Pain is something you don’t think about much unless you have some. If you happen to develop kidney stones, then pain might be the only thing you think about. These hard, pebble-like deposits are made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Stones may develop when the urine becomes concentrated, which allows minerals to crystallize. Tiny stones should pass through the urinary tract on their own. But larger ones can get stuck, blocking the flow of urine and causing severe pain. More men than women get kidney stones, but they can be equally painful for everyone.
The pain from kidney stones, like any pain, is just information perceived by the brain. Of course this is information you would prefer not to have. The stones usually cause no permanent damage if they are diagnosed early on. There are several types including uric acid stones, struvite stones, cystine stones and the most common, calcium stones. If you are feeling on the rocks with pain so severe you cannot sit, don’t visit a geologist, rather see your doctor. Also seek medical attention for kidney stones if you have difficulty passing urine, blood in your urine, or pain accompanied by nausea or fever.
Treatments may include nothing more than pain medication and lots of water. There is even a “stone breaker” herb called chanca piedra that some think helps to dissolve stubborn kidney stones. However, if the stone becomes caught in the urinary tract, the best option may be surgery. If reading this makes you scream in discomfort, then have a tall glass of water and take a deep breath.
