Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys and cause intense, sharp pain when they move through the urinary tract. Anyone who has ever had one knows — the pain is no joke. It can feel like something between a muscle cramp and a stab wound, and in many cases, it comes in waves.
While medicines and hydration are important for treatment, many patients at Primus Hospital often ask: “Is there any position I can lie down in to reduce the pain?”
Yes — certain body positions and posture changes can actually help relieve kidney stone pain to some extent. In this blog, specialist from our nephrology hospital in Delhi discusses how to position yourself during the kidney stone pain wave and what you can do to manage the discomfort.
Why Does Kidney Stone Pain Hurt So Much?
Before jumping to relief positions, it helps to understand why the pain happens. When a stone travels from the kidney to the bladder through the ureter (a narrow tube), it scratch the walls, block urine flow, and create pressure. The pressure, combined with muscle contractions trying to push the stone out, which causes the unbearable pain — often called renal colic.
Pain radiates:
- From the lower back to the side (flank)
- Into the lower abdomen
- Sometimes even into the groin or inner thigh
Best Positions for Kidney Stone Pain Relief
Here are some positions that may help reduce kidney stone discomfort at home:
Lying on the Pain-Free Side
If one side hurts more than the other, try lying down on the opposite side. This reduce the pressure on the affected kidney and ease the cramping. Keep a pillow under your side to maintain a neutral spine.
Fetal Position (Side-Lying, Knees to Chest)
This position relaxes abdominal muscles and help reduce tension in the ureter.
- Lie on your side
- Gently pull your knees toward your chest
- Stay like this for 10–15 minutes, or as long as it feels comfortable
This position is really helpful if your pain is radiating toward the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
Elevated Legs on a Pillow (Back-Lying)
Lying on your back with legs raised on a pillow or folded blanket help if the pain is central or toward the back.
Why it helps:
- Improves blood flow
- Relaxes abdominal tension
- Reduces pulling on the ureter
This is also useful after taking pain medication, allowing your body to relax fully.
Seated, Leaning Forward
For some patients, lying down increases pressure. In that case, a seated position (on a bed or firm chair) with the body leaning slightly forward helps.
Think of the posture like you’re hugging a pillow or resting your arms on a table.
Knees-to-Chest Stretch (Yoga-Inspired)
This is also called the “Apanasana” pose in yoga.
- Lie on your back
- Pull both knees gently toward the chest
- Hold for 30 seconds, release, and repeat
This can encourage movement of the stone and also relieve gas or bloating that may worsen discomfort.
Positions to Avoid when you have kidney stone
While there’s no strict “wrong” position, try to avoid lying completely flat on your stomach, as this increase abdominal pressure and discomfort. Also, avoid positions that put strain on your lower back or compress the abdomen unnecessarily.
Don’t Forget Hydration (Even When You Rest)
Staying in a comfortable position is fine but it needs to be paired with proper hydration. Sip warm water slowly while in these positions:
- Help the stone move downward
- Relax ureter muscles
- Flush out the system gradually
Aim for 2–3 liters of water daily, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
When Positioning Alone Isn’t Enough
While these positions reduce discomfort temporarily, they’re not a substitute for nephrology treatment for stone.
See a nephro doctor in Delhi immediately if you experience:
- Blood in urine
- Fever or chills
- Vomiting
- Unbearable pain not controlled by medication
At Primus Hospital, our urology team offers diagnostics and treatment with and without surgeryfrom medicines to laser kidney stone removal with minimal downtime.
Natural Add-Ons for Relief
While lying in a comfortable position, you can try these add-ons (only if doctor-approved):
- Hot Water Bag: Place on the lower back or abdomen to soothe muscles
- Lemon Water: Citrate in lemons can help dissolve certain stones
- Basil or Tulsi Tea: Known in Ayurveda for kidney benefits
- Mild Movement: Gentle walking or rocking can help nudge the stone along
Just remember: No remedy is a one-size-fits-all. What helps one person does not work the same for another. In most cases, kidney stone removal surgery in Delhi become the only treatment
Kidney stones are painful, but relief is possible through medical treatment and basic physical adjustments at home. If you’re dealing with active kidney stone, or suspect one, try these positions to manage the pain — but don’t delay diagnosis or treatment.
At Primus Hospital, top kidney treatment hospital Delhi, we combine nephrology expertise with care to help you get back to living pain-free, faster.
