How to Stop Kidney Stone Pain Immediately?

Fast and Effective Ways to Manage Kidney Stone Pain

Kidney stones are formed from salts and acids in urine that develops into stones and causes shooting pain in your lower abdomen.

Kidney stone pain occurs when a stone’s transition goes to the ureter (a tube that connects the bladder and the kidneys) or moves through the kidney.

The pain starts from the induced inflammation by the stone when it causes pressure, when it irritates the tract lining, or when it lodges itself in the tract. The pain degree depends on the location, stone size, and whether the stone is obstructing the passageways.

Kidney stone pain can be unbearable. If you have ever had one, you know how intense it can get. The sharp, cramping pain often comes in waves and can make it impossible to focus on anything else. Although you cannot instantly eliminate kidney stone pain, there are several ways to effectively manage it.

Where do Kidney Stones Come from?

Kidney stones forms develop when particular substances including calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, become concentrated enough convert into crystal in your kidneys. These crystals build up further into stones. Around 80- of kidney stones are made of calcium. The rest 20% are uric acid stones, which form in people with low urine pH levels. After stone form in the kidney, they can pass down the ureter, blocking urine flow. It will create severe pain, nausea, vomiting, flank pain, blood in urine sometimes

How to Pass a Kidney Stone?

Once the stone moves out of the ureter and into bladder, the pain generally subsides. After that, stone typically passes out from the body quickly. Stone can take 4-6 weeks for smaller stones to pass from the body based on number of stones and their sizes. Over the counter pain reliever help you get rid from discomfort until the stones pass. 

Tips to Prevent Kidney Stones:

Drink Lots of Water

One of the quickest and easiest ways to help with kidney stone pain is to drink water. This helps push the stone along your urinary tract and can make it easier to pass. Aim for at least 2–3 Liters of water per day. If your urine is dark yellow, it is a sign that you are not drinking enough.

You can add some lemon juice to your water. Lemon contains citrate, which can help break down calcium-based stones.

Eat more Calcium-rich plant food

Calcium-rich plant foods sources include yogurt, soy products, beans, lentils and seeds. Intake of calcium from these sources helps to bind oxalate in the intestines, so let’s get absorbed and lesser concentration end up in urine.

Add some Lemons

Salt in citric acid, binds to calcium and helps block stone formation. According to the research and studies drinking ½ cup of lemon juice can increase urine citrate and likely minimize kidney stone risk. 

Use a Heating Pad or Warm Compress

Applying heat to your lower back or side can relax your muscles and ease pain. Use a heating pad or a warm towel for about 20–30 minutes at a time. A hot bath can also help loosen up your body and reduce discomfort.

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Painkillers like ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce kidney stone pain. Ibuprofen is especially good because it reduces inflammation in the urinary tract, making it easier for the stone to move.

Cut Back on animal protein

Too much intake of animal protein including meats, egg, and seafood can increase the chances of having stones. In case you are prone to kidney stones, avoid daily intake of animal based protein.

Watch the Sodium

A sodium-rich diet can enhance kidney stones because it increases the calcium amount in your urine. Federal guidelines advice limiting total daily sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day.

Note: Always take pain medications as directed. If you have kidney disease or stomach issues, check with your doctor before using ibuprofen.

Try a Muscle Relaxant for the Ureter

Certain medications called alpha-blockers (like tamsulosin) help relax the muscles in your ureter (the tube connecting your kidney to your bladder). This makes it easier for the stone to move through and reduces pain. These are usually prescribed by a doctor, but if you have one on hand from a previous episode, it might help to take it.

Move Around and Stay Active

Walking or light activity can help shift the stone and speed up the process. Avoid sitting or lying in one position for too long, as this can make the pain worse. Even gentle stretches may help reduce discomfort.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Some people find relief by drinking a mix of apple cider vinegar and water. ACV contains acetic acid, which might help break down kidney stones. Try mixing 1 tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water and drinking it once or twice a day. Remember

that ACV is acidic in nature. Therefore, you should not drink too much, or it may upset your stomach.

Try Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs may help with kidney stone pain and passing the stone. While these are not instant fixes, they can help your body get rid of the stone faster.

• Chanca Piedra (“Stone Breaker”): This plant is known for its ability to help dissolve kidney stones.
• Basil Tea: Contains acetic acid, which may help break down stones.
• Dandelion Root Tea: Acts as a natural diuretic and can help flush the stone out.

Watch Your Diet

Avoid foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, nuts, chocolate, and tea, as they can contribute to stone formation. Instead, focus on foods rich in calcium and magnesium, which can help prevent new stones from forming.

When to Seek Medical Help

Sometimes, kidney stones are too large to pass on their own, and medical treatment is necessary. Get medical help immediately if you experience:

• Severe, unbearable pain that does not improve with home treatments.
• Blood in your urine.
• Pain while urinating.
• Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting (these could be signs of an infection).

Doctors may use shockwave therapy (lithotripsy) to break up larger stones or perform a minor surgical procedure if needed.

Kidney stone pain is dreadful, but there are ways to find relief while waiting for the stone to pass. To ease this pain, you can drink lots of water, use heat therapy, try natural remedies, and take pain relievers if required. However, if the pain is severe or you have other worrying symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.

Also Read:

→ What are the Signs of Kidney Damage

→ What are the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

→ What Food is Good for a Kidney Patient

→ What is Stage 1 Kidney Disease