You wake up with a dull ache in your lower back. Over the next few hours, that ache turns into sharp, stabbing pain that won’t let up. Maybe you’re nauseous, struggling to pee, or noticing blood in your urine. You’re pretty sure it’s a kidney stone—but now what?

Do you head to urgent care, or is this an emergency room situation?

Let’s break it down so you know exactly where to go and what kind of help you can expect.

What Are Kidney Stones, and Why Do They Hurt So Much?

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys. They’re usually made of calcium, uric acid, or cystine, and they can range in size from tiny grains to larger stones that cause a blockage in the ureter (the tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder). They can cause serious discomfort when they move through your urinary tract.

Common Signs You Might Have a Kidney Stone:

Kidney stones don’t always cause symptoms right away, but when they do, they can be extremely painful. Here are the most common signs you might have a kidney stone:

  • Sharp pain in your lower back, side, or abdomen (this can come in waves).
  • Painful or burning sensation when urinating.
  • Blood in your urine (it might look pink, red, or brown).
  • Feeling like you have to pee all the time, but not much comes out.
  • Nausea and vomiting, especially if the pain is severe.
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine (this can indicate an infection).

Who’s at Risk for Kidney Stones?

Some people are more prone to kidney stones than others. You might be at higher risk if you:

  • Don’t drink enough water (dehydration is a big factor).
  • Eat a lot of salty or high-oxalate foods (like spinach, nuts, and chocolate).
  • Have a family history of kidney stones.
  • Have certain medical conditions like diabetes or obesity.

Can Urgent Care Diagnose Kidney Stones?

Yes! Urgent care clinics can diagnose kidney stones using a combination of urine tests, blood tests, and imaging.

When you visit urgent care in Utah County, the provider will begin by discussing your symptoms and medical history to get a better understanding of your condition. They’ll then perform a physical exam, checking for tenderness in your lower abdomen or back, which can indicate the presence of a kidney stone. To confirm the diagnosis, they may order a urinalysis to check for blood in your urine—a common sign of kidney stones. In some cases, additional tests like x-rays. ultrasound, or other imaging test may be recommended to assess the stone’s size and location.

However, if a CT scan is needed (the most precise way to diagnose kidney stones), they may refer you to a nearby facility or specialist.

So, when should you go to urgent care versus the emergency room? If your pain is manageable and you’re able to keep fluids down, urgent care is a great option. But if the pain is unbearable, you have a fever, or you can’t stop vomiting, it’s best to head to the ER for immediate medical attention.

How Urgent Care Treats Kidney Stones

So, you’ve made it to urgent care, and the provider suspects a kidney stone. Now what?

Step 1: Pain Relief Comes First

Let’s be real—kidney stone pain can be brutal. One of the first things urgent care will do is help manage your discomfort. This may include:

  • Pain medication to ease the cramping and severe pain.
  • Hydration advice to help your body flush out the stone naturally.
  • Anti-nausea medication if you’re feeling sick.

Step 2: Helping You Pass the Stone

If the stone is small (less than 5mm), you may be able to pass it at home with:

  • Plenty of fluids (think lots of water, no soda or caffeine).
  • A urine strainer to catch the stone for analysis.
  • Pain management tips while waiting for the stone to move.

Step 3: When a Specialist is Needed

Some stones are too big to pass on their own. If that’s the case, urgent care may refer you to a urologist for:

  • Shock wave lithotripsy to break the stone into smaller pieces.
  • Surgical removal in extreme cases.

Step 4: ER vs. Urgent Care—When to Go Where

Urgent care is a great first stop for kidney stone symptoms, but in some cases, the ER is the better choice.

Go to urgent care if: Your pain is manageable, and you don’t have fever, vomiting, or difficulty urinating.

Go to the ER if: Your pain is unbearable, you have a fever, or you can’t keep fluids down.

The good news? If urgent care is the right choice, Premier Family Medical’s “Save My Spot” lets you check in online and skip the long wait.

Urgent Care in Utah County: Fast Relief for Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are painful, but the good news is that Premier Family Medical’s urgent care center in Utah County can diagnose and help manage them in many cases. If you’re experiencing sudden back or side pain, don’t wait—getting checked out sooner rather than later can make a big difference.

If you or a loved one are dealing with kidney stone symptoms, don’t tough it out—get help today. Use Premier Family Medical’s “Save My Spot” to check in online and get seen quickly at a location near you.