop kidney stone pain immediately

1. Hydrate thoroughly

Staying hydrated is the most important step in passing a kidney stone. Fluids help flush the stone through the urinary tract and may reduce pain by promoting smoother movement.

• What to drink: Opt for water, herbal teas, or diluted fruit juices like lemon juice.
• How much: Aim for at least 2-3 litres per day. If nausea is present, start with small sips every few minutes.
• Avoid: Caffeinated, carbonated, or sugary drinks, as they can irritate the urinary tract or worsen dehydration.

2. Use heat therapy

Applying heat to the affected area can relax tense muscles, reduce spasms, and improve blood flow, which may ease the pain.

• What to use: A heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm compress.
• How to apply: Place the heat source on your back or side for 15-20 minutes at a time. Always use a towel or cloth to prevent burns.
• Why it works: Heat stimulates blood flow and soothes irritated tissues, helping to reduce pain intensity.

3. Over-the-counter pain relief

For immediate relief, non-prescription medications can help reduce the severity of pain.

• Options: Ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation or paracetamol, which is a good alternative for those who cannot take anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Avoid: Aspirin if there is visible blood in your urine, as it can worsen bleeding.

4. Try a warm bath

Soaking in a warm bath can provide temporary relief by relaxing the muscles in your back and abdomen.

• How to do it: Fill the bath with comfortably warm (not scalding) water and soak for 20-30 minutes.
• Pro tip: Add Epsom salts to the water for added relaxation.

5. Encourage movement

While resting may seem natural, gentle movement can help dislodge a kidney stone and encourage its passage.

• What to try: Light activities like walking or pacing around the room. Avoid vigorous exercise, as it can worsen the pain.
• Why it helps: Movement can stimulate the urinary system, potentially shifting the stone to a less painful position.

When to seek medical help for kidney stone pain

While these methods can provide temporary relief, kidney stones often require professional intervention. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Pain that persists or worsens despite home remedies.
• High fever or chills, as these may indicate a kidney infection.
• Difficulty urinating or complete inability to urinate.
• Severe nausea or vomiting that prevents fluid intake.
• Blood in your urine, especially in large amounts.

Medical options for kidney stone pain

1. Stronger Pain Relief: For severe cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers such as opioids or administer them intravenously for rapid relief.
2. Alpha Blockers: Medications like tamsulosin relax the muscles in the ureters, making it easier for the stone to pass.
3. IV Fluids: In cases of dehydration or severe vomiting, intravenous fluids can help rehydrate the body and support kidney function.
4. Surgical Intervention: If a stone is too large to pass naturally or causes complications, procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or ureteroscopy may be necessary.

The NHS guidance on kidney stone treatment provides a useful overview of when medical intervention is needed.

Long-term strategies to prevent kidney stones

Once the immediate pain subsides, focus on preventing future kidney stones with these lifestyle adjustments:

Maintain optimal hydration

Drink enough water daily to produce pale, clear urine. Dehydration is the leading cause of kidney stones.

Modify your diet

• Reduce intake of high-sodium foods, as salt increases calcium levels in urine.
• Limit oxalate-rich foods like spinach, rhubarb, and chocolate if you are prone to calcium-oxalate stones.
• Monitor your protein intake, as excessive animal protein can contribute to uric acid stones.

Incorporate citrate-rich foods

Foods like lemons and oranges can help prevent stone formation by increasing urinary citrate levels.

Regular check-ups

Routine urine and blood tests can help identify potential issues early. Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, may detect stones before they become problematic.

What to do if kidney stones keep coming back

If you have had more than one episode of kidney stones, home remedies alone are not enough. Recurring stones can indicate an underlying metabolic condition, a structural issue with the urinary tract, or dietary factors that need proper assessment.

A consultant urologist can arrange stone analysis, urine and blood tests, and imaging to identify exactly why your stones are forming. This allows for targeted treatment — whether that is medication, dietary changes, or a minimally invasive procedure to remove existing stones.

Mr Maneesh Ghei sees new patients privately at his London clinics with same-week availability. No GP referral is required. Book a consultation online or call 020 3325 4699.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to stop kidney stone pain?

The fastest way to relieve kidney stone pain at home is a combination of ibuprofen (to reduce inflammation and pain), a heat pad applied to the back or side, and drinking plenty of water. This helps ease muscle spasms, reduce swelling around the stone, and encourage it to pass. If pain is severe or uncontrolled, seek medical attention immediately.

How long does kidney stone pain last?

Kidney stone pain can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the size and location of the stone. Most stones under 5mm pass within a few days to a week with good hydration. Larger stones may take longer or require medical treatment to remove.

Can I take ibuprofen for kidney stone pain?

Yes, ibuprofen is one of the most effective over-the-counter medications for kidney stone pain as it reduces both pain and inflammation. Take it with food and follow the recommended dose. If you have blood in your urine, avoid aspirin. If pain is not controlled with ibuprofen, you need medical assessment.

Does heat help kidney stone pain?

Yes, heat therapy can help relieve kidney stone pain by relaxing the muscles around the ureter and reducing spasms. Apply a hot water bottle or heating pad to your back or side for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Always place a cloth between the heat source and your skin to avoid burns.

When should I go to A&E for kidney stone pain?

Go to A&E if you have kidney stone pain alongside a high fever or chills (which may indicate a kidney infection), if you are completely unable to urinate, if pain is severe and uncontrolled despite painkillers, or if you are vomiting so much you cannot keep fluids down. These are signs of a potential emergency.

Can kidney stones be treated without surgery?

Yes, many kidney stones pass naturally without surgery — particularly those under 5mm. Treatment may include pain relief, alpha blockers to relax the ureter, and high fluid intake. Larger stones or those causing complications may need procedures such as ESWL (shock wave treatment) or ureteroscopy, both of which are minimally invasive and performed under anaesthetic.

About the Author

Mr Maneesh Ghei, Consultant Urological Surgeon (GMC: 5208045)

Mr Maneesh Ghei is a consultant urological surgeon with NHS and private practice across four London hospitals. He specialises in the diagnosis and management of kidney stones, including complex stone disease and minimally invasive treatments such as ESWL and ureteroscopy, as well as prostate conditions, urinary symptoms, and male sexual health. Mr Ghei sees new patients privately with same-week availability. No GP referral is required. Book a private urology consultation.