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Where Is Kidney Pain Felt?
How to tell kidney pain from back pain, where it is felt, and what it can indicate.
Last updated: 24/9/2026
Kidney pain is usually felt in the back, just below the ribs on one or both sides (the flanks), and can radiate to the lower abdomen or groin.
Kidney vs back pain
Muscle back pain worsens with movement and sits lower; kidney pain is deeper, higher up, and does not ease with changing position.
Causes
- ✓Kidney stones
- ✓Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
- ✓Blockage or swelling of a kidney
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kidney disease cause pain?
Chronic kidney disease itself usually does not. Pain more often comes from stones, infection or obstruction.
Sources
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This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor about your specific condition.