When Should You Be Worried About Flank Pain?

It’s natural to feel concerned when you experience persistent flank pain, especially when you’re unsure if it requires medical attention. As someone who might be experiencing this discomfort right now, you deserve clear guidance on when to seek help.

Common reasons for concern with flank pain include:

• Severe, sudden pain that feels different from muscle soreness
• Pain accompanied by fever, chills, or nausea
• Discomfort that persists for more than a few days
• Pain coupled with burning during urination or blood in your urine
• Flank pain that worsens with movement or deep breathing

Don’t let uncertainty about your symptoms keep you from getting the care you need. Complete Care’s experienced medical team is available around the clock to evaluate your flank pain and provide prompt, thorough treatment no matter which of our ER locations you visit.

What is flank pain?

Flank pain occurs in your side, specifically in the area between your lower ribs and hip, and can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. Think of it as the part of your body where your “love handles” might be. This important region of your body houses several organs, including your kidneys, and can be found on both the left and right sides of your torso.

Flank pain can occur on one or both sides, and it may spread to your lower back or abdomen, depending on the root cause. The sensation can also vary depending on the cause — some people describe it as cramping or throbbing, while others might feel more of a stabbing pain. You might notice it gets worse when you move around, take deep breaths, or press on the area. Because this region contains several important organs and muscles, it’s important to pay attention to any persistent or severe pain in this area.

How do I know if my flank pain is serious?

1. Severe, sudden pain

When severe, sudden flank pain strikes, it often feels like an intense, sharp sensation that comes on without warning. This type of pain, whether presenting as left flank pain or right flank pain, can be so intense that it stops you in your tracks and may even make it difficult to find a comfortable position. The pain might feel like someone is squeezing your side or like you’ve been struck in the area.

This sudden onset of severe pain could indicate several urgent conditions, including kidney stones, a ruptured cyst, or, in some cases, a serious infection. If the pain is particularly severe on one side, whether right or left side pain, it could also signal other underlying conditions that require immediate medical attention, like a kidney infection or, less commonly, an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

2. Pain accompanied by fever, chills, or nausea

When flank pain occurs alongside a high fever, chills, or nausea and vomiting, it often indicates that your body is fighting an infection. These symptoms commonly appear together and may get worse over hours or days. You might notice that you’re alternating between feeling hot and cold, experiencing uncontrollable shivering, or feeling queasy and unable to keep food down.

This combination of symptoms frequently points to a kidney infection or other serious infections that require prompt medical attention. The presence of fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C) alongside flank pain is particularly concerning and should never be ignored, as it could indicate that the infection is becoming severe.

3. Discomfort that persists for more than a few days

Persistent flank pain that lasts longer than a few days may start as a mild annoyance but can develop into a more serious concern. You might notice that the pain ebbs and flows but never fully goes away or that certain positions and activities consistently trigger or worsen the discomfort. This type of ongoing pain might be mild enough that you can continue your daily activities, but it serves as a warning sign that something isn’t right.

Chronic flank pain could indicate several underlying conditions, from musculoskeletal problems to ongoing kidney issues. If the pain persists beyond three days, it’s important to have it looked at, as chronic pain can be a sign of conditions that may worsen without proper treatment, such as kidney stones that haven’t passed or chronic urinary tract infections.

4. Pain coupled with burning during urination or blood in your urine

When flank pain occurs alongside urinary symptoms, particularly burning during urination or blood in the urine (hematuria), it often indicates a problem within your urinary tract. You might notice that your urine appears pink, red, or cola-colored or that you feel a burning or stinging sensation every time you use the bathroom. These symptoms might be accompanied by an increased urge to urinate or difficulty emptying your bladder completely.

This combination of symptoms frequently indicates a urinary tract infection that has potentially spread to the kidneys, or it could signal the presence of kidney stones. In some cases, these symptoms might also indicate more serious conditions affecting the urinary tract or kidneys that require medical evaluation.

5. Flank pain that worsens with movement or deep breathing

Pain that intensifies with movement or deep breathing often indicates the involvement of the muscles, bones, or other structures in your chest and abdominal wall. You might notice that certain movements, like bending, twisting, or reaching, cause sharp increases in pain. Taking deep breaths, coughing, or laughing might also trigger or worsen the discomfort.

While this type of pain might be due to muscle strain or inflammation of the rib cage, it could also indicate more serious conditions affecting your lungs or other organs. If the pain significantly limits your ability to move or breathe normally, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out conditions like pneumonia, pleurisy, or other respiratory issues.

When should I go to the hospital for flank pain?

Living with flank pain can be concerning, and knowing when to seek emergency care isn’t always clear. While some causes of flank pain can be managed at home, certain symptoms indicate a need for immediate medical attention from your nearest ER.

• Severe, intense pain accompanied by fever over 101.5°F
• Uncontrolled nausea or vomiting
• Chills, severe shaking, confusion, or extreme fatigue
• Blood in your urine, complete inability to urinate, or severe burning with urination
• Flank pain that occurs after an injury, fall, or accident
• Pain so severe that it prevents basic movements
• Rapid heart rate, dizziness, or pale/clammy skin

While it might be tempting to “wait it out” or see if symptoms improve on their own, certain conditions that cause flank pain can quickly become serious without proper treatment, when it comes to severe pain or concerning symptoms, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get evaluated by medical professionals who can properly diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

Worried about flank pain? Complete Care has you covered 24/7!

When flank pain strikes, you deserve immediate care from medical professionals who understand your concerns. With state-of-the-art facilities across Texas (Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, and San Antonio) and in Colorado Springs, Complete Care provides immediate, expert treatment for all types of flank pain. 

From advanced diagnostic capabilities to comprehensive treatment options, we’re equipped to identify and address the root cause of your discomfort. Our commitment to patient care means you’ll receive personalized attention and treatment in a comfortable, professional environment. 

Don’t let flank pain impact your quality of life — visit your nearest Complete Care location today and take the first step toward relief.

More Helpful Articles by Complete Care:

• How to Be Prepared For Medical Emergencies at Home
• What are Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
• Winter Safety Tips for Texas
• What To Do With Upper Respiratory Infection
• When to See a Doctor After a Fall