If you’ve ever experienced kidney stones, or you are experiencing them for first time, you know how excruciating they can be. Perhaps you’re not sure if you’ve had them before but recall experiencing some mild or even serious discomfort during urination, a dull ache or sharp pain in your lower back, side or groin area. Maybe you’ve gone to bathroom and were shocked, even scared to see blood in your urine, especially when you’re in so much pain. What’s wrong? These are all common symptoms and signs of kidney stones, also known as renal stone disease. The US National Institute of Health estimates that 1 in 10 people develop kidney stones at some point in their life. Researchers at USNIH have found that those who live near large bodies of water (the Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, etc.) are more likely to develop kidney stones, as well as those who live in “soft” water areas (where water contains low levels of calcium, magnesium and other minerals). Also, people who come from a family with a history of renal stone disease are more likely to develop stones because certain genetic conditions that promote stone development can be inherited from parents.