The flank area is a specific region on the side of the human body. This torso region can be a source of discomfort, and understanding its location and common causes of pain is important. While many issues causing flank pain are not severe, some conditions require prompt medical attention. This overview clarifies what the flank area is and why it might hurt.
Anatomical Definition and Location
The flank, or latus, is the side of the body between the lower rib cage and the hip bone. It extends from below the ribs to the iliac crest, the upper, curved border of the hip bone. This region is along the side of the torso towards the back, forming part of the abdominal wall. Some refer to it as the lumbar region due to its proximity to the lower back.
The flank area is bilateral, existing on both the right and left sides of the body. It is a broad area encompassing various muscles, nerves, and internal organs. Its boundaries are the lower ribs superiorly, the iliac crest inferiorly, and the spine medially. This placement makes it a significant area for assessing pain from structures within or near it.
Common Conditions and Symptoms
Flank pain can arise from various conditions, each with distinct characteristics. Kidney stones are a frequent cause, producing sharp, intense pain that often radiates from the back or side towards the groin. This pain may come in waves as the stone moves through the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), including kidney infections, are also common, sometimes presenting with a dull ache, fever, or chills.
Muscle strain or injury to back muscles in the flank can also cause discomfort. This pain often feels like a dull ache or soreness and may worsen with movement, bending, or twisting. Nerve irritation, such as a pinched nerve in the spine or degenerative disc disease, can cause flank pain that may feel burning or tingling and often radiates along a specific path. Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can also cause flank pain accompanied by a rash on one side of the body.
Certain digestive problems, though less commonly associated with isolated flank pain, can cause discomfort in this area. For example, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause abdominal pain that may refer to the flank, often with bowel habit changes. Gallbladder issues and pancreatitis can also cause pain that radiates to the flank, typically with other symptoms like nausea or fever. While these examples highlight common reasons for flank discomfort, this information is for general understanding and not for self-diagnosis.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While flank pain can be minor and resolve on its own, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. Seek medical attention if the pain is sudden and severe, or accompanied by a high fever and chills. Nausea and vomiting with flank pain also suggest a more serious condition requiring prompt diagnosis.
Blood in your urine, or pain during urination combined with flank discomfort, could indicate a kidney or urinary tract infection needing treatment. If flank pain does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers, or worsens progressively, consult a healthcare professional. These signs can point to conditions requiring specific medical intervention to prevent complications.