Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment in Canada

Kidney stones are one of the most painful conditions a person can experience — but the good news is that most cases are treatable and manageable with the right care. These hard mineral deposits form inside your kidneys and can cause severe, sharp pain as they travel through the urinary tract. In Canada, kidney stones affect roughly 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives, making them a widespread urological concern.

What Are Kidney Stones and Why Do They Form?

Understanding kidney stone symptoms early is essential for getting timely diagnosis and treatment. In this comprehensive guide written for Canadians, we explain what kidney stones are, what causes them, the different types, how they are diagnosed under the Canadian healthcare system, and what treatment options — from conservative management to advanced procedures — are available to you.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Types of Kidney Stones: Characteristics and Management

Type of Kidney Stone	Characteristics	Common Causes	Management & Prevention
Calcium Oxalate (most common)	Hard, dark brown or black; accounts for up to 80% of kidney stones in Canada	High oxalate diet, dehydration, hyperparathyroidism, low calcium intake	Increase fluid intake, reduce oxalate-rich foods (spinach, nuts), adequate dietary calcium
Calcium Phosphate	Smooth, chalky white; often associated with metabolic conditions	Renal tubular acidosis, hyperparathyroidism, high urinary pH	Treat underlying conditions, reduce sodium intake, stay well hydrated
Uric Acid	Smooth, yellow to brown; not visible on standard X-ray	High purine diet (red meat, shellfish), gout, obesity, type 2 diabetes	Alkalinize urine, limit purine-rich foods, maintain healthy weight, increase water intake
Struvite (Infection)	Large, staghorn-shaped; can grow rapidly and fill the kidney	Chronic urinary tract infections caused by urease-producing bacteria	Antibiotics to treat infection, surgical removal often required, prevent recurrent UTIs
Cystine	Smooth, yellow; recurs frequently; rare hereditary condition	Cystinuria, an inherited disorder causing excess cystine in urine	High fluid intake (3–4 litres/day), alkalinize urine, medications such as tiopronin or D-penicillamine

Kidney stones are hard lumps made of minerals and salts that build up inside the kidneys. They can range in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres across. Most are small enough to pass on their own, but larger stones can block the flow of urine and require medical treatment.

Once a stone forms in the kidney, it travels through the urinary tract — through the ureter, into the bladder, and out through the urethra. This journey is often what causes the intense pain people associate with kidney stones. According to Mayo Clinic’s overview of kidney stones, this condition affects millions of people every year.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Not all kidney stones cause symptoms right away. However, once a stone begins to move, you may notice several warning signs. It is important to recognise these early so you can get help quickly.

Pain and Discomfort

The most well-known symptom is severe pain in the lower back or side. This pain can spread to the lower abdomen, pelvis, and groin area. Many people describe it as coming in waves — intense for a few minutes, then easing off before returning.

You may also feel a strong burning sensation when you urinate. This is caused by the stone irritating the lining of the urinary tract as it passes through.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

• Blood in the urine (this may appear pink, red, or brown)
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills (which may signal an infection)
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent urge to urinate, even when little comes out

Fever and chills alongside kidney stone symptoms can be a sign of a serious infection. Therefore, seek medical attention right away if you experience these together.

Who Is at Risk? Causes and Risk Factors

Kidney stones form when urine contains too many minerals and salts that the body cannot flush out properly. Several factors can increase your risk of developing them.

Common Risk Factors

• Being male: Men develop kidney stones more often than women.
• Age: People between 30 and 60 years old are most commonly affected.
• Not drinking enough water: Dehydration allows minerals to concentrate in the urine.
• Family history: If a close relative has had kidney stones or gallstones, your risk is higher.
• Living in a hot climate: People who sweat more can become dehydrated more easily.
• Diet high in salt or protein: Too much sodium or red meat can raise your risk.

In addition, certain medical conditions — such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and high uric acid levels — can also contribute to stone formation. Health Canada encourages Canadians to stay well-hydrated as one of the simplest ways to protect kidney health.

Types of Kidney Stones

There are several different types of kidney stones. Knowing the type you have helps your doctor recommend the right treatment and prevention plan.

Calcium Stones

These are the most common type. They are usually made of calcium oxalate, a substance found naturally in many foods. However, having too much calcium or oxalate in your urine increases the risk of these stones forming.

Struvite Stones

Struvite stones contain crystallised magnesium and ammonia. They often develop after a urinary tract infection. These stones can grow quickly and become quite large if the infection is not treated.

Uric Acid Stones

These stones form when urine is too acidic. People who eat a lot of red meat, fish, or shellfish are at higher risk. Gout can also increase the chance of developing uric acid stones.

