What type of pain do kidney stones typically start as?

Kidney stones typically begin as visceral pain in one flank. This initial type of pain often arises from the stretch and irritation of the ureter as the stone moves through it. Visceral pain is usually difficult to localize and can present as a dull ache or a cramping sensation, which is common in this context.

As the stone progresses and causes increased obstruction or irritation, the pain may become more intense and sharp, but it is the visceral nature of the initial pain that characterizes the onset of kidney stone-related discomfort. This type of pain is often referred to the flank or lower abdomen, aligning with the anatomy of the urinary tract and how the pain is perceived by the body.

In contrast, while sharp pain, chronic abdominal pain, and localized pain near the kidneys might occur later in the course of kidney stone disease or with other conditions, they do not accurately represent the typical starting point of pain associated with kidney stones.