Renal colic is intense pain caused in your lower back and side by kidney stones. Many people describe it as the worst pain they’ve ever felt in their life. It typically comes and goes quickly, but intensifies over time. Renal colic is caused when your urethra is blocked. The blockage usually is the result of a kidney stone, however, blood clots and even dead tissue can also cause blockages.

About 12 percent of men and 6 percent of women will experience renal colic in their lifetime. Incidences peak between 40 and 60 years of age for men, and in the 20s for women.

Anywhere from 30 to 40 percent of people who have experienced renal colic will experience another episode within five years. Those who are most at risk for kidney stones and renal colic include individuals with diabetes, a family history, obesity, gout, and exposure to a hot environment (dehydration).