Experiencing sudden sharp back pain along with a burning sensation while urinating can be frightening. Many people initially assume it is a simple urinary infection or muscle strain. However, in many cases, these symptoms may point toward a painful and increasingly common condition — kidney stones.

At MASSH Hospital, our expert urology specialists frequently treat patients who ignore early symptoms and later present with severe discomfort. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent complications and ensure faster recovery.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand kidney stones, their symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options, prevention strategies, and when to seek expert care.

Learn more about our Advanced Kidney Stone Treatment

Understanding Kidney Stones

Kidney stones (also known medically as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis) are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. These stones develop when substances in urine — such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid — become highly concentrated and crystallize.

While small stones may pass unnoticed, larger stones can cause intense pain when they move through the urinary tract.

Important Facts About Kidney Stone Disease

Kidney stone disease is more common than many people realize.

• Approximately 1 in 10 people will experience a kidney stone at some point in their lifetime.
• Men are more likely to develop kidney stones than women.
• Recurrence rate is high — nearly 50% of patients may develop another stone within 5–10 years if preventive measures are not taken.
• Kidney stones are increasingly seen in younger adults due to dietary and lifestyle factors.

This makes awareness and prevention critically important.

Why Sharp Back Pain Happens in Kidney Stones

One of the most severe symptoms of kidney stones is renal colic, a sharp, stabbing pain that often begins suddenly.

Where Does the Pain Occur?

• Lower back (usually one side)
• Side of the abdomen
• Below the ribs
• Radiating toward the groin

The pain occurs when a stone moves from the kidney into the ureter (the tube connecting kidney to bladder). The ureter contracts forcefully to push the stone down, causing intense spasms.

Unlike muscle pain:

• It does not improve with rest.
• It may come in waves.
• It can be so severe that patients feel restless and unable to sit still.

Burning Urination: Why It Happens

A burning sensation during urination may occur if:

• The stone is near the bladder.
• The urinary tract lining is irritated.
• There is a secondary infection.

This symptom is often mistaken for a urinary tract infection (UTI). However, kidney stones and UTIs can sometimes occur together, making proper diagnosis essential.

Other Warning Signs & Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Besides back pain and burning urination, watch for:

1. Blood in Urine (Hematuria)

Stones can scratch the lining of the urinary tract, causing pink, red, or brown urine.

2. Frequent Urge to Urinate

Especially if the stone is lodged near the bladder.

3. Nausea and Vomiting

Severe pain can trigger gastrointestinal responses.

4. Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine

This may indicate infection.

5. Fever and Chills

This is a medical emergency and may indicate infected kidney stones.

Types of Kidney Stones

Understanding stone type helps prevent recurrence.

1. Calcium Stones (Most Common)

• Usually calcium oxalate.
• Often linked to high oxalate intake or dehydration.

2. Uric Acid Stones

• Common in people with gout.
• Associated with high protein diets.

3. Struvite Stones

• Associated with urinary infections.
• Can grow rapidly and become large.

4. Cystine Stones

• Rare.
• Caused by inherited metabolic disorders.

At MASSH Hospital, laboratory analysis of passed stones helps determine long-term prevention strategies.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones form when urine becomes concentrated, allowing crystals to stick together.

Kidney stones form when certain substances in urine — like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid — become highly concentrated, allowing crystals to form. These crystals can grow into stones over time.

Major Risk Factors

1. Dehydration

Not drinking enough water is the leading cause.

2. Diet

• High salt intake
• Excess animal protein
• High oxalate foods (spinach, nuts, chocolate)

3. Obesity

Higher body weight increases stone risk.

4. Family History

Genetics play a role.

5. Certain Medical Conditions

• Gout
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Recurrent urinary infections
• Digestive disorders

6. Medications

Some supplements and drugs may increase risk.

Fact: People who drink less than recommended daily water are at significantly higher risk.

How Kidney Stones Are Diagnosed

At MASSH Hospital, accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment.

Diagnostic Tools Include:

1. Ultrasound

Non-invasive and commonly used.

2. CT Scan

Gold standard for identifying stone size and location.

3. X-ray (KUB)

Useful for certain stone types.

4. Urine Tests

Detect infection and crystal composition.

5. Blood Tests

Check kidney function and mineral levels.

Treatment Options at MASSH Hospital

Treatment depends on stone size, location, symptoms, and patient health.

1. Conservative Management (Small Stones)

For stones smaller than 5 mm:

• Increased water intake (2–3 liters daily)
• Pain medications
• Alpha-blockers to relax ureter muscles

Many small stones pass naturally within a few weeks.

2. Minimally Invasive Procedures

When stones are larger or stuck, intervention is required.

a.) RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) :

RIRS is a minimally invasive procedure where a flexible scope is passed through the urinary tract to reach the kidney. A laser is then used to break the stone.

Ideal For:

• Kidney stones located deep inside
• Medium-sized stones
• Patients wanting scarless treatment

Benefits:

• No external cut
• Minimal bleeding
• Short hospital stay

b.) URS (Ureteroscopy) :

Ureteroscopy is used primarily for stones located in the ureter (the tube between kidney and bladder).

A thin scope is inserted through the urethra into the ureter to remove or fragment the stone using laser energy.

Benefits:

• Direct visualization
• High success rate
• Minimally invasive.

c.) PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) :

PCNL is recommended for larger kidney stones.

In this procedure:

• A small incision is made in the back
• A scope is inserted directly into the kidney
• Stones are broken and removed

Suitable For:

• Large stones
• Staghorn calculi
• Complex stone burden

PCNL offers high stone clearance rates for large stones.

d.) ECIRS (Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery) :

ECIRS is an advanced technique combining both retrograde (through urinary tract) and percutaneous (through small back incision) approaches.

Advantages:

• Higher stone clearance in complex cases
• Reduced need for multiple surgeries
• Ideal for large or multiple stones

This approach enhances precision and effectiveness in difficult cases.

e.) Laser Lithotripsy :

A modern technique where a laser breaks stones into tiny fragments.

Advantages:

• No large cuts
• Faster recovery
• High success rate

At MASSH Hospital, the focus is on minimally invasive, patient-friendly techniques to ensure quicker recovery. Explore complete details about these procedures here: Kidney Stone Specialists at MASSH.

Complications If Ignored

Untreated kidney stones can lead to:

• Persistent severe pain
• Urinary obstruction
• Kidney infection
• Permanent kidney damage
• Sepsis (life-threatening infection)

Early consultation prevents these complications.

Prevention Tips :

• Drink 2–3 liters of water daily.
• Reduce salt intake.
• Limit excessive red meat consumption.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Follow specialist dietary advice.

Medically Reviewed & Authored By

Dr. Ankit Goel
Head of Department - Urology, Andrology & Uro-Oncology
MASSH Super Speciality Hospital

Dr. Ankit Goel specializes in minimally invasive kidney stone management including Laser Lithotripsy, RIRS, PCNL, URS, and ECIRS. With extensive experience in treating complex kidney stone cases, he focuses on personalized treatment planning and long-term recurrence prevention.

Consult Dr. Ankit Goel: Doctor Profile Page

About MASSH Super Speciality Hospital

MASSH Super Speciality Hospital is a leading multi-speciality healthcare center in Delhi offering advanced urology services with state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced specialists, and patient-centered care.

Visit Official Website: https://MASSH.in/

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Last Updated: February 2026

Content Category: Urology / Kidney Stone Treatment

Reviewed By: Dr. Ankit Goel

Hospital: MASSH Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi