Go to the ER or call emergency services if you have severe pain, fever/chills, vomiting you can’t control, trouble urinating, one functioning kidney, pregnancy, or uncontrolled symptoms
Use a heating pad or hot shower to the lower back/side for 15–20 minutes at a time
Stay hydrated (sip water); avoid alcohol and limit caffeine
Take an NSAID if you can use them safely (ibuprofen or naproxen)
If NSAIDs aren’t safe for you, ask a clinician/pharmacist about appropriate alternatives for pain control
Follow your clinician’s prescription for an alpha-blocker (such as tamsulosin) if already prescribed
If you have nausea, use an anti-nausea medication you were prescribed (or ask a clinician/pharmacist for guidance)
Strain your urine using a strainer to catch the stone (if advised) and save it for testing
Seek urgent care if pain isn’t improving within a few hours, or if symptoms recur/worsen
Do not ignore fever, burning with urination plus flank pain, blood clots in urine, or inability to urinate—get urgent evaluation