Why Are Kidney Stones So Painful?

Some people describe kidney stones pain as being more painful than childbirth. Kidney stones are small and hard stones that form when minerals in your urine crystallize in the kidneys. They can then become a pebble-like mass. These stones can cause pain when they migrate from your kidneys via the ureters. They are narrow tubes that transport urine from your kidneys to your bladder.

Why Are Kidney Stones So Painful?

Did you know that kidney stones affect 12% of Americans? Although risk factors make people more susceptible to kidney stones, there are ways to reduce the risk and prevent them from developing over time. But that might not prevent the pain that kidney stones can bring. Why are kidney stones so painful, exactly? What kind of treatments are available at the office of your trusted urologist in Los Angeles. Keep reading to find the answers to these questions and more.

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hardened, small masses that build up inside the kidneys. These stones are made up of various types of calcium, which cannot be processed or broken down. As they get larger, these calcium deposits can cause severe pain and discomfort. The only way to eliminate kidney stones is through your bladder. This can be extremely painful and many people find it to be one of their most distressing experiences. Additional treatments or surgery may be necessary if the kidney stone is too large.

Why Do Kidney Stones Hurt So Bad?

Kidney stones can often be very painful. There are many reasons why this can happen. The ureter is too small and rigid to hold a stone. The ureter clamps down on the stone to try and squeeze it out of the ureter when it gets a stone inside. These spasms can cause severe pain. The third reason is that if the blockage causes urine to back up into the kidneys, it can cause pressure inside the kidney. Many people describe kidney stone pain as pain in the flank that begins under the rib cage and then moves down towards the testicles or labia in women. For those waiting for kidney stones to clear, doctors often recommend that patients take over-the-counter pain relief. Sometimes, prescriptions for narcotics are also made.

How to Prevent Kidney Stones

There are ways to lower your risk of developing kidney stones regardless of whether you have been predisposed. Here are the top three things you can do now to improve your health.

Drink Enough Water

Your body produces more urine if you drink more. Your body will produce less urine, which can lead to more toxic waste and worsening kidney stones. Keep your body hydrated by drinking water and citrus juices daily to keep it running smoothly.

Don’t Reduce Your Calcium Intake

People are naturally inclined to believe they must reduce their calcium intake in order to prevent kidney stones from developing. You are at greater risk of developing stones if you lower your calcium intake. Instead, take a look at how much sodium you have and reduce it.

Stop Sweating So Much

You should sweat, but not too much. Your kidneys can become irritated if you sweat more than you urinate. The fact that your kidneys produce less urine when you sweat makes this even worse. This leaves more room for calcium deposits to form.

Get Professional Kidney Stone Treatment ASAP

Kidney stones offer an uncomfortable and excruciating experience. It’s important that you don’t ignore the symptoms of severe pain; kidney stones can only worsen as they grow. While your kidney stones will eventually pass, there are many methods of kidney stone treatments in Los Angeles that can help reduce the pain and discomfort you will feel throughout the process. Get care for your kidney stone ASAP.