What should I do if I experience pain from kidney stones?

The formation of stones in the body is often attributable to poor lifestyle habits. Since stones commonly cause uncomfortable symptoms—such as pain and hematuria—they can produce intense suffering and significantly interfere with normal work and daily life. When stone-related pain occurs, increasing fluid intake is one effective approach; however, several other management strategies are also available. Specific recommendations follow:

What to Do When Experiencing Stone-Related Pain

Water is essential for maintaining human health. Although most people recognize water’s importance, few realize it can help alleviate renal colic caused by kidney stones. Maintaining appropriate daily hydration is a fundamental requirement for good health. During an acute kidney stone episode accompanied by severe pain, remain calm—many patients experience such intense discomfort that they writhe in bed. This often stems from unfamiliarity with how to manage acute episodes. Keep a glass of purified water readily available and drink it immediately upon onset of pain. Continue drinking until you feel a strong urge to urinate.

Additionally, acupressure may help relieve pain. Specifically, use the right thumb to apply firm pressure to tender points on the patient’s back; this stimulates meridian pathways and helps reduce stone-related pain. Alternatively, visit the nearest hospital for an analgesic injection, which provides temporary pain relief. If necessary, antispasmodic and analgesic medications may also be taken to temporarily ease discomfort. Acupuncture at key points—including Shenshu (BL23), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Zusanli (ST36)—can similarly alleviate pain and promote stone passage.

Whether through increased fluid intake or pharmacologic pain relief, these measures only provide temporary symptom control. Once pain subsides, patients should promptly seek medical evaluation to determine stone size and composition. Based on clinical assessment, physicians may recommend medical expulsive therapy (MET) or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to achieve definitive treatment.

The appearance of stones anywhere in the body serves as a critical warning sign of underlying health issues. Unfortunately, many individuals avoid medical consultation due to fear and instead rely solely on over-the-counter analgesics for temporary relief—a practice reflecting serious neglect of their long-term health. The correct course of action is timely evaluation at a reputable healthcare facility, followed by targeted, evidence-based treatment guided by a physician’s diagnostic findings.

We hope the above information proves helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness!