6 Pains You Should Never Ignore

Usually a headache is just a headache, and heartburn is nothing more than a sign that your last meal didn’t agree with you. Except when they’re not.

Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t quite right. More often than not, you have some idea of what’s behind it. But when it comes on suddenly, lingers longer than usual, or just seems different, it calls for medical attention—and the sooner, the better.

1. Chest Pain

With the wide range of heart attack symptoms, there are three good indicators that something isn’t right, and they can occur in either gender. They are chest pain that doesn’t go away, varied shortness of breath, and any upper body pain that hasn’t occurred before. If you experience any of these symptoms you should call your doctor or 911 immediately.

 

2. Severe Head Pain

Typically it’s a headache or migraine, but if it isn’t accompanied by other migraine symptoms (such as a visual aura); sudden, severe head pain can signal a brain aneurysm. “A burst aneurysm can cause brain damage within minutes, so you need to call 911 immediately. If not an emergency you should contact your doctor.

 
 3. A Throbbing Tooth
It’s likely that the tooth’s nerve has become damaged, probably because the surrounding pearly white enamel is cracked or rotting away. Unless you get it patched up quickly, bacteria in your mouth can invade the nerve. Then travel into your body. Not only is this very painful, but can be very costly dental repair.

 

 4. Sharp Pain in Your Side

This would be more than a strained muscle. If you feel as if you’re being skewered in your right side, and you’re also nauseated and running a fever, you could have appendicitis. For women, another possibility is an ovarian cyst. You should contact your doctor immediately or go to the ER.

 

 5. Back Pain with Tingling Toes

If you’ve just helped your cousin move into her new fourth-floor apartment and hurt your back, anti-inflammatories should banish the pain. But if they don’t work, hobble to your doctor immediately.

6. Leg Pain with Swelling

Your calf is extremely tender in one location, noticeably swollen, and red or warm to the touch. You might have deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), commonly known as a blood clot. Resist the urge to massage the area or to try walking off the pain. If the clot breaks free, it can travel through your veins up to your lungs and cut off your oxygen supply. Instead, see your doctor right away.

 

We all have those occasional aches and pains that come and go with daily life. Rule of thumb, my Mother told me years ago…an ache or pain that should NOT be ignored will not go away and will not get better!!! Learn to listen to your body and trust your Primary Care Physician.