General practice·General practice
Flank pain
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Flank pain is pain on one side of your body, between your ribs and your hip. It often feels like a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing sensation. Flank pain can come from muscles, bones, or organs in that area, most commonly the kidney or urinary tract.
Key facts
- Flank pain is often caused by kidney stones, a urinary tract infection (UTI), or a muscle strain.
- Most flank pain is not an emergency, but severe or sudden pain can be a sign of a serious problem.
- Seeing a doctor early helps identify the cause and prevent complications.
Yes, flank pain is a common reason people visit their doctor. Kidney stones alone affect about 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives.
Flank pain can affect anyone, but it is more common in people aged 30 to 60, and slightly more common in men than women for conditions like kidney stones.