10 Remedies for Kidney Stones

5. Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

ESWL is one of the most common options for kidney stones that are too large to exit the body through urine. The surgeon uses an ultrasound device to locate the kidney stone's exact position. Shock waves break up the stone into small pieces so they can leave the body in the urine stream. The downside of ESWL is the fact that it is very painful, but the surgeon typically offers a pain medicine before they begin. ESWL is almost always effective with stones of up to ¾ inch in diameter, and sometimes a little larger.