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Anatomical landmarks, back view
Anatomical landmarks, back view
Anatomical landmarks, front view
Anatomical landmarks, front view
Anatomical landmarks, side view
Anatomical landmarks, side view

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

Alternative Names:
Pain - side; Side pain

Considerations:
Flank pain often means kidney trouble, but not always. If flank pain is accompanied by fever, chills, or 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 radiates into the groin.
Common Causes:
Home Care:

Treatment depends on the cause. Follow your health care provider's instructions.

Rest, physical therapy, and exercise are recommended for flank pain caused by muscle spasm.

Anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy may be prescribed for flank pain caused by spinal arthritis. Continue physical therapy exercises at home.

Antibiotics are indicated for pyelonephritis; plenty of fluids and pain medications are indicated for a kidney stones. Occasionally, hospitalization is required for either of these conditions.
Call your health care provider if:
  • there is flank pain accompanied by high fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.
  • there is blood (red or brown color) in the urine.
  • there is prolonged, unexplained flank pain.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. If the pain is related to an injury, the condition will be stabilized first.

Medical history questions documenting flank pain in detail may include:
  • location
    • Is the pain on one side only (unilateral) or both sides?
    • Which side?
  • quality
    • Is the pain mild?
    • Is the pain periodic and changing intensity over minutes; crampy (colicky)?
    • Is the pain severe enough to require narcotics?
  • time pattern
    • Did the pain begin recently?
    • Has the pain been gradually getting worse over months?
    • Did the pain rapidly get worse?
  • radiation
    • Does the pain go into your groin?
    • Does the pain go into your back?
    • Does the pain go up into your chest?
  • associated complaints
    • Does the pain occur with nausea or vomiting?
    • What other symptoms are also present?
Fluid intake and output may be monitored and recorded.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to flank pain to your personal medical record.
Review Date: 12/3/2001
Reviewed By: Steven Angelo, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Hospital of Saint Raphael, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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