마지막 업데이트: 2026년 5월 18일

Ureteric stone pain is one of the most severe pains the human body can experience. It occurs suddenly when a stone acutely occludes the ureter — a small tube organ approximately 25 cm long that transports urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Because the ureter’s diameter is as narrow as 4 mm, any stone larger than this may obstruct it and trigger intense flank pain.

Ureteric stone flank pain
Ureteric stone pain presents as flank pain that may radiate depending on where the stone is located.

The location of the referred pain can help localize the stone:

  1. Flank pain radiating to the testicle – suggests obstruction at the mid-ureter
  2. Flank pain radiating to the groin area – suggests obstruction at the lower ureter
Kidney stone drops to ureter
A ureteric stone is the result of a kidney stone dropping down into the ureter.

A ureteric stone originates from a kidney stone that travels from the renal pelvis into the ureter. If lucky, the stone passes spontaneously with urine without any pain. If not, ureteric stone obstruction causes severe pain that peaks within 1–2 hours of onset. The three most common obstruction sites are the ureteropelvic junction (kidney-ureter junction), mid-ureter, and ureterovesical junction (ureter-bladder junction, the narrowest point).

CT scan ureteric stone gold standard
Non-contrast CT scan is the gold standard for diagnosing ureteric stone.

The gold standard imaging is a non-contrast CT scan, which provides: stone location, stone size, severity of obstruction (ureteral edema or kidney injury), and stone density (for treatment planning). Ultrasound and plain X-ray are useful screening tools but are not accurate enough for procedural planning.

Initial self-management during ureteric stone pain

Drink water ureteric stone
Drinking plenty of water can help reduce ureteric stone pain.

Self-management is only an initial recommendation and does not guarantee spontaneous stone passage. If you experience ureteric stone pain, the best course of action is to go to the emergency room promptly for medical assessment and treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ureteric Stone Pain

What does ureteric stone pain feel like and where is it felt?

Ureteric stone pain presents as sudden severe flank pain (loin pain) that typically peaks within 1–2 hours of onset. The pain may radiate depending on the stone location — stones in the mid-ureter often cause pain radiating to the testicle (in men), while lower ureteric stones cause pain radiating toward the groin. The pain is often described as colicky (comes in waves) and is frequently associated with nausea, vomiting, and the inability to find a comfortable position.

What can I do at home when ureteric stone pain strikes?

The two key initial self-management steps are: (1) Take an NSAID (anti-inflammatory) such as Ibuprofen or Diclofenac for pain control and to reduce ureteral pressure — only if you have no allergy or kidney disease; use Acetaminophen as an alternative if NSAIDs are contraindicated. (2) Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help facilitate stone movement. However, these are temporary measures. The safest approach is to go to the emergency room promptly for proper evaluation and treatment.

Why is CT scan needed for ureteric stone diagnosis?

A non-contrast CT scan is the gold standard because it provides comprehensive information that is critical for treatment planning: the exact stone location, stone size (which determines spontaneous passage probability), severity of ureteral obstruction and kidney injury, and stone density (Hounsfield units) which helps predict response to shock wave lithotripsy vs. ureteroscopy. Ultrasound and plain X-ray can screen for stones but are not accurate enough to reliably guide clinical decision-making.

If you are experiencing ureteric stone pain or have been diagnosed with a kidney or ureteric stone, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers specialist consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. 진료 예약.

면책 조항: 본 내용은 방콕 병원 본사의 전문의인 Soarawee Weerasopone 박사가 작성하고 검토한 것입니다. 교육 목적으로만 제공되며 의학적 조언을 구성하지 않습니다. 모든 의학적 치료를 시작하기 전에 항상 자격을 갖춘 의료 전문가와 상담하십시오.

의학적으로 작성 및 검토됨: 소아라위 위라소폰 박사(폼 박사) — 방콕 병원 본원 비뇨의학과 전문의. 국제 펠로우: 베일러 의과대학(미국) · 준텐도 대학(일본) · 창궁 기념 병원(대만).

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