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Renal colic

Low urgency
Very common-

Intense lower back and/or abdominal pain due to an increase in pressure that obstructs the passage of urine in the urinary system.

The cause is a stone that is generated by a combination of genetic predisposition and the presence of facilitating factors.

It manifests as pain in the lower part of the back, which may spread to the groin and genitals.

The diagnosis is clinical and is confirmed through blood tests and imaging tests (generally abdominal ultrasound).

The pain must be treated and correct hydration ensured. In cases where the stone is not spontaneously expelled, techniques can be used to break it down. The continued presence of obstruction can trigger a severe infection and/or the final loss of kidney function.

Bibliographic references
  1. Mark L Zeidel, MD, W Charles O'Neill, MD. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of urinary tract obstruction and hydronephrosis. UpToDate. Nov 05, 2015.
  2. Klahr S. Pathophysiology of obstructive nephropathy. Kidney Int 1983; 23:414.
  3. Webb JA. Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of renal obstruction. BMJ 1990; 301:944.
  4. E. Bergadá Barado, L. Revert Torrellas. Aspectos metabólicos de la litiasis renal. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen I. Duodécima edición. 932:936.
  5. Gary C. Curhan. Nefrolitiasis. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 1866:1874.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Discomfort when urinating

    Lower back pain

    Pain in your side radiates to the groin

    Pain on one side of the body

    Lower back pain radiated to groin and/or genitals

Symptoms to watch out for

If the pain doesn't go away with either over-the-counter painkillers or those previously prescribed by your general practitioner
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Vomit that prevents ingestion of beverages, food or medication
Having any comorbidity such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, heart disease, kidney disease, brain disease, liver disease.
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, Diabetes Mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Self-care

Maintain a fluid intake of 6 - 8 cups per day.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers and consult your primary care physician to discuss other treatments.
Apply heat to the affected area.
Avoid contact of microorganisms from the anal region with the urethra (orifice through which urine exits).
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