Cystine Stones

Cystine stones are rare and tend to run in families. They form due to a genetic condition that causes the kidneys to release too much of an amino acid called cystine into the urine.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. From there, several tests can confirm the presence of kidney stones and help determine the best course of action.

Imaging tests are the most common tool used for diagnosis. These include:

• Ultrasound: A non-invasive scan that uses sound waves to find stones.
• CT scan (computed tomography): A detailed imaging test that shows the size and location of stones clearly.
• Intravenous pyelography (IVP): An X-ray procedure using a contrast dye to highlight the urinary tract.

Your doctor may also ask you to collect your urine over 24 hours. This helps identify what minerals are present in high amounts. If you do pass a stone, try to collect it and bring it to the lab — this helps your doctor understand what type of stone it is and how to prevent future ones.

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

Treatment depends on the size and location of the kidney stone, as well as your overall health. Many kidney stones pass on their own, but others require medical help. Your doctor will guide you toward the most appropriate approach.

Conservative (Watch and Wait) Treatment

Small kidney stones often pass naturally through urine within a few weeks. Your doctor may recommend drinking large amounts of water — typically two to three litres per day — to help flush the stone out. Pain relief medication may also be prescribed to make the process more comfortable.

Some evidence suggests that drinking natural lemon juice or lemonade may help, as the citric acid can slow stone growth. However, always check with your doctor before adding supplements or changing your diet significantly.

Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

This non-surgical procedure uses sound waves to break kidney stones into tiny fragments. The small pieces can then pass through the urinary tract naturally. It is performed from outside the body, so no incisions are needed. This is a common and effective option for medium-sized stones.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

This surgical procedure is used for larger stones. A surgeon makes a small incision in the back and inserts a thin tube directly into the kidney. A camera guides the surgeon to the stone, which is then broken apart and removed. This procedure is done under general anaesthesia in a hospital setting.

Ureteroscopy

A ureteroscope is a thin, flexible instrument with a tiny camera. The doctor passes it through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone in the ureter. The stone is either captured in a small basket and pulled out, or broken into pieces using a laser. For more detailed information on procedures, visit Healthline’s guide to kidney stone treatments.

When to See a Doctor

You should always see a doctor if you think you have a kidney stone. Do not rely on over-the-counter pain relievers alone — managing the pain does not treat the stone itself.

Visit your family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or the emergency room if you experience:

• Severe pain that does not improve
• Blood in your urine
• Fever or chills alongside pain
• Difficulty urinating or no urine output at all
• Persistent nausea or vomiting

If you do not have a family doctor, a walk-in clinic can assess your symptoms and refer you for imaging tests. Most provincial health plans in Canada cover diagnostic imaging and specialist referrals for kidney stones. Your provincial health card will typically cover the cost of these services.

How to Prevent Kidney Stones

Prevention is possible with a few straightforward lifestyle changes. Your doctor may also give you specific advice based on the type of stone you have had.

Stay Well Hydrated

Drinking enough water every day is the single most important thing you can do. Aim for enough fluid to produce at least two litres of urine daily. Your urine should look pale yellow — dark urine is a sign you need to drink more.

Limit caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and cola to no more than one or two cups per day. These can contribute to dehydration if consumed in large amounts.

Adjust Your Diet Based on Stone Type

• Calcium oxalate stones: Limit citrus juice, chocolate, beer, tea, vitamin C supplements, and dark leafy greens.
• Calcium stones: Reduce your salt (sodium) intake. A high-salt diet causes more calcium to be excreted in urine.
• Uric acid stones: Cut back on red meat, fish, and poultry to lower uric acid levels in your urine.
• Struvite stones: Treating and preventing urinary tract infections is the key strategy here.

Furthermore, if kidney stones run in your family, it is worth discussing your urinary health with your doctor proactively — even before symptoms appear.

Key Takeaways

• Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause intense pain as they move through the urinary tract.
• Common symptoms include severe back or side pain, blood in the urine, burning during urination, nausea, and fever.
• Risk factors include being male, dehydration, a family history of stones, and a diet high in salt or protein.
• There are four main types: calcium, struvite, uric acid, and cystine stones — each with different causes and prevention strategies.
• Treatment ranges from drinking more water and pain relief to non-surgical shock wave therapy or surgery for larger stones.
• Drinking enough water every day is the single most effective way to prevent kidney stones.
• Always consult your family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic if you think you may have kidney stones — do not manage the pain alone without a proper diagnosis.

According to Mayo Clinic’s overview of kidney stones, this information is supported by current medical research.

For more information, read our guide on abdominal cramps and their causes.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare provider about your symptoms and treatment options.