For some people, kidney stones may feel like a dull cramping in the back, not unlike a spasm. For others, it may feel like someone is kicking you repeatedly in the side while you beg for mercy or death in your bed. For some, pain may occur in the lower back, near the spine. For others, it may occur near the hips or bladder. But, if you have had kidney stones before, you'll know what it is as soon as it starts. Luckily, there are a few ways to relieve the pain from kidney stones.
Identification
Kidney-stone pain generally feels like an aching or cramping in the lower mid-section of your body, in the area of your urinary system. The pain radiates throughout that area, fluctuating in intensity until it eventually tapers off and disappears. This will occur at random until the stone is either passed naturally or removed by surgery.
Effects
Pain caused by kidney stones can be completely debilitating, inducing vomiting and blackouts in the worst cases. Blood may be found in the urine and fever may occur, indicating a bladder or kidney infection that cannot be ignored even when the pain subsides. If you are experiencing kidney-stone pain, you must find a doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes a simple change in diet is all that is needed to be free from future kidney stones and infections.
Treatment with Medication
Depending in the level of pain you are experiencing from kidney stones, 400 to 600 mg of over-the-counter pain-relieving medicine (two to three Ibuprofen tablets) can be enough to combat the pain. For some, prescription-strength medication such as Vicodin or Hydrocodone may be needed. The important thing to remember is that the pain generally will subside within an hour or so, depending on how long it takes for the stone to squeeze between certain areas of your urinary tract system. Try over-the-counter medication first, following the directions indicated on the bottle. If this does not work, switch to a pain medication your doctor prescribes for you. If you have not talked with your doctor yet, give your doctor a call and ask for instruction. If the pain is excruciating and has not subsided after two hours, consider going to your local emergency room.
Treatment without Medication
Kidney stones can come on abruptly without warning at any time of the day, and you may not be near your medication. In this case, try lying on your side in fetal position on a comfortable surface. This will not take the pain away, but it can ease it and put your mind in a more relaxed place. If this does not help, try the other side and different positions. Do not panic. Although the pain may be severe, you are not in any immediate danger. The stone is simply passing through a tight area of your system. As soon as it passes, the pain will evaporate.
Further Prevention
Many times stones are brought on by stress, dehydration or diet. Once you visit your doctor and the cause of your stones are determined, the doctor will advise you on the best path of prevention. Sometimes a mere change of mindset or habit is all that is needed to say good-bye to the stones. Stones can and do reoccur, so don't be surprised if you feel the familiar aching later on. But keeping up with your doctor's suggestions will help ward off further problems as long as possible, possibly even forever.
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