We all experience pain from time to time. Maybe your back hurts or your knees are sore. It often doesn’t really matter where the pain is, all you know is that the older you get the more pain you experience.
For the most part, pain can signify a pulled muscle, overworked joints, or simply old age. But there are some types of pain that really shouldn’t be ignored as they can signify something more serious, meaning, you shouldn’t just pop yet another painkiller and forget about it.
7 types of pain you shouldn’t ignore
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Sudden groin pain: This type of pain may be accompanied by swelling and may feel as if you were kicked in the groin. If you’re a male experiencing this pain, it could signify a testicular torsion. The testicles are attached to the body by the spermatic cords and by fleshy anchors near the scrotum. When the testicles aren’t anchored down, the cords can twist, blocking blood flow to the testicles and causing sudden pain.
It’s important that this condition is identified right away or else you may lose the testicle due to lack of blood flow. A surgeon will need to straighten out the twisted cord and ensure no infection develops.
Severe back pain: It’s that kind of pain where heat packs and over-the-counter pills don’t offer any relief. If you haven’t been exercising lately, this pain could be a sign of an aneurysm. This is particularly dangerous because if it bursts it can result in death. Another possibility is a kidney stone, an incredibly painful experience on its own, albeit much less life threatening.
Persistent foot or shin pain: On top of the foot or your shin is where it hurts. This can worsen with exercise or excessive walking. It could be a sign of a stress fracture, and the more you use your foot the worse the fracture can get. To recover, you will need to rest as much as possible, but if the fracture is severe you will need a cast.
Sharp pain in the abdomen: This pain may feel like you have been stabbed in the gut. There are many organs between your ribs and hips, so this type of pain may be originating from any one of them, from gallbladder to pancreas. Your doctor will have to run tests to verify the source of your pain.
Transient chest pain: This kind of chest pain comes and goes, and when it’s gone you feel totally fine. Chest pain can be brought on by many different conditions, from indigestion to a heart attack, so it’s important to keep in mind your existing ailments, along with any recent activities you performed or food you ate to help narrow down on a specific cause. If you have risk factors for a heart attack, don’t hesitate to see a doctor right away.
Leg pain with swelling: If your calf is killing you, hurts to touch, or even feels warm, it could be a result of a blood clot. If you suspect a blood clot, avoid rubbing the area – this can greatly worsen the condition as the blood clot can start moving and may end up in your lungs. Blood clots can be dissolved with medications, so you need to see the doctor before complications occur.
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Pain during urination: Painful urination can be a symptom of many conditions, from urinary tract infections all the way to bladder cancer. It’s important to note any accompanying symptoms to help identify the exact cause.
As you can see, there are many different types of pain that shouldn’t be ignored. Pinpointing the cause of your pain and getting a timely medical attention can help you obtain relief and reduce the risk of serious health complications.
Related: Can you live without a pancreas?
