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Your flank muscles are located on the sides of your body, between your upper abdomen and your back. The flanks are the areas between your lower ribs and hips, and flank pain is a common symptom of strained muscles. This can be caused by lifting, bending, twisting, or even just sitting for long periods of time. If you experience flank pain, it's important to determine the underlying cause, as it could be related to issues with nearby organs or other health conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Sides and back of the abdomen, between the lower ribs and hips |
| Pain | Common, usually not a cause for concern |
| Causes | Muscle strain, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, back problems, liver disease, gallbladder disease, kidney cancer, degenerative disc disease, renal artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm |
| Treatment | Rest, medication, surgery, lifestyle changes |
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Flank pain
Muscle strains are another common cause of flank pain. This is particularly common in individuals who are active in sports or work out regularly. The pain from a muscle strain can radiate away from the muscles and affect the flanks. Certain movements, such as bending, twisting, or lifting heavy weights, can worsen the pain.
Back problems, such as arthritis, muscle spasms, a fractured spine, a herniated disk, or a pinched nerve, can also lead to flank pain. In addition, various diseases, including liver disease, gallbladder disease, kidney cancer, degenerative disc disease, and renal artery disease, can cause flank pain. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is another potential cause.
The treatment for flank pain depends on its cause. Rest, medications, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery, may be recommended. If flank pain is accompanied by a fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting, it is important to contact a healthcare provider.
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Causes of flank pain
Flank pain is a common condition that affects the area on either side of the body between the abdomen and the back, specifically the area between the pelvis/upper belly and the lower ribs. This pain usually indicates an injury, condition, or disease.
Musculoskeletal problems are a common cause of flank pain. Muscle strains, for example, can cause flank pain that worsens with certain movements, such as bending, twisting, lifting heavy weights, laughing, or sneezing. Back problems, including arthritis, muscle spasms, a fractured spine, a herniated disk, or a pinched nerve, can also cause flank pain.
Flank pain is often associated with the kidneys. Non-parenchymal problems, which relate to impaired kidney drainage, can cause flank pain. A stone passing through the ureter, for example, can cause severe but intermittent pain when it becomes lodged in the ureter. Kidney stones can also be detected through symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, and tachycardia. Flank pain caused by kidney stones can be treated with rest, medication, or surgery.
Another cause of flank pain is urinary tract infections (UTIs), including kidney infections. Vitamin D deficiency has also been reported as a cause of flank pain, with relief reported within two months in 55.1% of patients treated for the deficiency.
Flank pain can also be caused by problems with the ribs. A fractured or injured 11th or 12th rib can cause flank pain, usually resulting from trauma or prolonged violent coughing. Costochondritis, or inflammation of the rib without a fracture, can also cause flank pain.
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Muscle strain
Your flanks are the areas on the sides and back of your abdomen, between your lower ribs and hips. Flank pain is very common, and most people experience it at some point in their lives. It is usually not a cause for concern, but it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider if you experience severe flank pain that lasts more than a few days.
Flank pain can be caused by several factors, including injuries, conditions, diseases, or dysfunctions of nearby organs. One common cause of flank pain is muscle strain, which can be a result of sports or workout activities. The pain from a muscle strain often worsens with certain movements, such as bending, twisting, lifting heavy weights, laughing, or sneezing. It can also be intensified by specific movements or applying pressure to the affected area.
If the flank pain is mild or moderate and there are no other symptoms, it is likely due to a muscle strain and should resolve with rest. However, it is important to note that flank pain can be a symptom of various medical conditions, and proper treatment requires an accurate medical diagnosis. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of the pain.
To diagnose muscle strain causing flank pain, a healthcare provider will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. They may inquire about the location and intensity of the pain and recommend tests such as a basic metabolic panel (BMP) or complete blood count (CBC) to check the functioning of your kidneys and other organs. Imaging tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound, may also be ordered to diagnose kidney-related issues or identify muscle strains.
Treatment for flank pain caused by muscle strain may include rest, medications, or physical therapy. Over-the-counter pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and muscle relaxants can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and muscle spasms associated with the strain. Additionally, performing specific exercises and eating a balanced diet can aid in building muscle strength and preventing future muscle strains.
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Kidney problems
The flanks are the areas on the sides and back of the abdomen, between the lower ribs and hips. Flank pain is very common and usually not a cause for concern. However, flank pain can sometimes be a symptom of kidney problems.
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located just below the rib cage, on each side of the spine. Kidney pain doesn't always indicate a problem with the kidneys specifically, but it usually suggests an issue with the urinary system. Kidney pain can be a result of kidney stones, kidney infections, or other conditions such as polycystic kidney disease or kidney cancer. Kidney stones are a common cause of flank pain and can be treated by drinking lots of water, urinary tract infections, and muscle strains. Kidney infections can be treated with antibiotics.
Kidney pain can also be a result of problems with the bladder or ureters, which are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Urinary retention, for example, is a condition where a person is unable to empty their bladder completely. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition where urine flows backward from the bladder to the ureters or kidneys. This is most common in babies and young children.
To reduce the risk of kidney problems and associated flank pain, it is recommended to stay hydrated, maintain a healthy weight, and practice regular stretching and exercise to strengthen the muscles in the spine and improve kidney function.
If flank pain is severe, lasts for more than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as blood in the urine, fever, or nausea and vomiting, it is important to consult a healthcare provider.
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Treatment for flank pain
Flank pain is a common problem, and treatment will depend on its underlying cause. It is typically felt in the abdomen, lower back, or sides, between the pelvis and ribs. The flanks are located on the sides of the body, between the upper abdomen and back, below the ribs and above the hip bone.
If flank pain is caused by a minor muscle strain, it can often be resolved with rest and physical therapy. However, if the pain is severe and persistent, it may be necessary to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
In cases where flank pain is due to spinal arthritis, doctors may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy. For more serious conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, treatment options may include medication or organ transplantation, depending on the severity of the condition.
If flank pain is caused by kidney stones or infections, it may persist until the underlying condition is treated. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially for urinary tract-related issues. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common causes of flank pain and can be treated with antibiotics if caught early.
If flank pain is accompanied by certain symptoms, it may warrant immediate medical attention. These symptoms include severe or sudden pain that makes it hard to carry out daily activities, dehydration, and an increased need to urinate. For pregnant women experiencing flank pain, it is crucial to seek medical care promptly.
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Frequently asked questions
Your flank muscles are located on the sides of your body, between your upper abdomen and your back.
Flank pain is pain in one side of the body between the upper belly area (abdomen) and the back. It is usually not a cause for concern, but it could be a symptom of an injury, condition, or disease.
Flank pain can be caused by several factors, including muscle strains, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or degenerative disc issues in the spine.
If you are experiencing mild or moderate flank pain without any other symptoms, it will likely resolve with rest. However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.
