Kidney stone disease or urinary stone disease is a crystallopathy that occurs when there is an excess of minerals in the urine and not enough liquid or hydration. This imbalance causes tiny crystals to aggregate and form hard masses, or calculi (stones), in the upper urinary tract. Information about kidney stones, including symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention. Learn about the stages of kidney stone passage, from formation to exit, and the symptoms and treatments you might encounter along the way. The main symptom of kidney stones is pain in your back, abdomen, or side. Some other symptoms include cloudy urine, a burning sensation when you urinate, and nausea. Kidney stones form in the kidneys. Symptoms may start as stones move into the ureters. The ureters are thin tubes that let urine pass from the kidneys to the bladder. Symptoms of kidney stones can include serious pain, upset stomach, vomiting, fever, chills and blood in the urine. What are kidney stones? Kidney stones are solid masses or crystals that form from substances (like minerals, acids and salts) in your kidneys. They can be as small as a grain of sand or — rarely — larger than a golf ball. Kidney stones are also called renal calculi or nephrolithiasis. From your lower back to groin, kidney stone pain can shift quickly. Learn why stones hurt and what to do when you’re in pain. Kidney stones form when there is a decrease in urine volume and/or an excess of stone-forming substances in the urine. Read about kidney stone (nephrolithiasis) pain, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, surgery, causes, types, diet, and more. Kidney stones: There could be several causes of kidney stones. Learn about some of the most common causes, symptoms, treatment options, and risk factors involved. Have you ever wondered how people get kidney stones? If so, you’re not alone. While kidney stones are common and painful, many people don’t know what causes them or how to prevent them.