Where Kidney Stones Get Stuck (and What to Do About It)

Knowing where kidney stones get stuck can help you recognize symptoms early and make smarter treatment choices. In this blog, I break down the three most common places stones get lodged, the symptoms to watch for, and what you can do to help your body keep that stone moving. Whether it's your first stone or your fifth, this info will help reduce fear and improve your chances of passing it naturally.

Key Takeaways:

• Stones most often get stuck at three key narrowing points in the urinary tract.

• Shape and size play a big role in whether a stone gets lodged.

• Symptoms like sudden pain, nausea, or trouble urinating may mean your stone is stuck.

• Staying hydrated and using natural or physical methods can help move it along.

One of the most anxiety-inducing questions I get is, “What if my kidney stone gets stuck?” If you’ve ever passed a stone—or you're gearing up to—you probably know the fear. That sudden, stabbing pain has a way of making you panic. But if we understand where kidney stones get stuck and why, we can better manage the experience and keep our cool.

Let’s break this down into manageable chunks—why stones get stuck, where it happens most often, what symptoms to look out for, and how to give yourself the best chance of passing that sucker naturally.

Why Kidney Stones Get Stuck

There are a few main reasons a kidney stone might get stuck as it travels through your urinary tract.

First, stone shape matters. Calcium oxalate monohydrate stones are round and dense—they’re the most common and usually pass a bit more smoothly. But other stones are jagged and irregular. Think Velcro inside your ureter—yep, not fun. Those rough edges can grab onto the delicate tissue lining the ureter and refuse to let go.

Then there's size. Makes sense, right? Smaller stones are more likely to pass easily. Bigger ones? Not so much. But here's where people get confused. That scary-sounding 9mm stone your doctor told you about? That’s usually the length, not the diameter—and it's the diameter that truly matters when deciding if it’ll pass.

Your ureter’s internal diameter is about 4 to 5 millimeters. But it can stretch to accommodate a stone that’s a little bigger—especially if you’re doing the right things to help it along. Most stones under 10mm in length are actually 4–6mm in diameter and can pass. 

Where Stones Get Stuck: The 3 Main Trouble Spots

There are three common areas where kidney stones tend to get stuck—and nearly all stones will slow down at one of these checkpoints.

1. The Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ)
   This is where your kidney meets the ureter. It’s the first narrowing and the spot where many people feel their first serious wave of pain. That sudden punch-you-in-the-back sensation? Yeah, that’s the UPJ at work.

2. Where the Iliac Arteries Cross the Ureter (CUiV)
   This isn’t a true anatomical narrowing like the UPJ or UVJ, but the crossing of your major blood vessels can compress the ureter slightly. Stones often slow down here because of that pressure, especially in the middle of the ureter.

3. The Ureterovesical Junction (UVJ)
   This is the last narrow point—where the ureter enters the bladder. Stones often get stuck here after making it most of the way. You might suddenly feel the need to urinate, then… nothing comes out. That’s often a UVJ traffic jam.

How to Know if Your Stone is Stuck

If your stone gets lodged in one of those three spots, your body will probably let you know. Here are some key symptoms that suggest it’s stuck:

• Intense pain that comes in waves, especially in your side or lower back

• Nausea that comes out of nowhere

• Fever (though this is rare and could indicate infection—seek help immediately)

• Trouble urinating or the feeling of needing to go, but being unable to

• A sudden reduction in urine flow, especially if your stream cuts off mid-flow

You might also hear your doctor mention hydronephrosis—this is the backup of urine into your kidney. It’s verycommon when a stone is stuck, and mild cases are not usually a cause for panic. Your kidney is just under pressure. It’s painful, but it doesn’t mean it’s permanently damaged.

How to Help Your Body Pass a Stuck Stone

If you’re trying to pass your stone naturally, there are several things you can do to make it easier.

1. Stay Hydrated
Yes, this is cliché advice—but for good reason. Dehydration is what got most of us into this mess. Shoot for 96–128 ounces of water per day. The clearer your urine, the better your chances of pushing that stone through.

2. Reduce Inflammation
When your body’s inflamed, it grips the stone tighter. You can use over-the-counter acetaminophen or natural products like CLEANSE, which has anti-inflammatory herbs to help ease spasms and open up the urinary tract.

3. Increase Urine Flow
Consider a natural diuretic like dandelion tea or even a pharmacy water pill. Just make sure you’re drinking enough water to keep up with the extra output.

4. Try Physical Movement
The "jump and stomp" method is popular for a reason. Light bouncing—like jumping in place—can jostle the stone and help it reposition itself. Sounds silly, but it works.

5. Use the Pressure Method (for UVJ or Bladder)
If your stone is right at the end of its journey, you can try the pressure method. Drink a high volume of water, take an anti-inflammatory, and wait until your bladder is really full. That backpressure may help push the stone past the last narrow exit.

What NOT to Do

Do not chug water if your stone is stuck higher in the urinary tract. That added pressure can worsen the pain and inflammation. Reserve the pressure method for stones stuck in the bladder or at the UVJ. 

Final Thoughts: Don’t Fear the Stone Getting Stuck

The idea of a kidney stone getting stuck is terrifying—but the more you know, the more confident you can be. It’s not always a medical emergency. Most stones, even if they get lodged temporarily, will work their way out with proper support.

Pay attention to your body. Keep your fluids up. Use anti-inflammatories wisely. And don’t be afraid to jump or stomp a little when you’re desperate.

And most of all—remember that you’re not alone in this.

If you still have questions, drop them in the comments below. I’ve been through this, and I’m here to help you every step of the way.