Flank pain refers to discomfort felt on either side of your body, between the bottom of your rib cage and the top of your hips. It’s a common symptom that can arise from various causes — including injuries, infections, or organ-related problems. Depending on the cause, the pain may feel dull and constant or sharp and intermittent. Getting a proper diagnosis helps ensure effective treatment and prevents complications.

Which Organs Are Located in the Flank

Flank pain can occur because of problems with organs found in or near the flank area:

Kidneys
Located under the rib cage on both sides of the spine, the kidneys filter waste from the blood and produce urine. Kidney issues like stones or infections often cause flank pain.

Liver
This large organ sits on the upper right side, above the right kidney. It helps digest food, process toxins, and store nutrients. Liver disease or inflammation may cause right-sided flank pain.

Gallbladder
Found beneath the liver, this small organ stores bile that helps digest fats. Blockages or gallstones can lead to upper-right flank pain.

Pancreas
Located behind the stomach, the pancreas helps regulate blood sugar and digestion. Pancreatic inflammation or disease may cause left-sided flank pain.

Intestines
Parts of the small and large intestines lie in the flank area. Infections or blockages can create abdominal or side discomfort.

What Flank Pain Feels Like

Flank pain can vary from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation. It may appear suddenly or develop over time. You can experience it on one or both sides of your body.

Severe cases may include additional symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, difficulty urinating, or rapid heartbeat — all signs that require medical evaluation.

Common Causes of Flank Pain

Kidney stones
These hard mineral deposits form in the kidneys and can move through the urinary tract, causing intense flank pain, nausea, and vomiting. Small stones may pass naturally, but larger ones can block urine flow and cause infection or inflammation.

Gallbladder problems
Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) can produce pain on the right side of the body. The pain may spread to the back or shoulder.

Back and spine issues
Arthritis, herniated discs, fractures, or muscle strain can irritate spinal nerves, resulting in flank pain. Conditions like ankylosing spondylitis may cause long-term discomfort.

Digestive system disorders
Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic abdominal and flank pain. Severe infections or intestinal blockages may also trigger sharp pain.

Liver disease
Hepatitis, fatty liver, or cirrhosis can lead to dull flank pain, swelling, jaundice, and fatigue.

Shingles
The virus that causes chickenpox can reactivate later in life, leading to a painful rash and burning sensation along one side of the torso, including the flank area.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm
A bulge in the aorta (the body’s main artery) can cause deep, throbbing pain in the abdomen or flank. If the aneurysm bursts, it becomes a life-threatening emergency.

When To See a Healthcare Provider

Mild flank pain may go away with rest and hydration, but certain symptoms signal a more serious condition. Contact your provider if pain occurs with:

  • Fever or chills

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Blood in urine

  • Trouble urinating

  • Swelling in the abdomen

  • Rapid heartbeat

  • Pain lasting more than two days

Seek emergency care if the pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by dizziness or fainting.

How Flank Pain Is Diagnosed

Your provider will ask about your pain’s location, duration, and intensity, and whether you’ve had recent illness or injury.

Diagnostic tests may include:

  • Imaging (X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound) to detect stones, blockages, or organ changes.

  • Blood tests to check kidney and liver function.

  • Urine tests to identify infections or kidney disease.

Treatment Options

The best treatment depends on the cause. Many mild cases improve with simple home care, but others require medication or procedures.

At-home care
Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Medical treatments

  • Kidney stones: Pain relievers, hydration, or surgery for large stones.

  • Gallstones: Gallbladder removal or bile-draining surgery.

  • Infections: Antibiotics or antiviral medication.

  • Back pain or arthritis: Physical therapy or anti-inflammatory drugs.

  • Liver or digestive diseases: Medication and diet adjustments.

Shingles: Antiviral therapy helps shorten symptoms and reduce nerve pain.

Prevention Tips

You can lower your risk of flank pain by supporting your overall health:

  • Stay hydrated to prevent kidney and gallstones.

  • Eat a balanced diet low in processed fats.

  • Exercise regularly to support back and core strength.

  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.

  • Get adequate sleep and manage stress.

Living With Flank Pain

Most cases resolve once the underlying issue is treated. However, chronic conditions like arthritis or kidney disease may require long-term management.

Ongoing care may include:

  • Pain medication or physical therapy.

  • Complementary options like acupuncture, yoga, or massage.

  • Mental health support to cope with chronic pain.

Ignoring persistent flank pain can lead to complications such as kidney or liver failure, so timely treatment is essential.