Flank pain

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Anatomical landmarks, back view

Anatomical landmarks, front view

Anatomical landmarks, side view

Flank pain refers to pain in one side of the body between the upper abdomen and the back.

Pain - side; Side pain

Flank pain often means kidney trouble. If flank pain is accompanied by fever, chills, blood in the urine, or frequent or urgent urination, then a kidney problem is the likely cause.

See also: Kidney stones

• Kidney problems
  • Acute pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
  • Kidney stone
  • Kidney abscess
• Shingles (flank pain with one-sided rash )
• Spinal arthritis
• Disk disease
• Muscle spasm

Review Date: 01/22/2007
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.