Stones in the kidney or ureter do not cause any symptoms until and unless they obstruct the urinary passage. The nature and the location of the pain can vary from person to person depending upon the size of the stone, the position of the stone within the urinary tract, and the damage it causes to the urinary system.

It should be however remembered that the size of the stone does not interfere with the severity of the pain. For example even very small stones in the ureter can cause lot of pain whereas large stones which develop in the kidney or urinary bladder may not produce pain at all, or may be associated with a dull ache only.

Stones in the kidney may produce a deep, dull ache in the loin or back which might be mild, moderate or severe. Some stones may cause a dull or sharp pain in the abdomen below the ribs. It may be present throughtout the day and it is difficult to be ignored.