Patient Information Patient Videos Patient Information for the Lithotron * Require Real Player to view Kidney Stones Signs and Symptoms The pain begins as an ache in the back and side (the flank). Then it becomes constant and severe as the urinary system tries to rid itself of the stone. Sometimes there is burning during urination, blood in the urine, or a frequent urge to urinate. Nausea and vomiting may occur, and the lower abdomen or flank may be painful if touched. The pain has been described by some women as worse than natural childbirth. Back Pain from Kidney Stones Can Be on Right or Left Back Side All these symptoms are hallmarks of kidney stones, a condition that may affect up to 10% of Americans (men more than women) in their lifetimes. More than half a million people will develop kidney stones this year, and over one third of these patients will be hospitalized. The economic costs of kidney stones are enormous. In the United States, 7 to 10 of every 1,000 hospital admissions are due to kidney stones. Stones tend to develop in the middle years of life when family and work commitments - and the economic effects of time lost to illness - are at their peaks. The purpose of this section of the site is to shed light on kidney stones: what causes kidney stones, who gets them, what kinds of treatments are available, and how kidney stones can be prevented.