Kidney stones occur when there is an imbalance of the acids and minerals in the urine.  This can cause crystals to collect into small stones. As they grow larger and obstruct the flow of urine, the condition can become quite painful. Other symptoms often include:

• Blood in the urine 
• Feeling a need to urinate often, but sometimes being unable to
• Urine that is cloudy or smelly, chills or fever

How are kidney stones treated?

The good news is that most kidney stones do not require invasive treatment. Courses of care include:

• Increasing hydration (as much as 2-3 quarts of water daily) and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever until the stone passes
• Shock-wave lithotripsy, which causes the stones to disintegrate
• Minimally invasive procedures such as ureterscopy or percutaneous surgery