WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR: PAIN SYMPTOMS YOU SHOULDN'T IGNORE

Pain is a natural signal from your body, alerting you that something might be wrong. While most pain is temporary and can be treated with over-the-counter medications, some pain symptoms can indicate a serious underlying condition. Knowing when to seek medical attention is essential for understanding pain symptoms and ensuring early intervention if needed.¹⁸⁴

If you've been ignoring persistent, severe, or unexplained pain, here's a guide to when it's time to visit a doctor.

1. PERSISTENT OR RECURRING HEADACHES

Everyone experiences headaches from time to time, but sometimes it can signal an underlying issue.¹⁵⁶

When to See a Doctor:

• Sudden, severe headaches ("thunderclap headaches")¹⁸³
• Headaches accompanied by vision loss, confusion, or slurred speech¹⁸³
• Headaches that increase in intensity¹⁸³
• Long-lasting headaches that don't go away after 2 days¹⁸³

Possible Causes¹⁸³:

What to Do: Try an over-the-counter pain reliever, stay hydrated, and rest.¹⁸³ If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

2. CHEST PAIN OR PRESSURE

Chest pain is one of the most critical types of pain and should never be ignored. The pain could be sharp or dull, tight or achy, or even crushing or squeezing feeling in your chest. While heartburn is the most common cause, it's always a good idea to see a healthcare professional as some causes of chest pain are life-threatening.¹⁸⁵

When to See a Doctor:

• Pain that radiates to the left arm, jaw, or back.¹⁸⁵
• Shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness or sweating.¹⁸⁵
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat.¹⁸⁵

Possible Causes:

• Heart attack - Lack of blood to your heart.¹⁸⁵
• Coronary artery disease - Narrowing or blocking of the heart's arteries.¹⁸⁵
• Pulmonary embolism - A blood clot in the lungs.¹⁸⁵
• Pneumonia - A lung infection.¹⁸⁵
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - Heartburn is the most common cause of chest pain.¹⁸⁵

What to Do: Call emergency services immediately if chest pain is new, lasts longer than 5 minutes, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms listed above.¹⁸⁵

3. SEVERE OR PERSISTENT ABDOMINAL PAIN

Stomach cramps from gas or indigestion are common and are most likely temporary and not serious.¹⁷¹ However, some causes are more serious than others and may indicate a serious issue.¹⁷¹

When to See a Doctor:

• Unexplained, persistent, or severe pain.¹⁷¹
• Pain accompanied by vomiting, fever, or blood in stool.¹⁷¹
• Swollen, tender-to-the-touch abdomen.¹⁷¹

Possible Causes:

• Appendicitis - Pain on the lower right side of the abdomen.¹⁷¹
• Gallstones - Pain in the upper right abdomen.¹⁷¹
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Pain in your lower abdomen is most likely intestinal-related.¹⁷¹
• Inflammation - From stomach flu or a urinary tract infection.¹⁷¹
• Digestive issues - Such as constipation, diarrhoea or food intolerances.¹⁷¹

What to Do: If your stomach ache is caused by digestion issues, try a warm water bottle for the pain, liquorice for gas, or ginger for indigestion.¹⁷¹

4. UNEXPLAINED JOINT OR MUSCLE PAIN

Muscle pain (myalgia) or joint pain can be caused by injuries, infections, or chronic conditions. If the pain doesn't improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relief, it could indicate a more serious issue.¹⁸⁷

When to See a Doctor:

• Persistent muscle pain lasting more than a week.¹⁸⁷
• Discolouration or swelling at the pain site.¹⁸⁷
• Chest pain or shortness of breath.¹⁸⁷
• Accompanying symptoms like fever or fatigue.¹⁸⁷

Possible Causes:

• Fibromyalgia - A chronic syndrome that causes all-over muscle pain.¹⁸⁷
• Infections - Flu and other viral or bacterial infections can cause inflammation.¹⁸⁷
• Injuries - Overuse with not enough time to rest and recover.¹⁸⁷

What to Do: Try rest, gentle stretching and cold therapy for muscle stiffness and pain.¹⁸⁷

5. SUDDEN OR SEVERE BACK PAIN

Back pain is common, especially with people who have poor posture, do a lot of heavy lifting, or don't exercise.¹⁸⁸ However, severe back pain can indicate a serious problem.

When to See a Doctor:

• Back pain that radiates down the legs.¹⁸⁸
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet.¹⁸⁸
• Pain accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control.¹⁸⁸
• Persistent pain that does not improve with rest.¹⁸⁸

Possible Causes:

• Bulging or ruptured disc – When soft material inside a disc can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve.¹⁸⁸
• Arthritis – Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back.¹⁸⁸
• Muscle and ligament strain - Being unfit puts constant strain on the back.¹⁸⁸
• Osteoporosis - Weakening of the bones, leading to fractures.¹⁸⁸

What to Do: Prevention is the best approach - build muscle strength and flexibility, don't slouch, and if you're desk-bound, change position every half an hour.¹⁸⁸

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHEN TO SEEK HELP

Mild pain is usually manageable at home, but some pain symptoms should never be ignored. If you experience severe, persistent, or unexplained pain, seek medical attention immediately. Understanding pain symptoms and using the right pain relief can help manage pain effectively, but if symptoms persist or worsen, always consult a healthcare professional.