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Kidney
Stones
by Maria I. Martos
Definition
Kidney
stones are formed from a hard mineral deposit called calculus. Calculus
is a “result of a chemical reaction that occurs when the urine becomes
too concentrated. Calcium salts, uric acid, cystine, and other
substances in the urine crystallize to form a (stone), often the size of
a pebble.” (Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, p. 898) The
most common types of kidney stones are:
-
Calcium
stones, account for over 70% of all stones; found mostly in men
-
Uric
acid stones, account for approximately 8% of all stones; also found
mostly in men
Symptoms
Kidney
stones generally don’t produce symptoms until they break loose and
begin to work their way down the ureter towards the bladder. When
this occurs, the symptoms, as defined in the Mayo Clinic Family Health
Book, page 898, are as follows:
-
Gradual
development of pain, usually beginning in the flank and
worsening….
-
Pain
moves downward to flank and groin, vulva, or testicle as the stone
moves down the ureter (from the kidney to the bladder)
-
Persistent
urge to urinate
-
Blood
in the urine
Commonly
Prescribed Treatment
Most
stones are under 0.2 inches and are passed in the urine “without
causing any permanent damage” (Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, p.
898.) If a stone is larger than 0.2 inches, or if “an infection
or obstruction to urinary flow is present, (surgery) may be needed to
prevent damage to the kidney." (A.M.A. Encyclopedia of Medicine, p.
225) Traditionally, this always entailed undergoing a major
operation under general anesthesia. Today, most kidney stones can
be removed through a minimally invasive procedure called lithotripsy,
which uses ultrasonic shock waves to disintegrate the stone to allow it
to pass in the urine. Whether or not medical intervention is
needed, a rule that applies to everyone suffering from kidney stones is
that they a minimum of 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, one glass of water
at bedtime, and another during the night. This practice “dilutes
the urine, thus making it less likely that crystals will form.”
(Mayo Clinic, p. 901)
Recommendation
for Massage
Massage
is not contraindicated for people with kidney stones. Kidney
stones cannot be spread to other parts of the body, they don’t cause
(external) bleeding or inflammation, are not a disorder of the
circulatory system, do not cause abnormal sensation or loss of integrity
in an area and do not compromise the immune system. As previously
mentioned, most people with kidney stones don’t develop symptoms and
therefore are not in a state of discomfort. However, if a person
is experiencing pain, they may be in the process of passing a stone or
in need of medical intervention and would most likely not be open to
receiving massage.
  
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