7 types of pain you should never ignore
Pain is your body’s crucial signal that something requires attention. While not every ache is serious, certain types of pain should never be ignored, as they can indicate escalating health issues.
First, painful or burning urination often signals a urinary tract infection. If persistent, it may indicate kidney stones or a prostate issue, requiring early evaluation to prevent complications.
Leg pain accompanied by swelling, redness, or warmth could be a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is an emergency, as a blood clot can travel to your lungs.
A persistent or worsening sore throat, especially with fever or swallowing difficulty, may indicate a bacterial infection needing treatment, rather than a common virus.
Chest pain, even if not severe, demands attention. Pressure, burning, or pain radiating to your arm or jaw, particularly with shortness of breath or nausea, could signal a heart issue.
A sudden, severe headache—different from your usual pattern—may warn of a stroke, aneurysm, or meningitis, especially if paired with confusion or vision changes.
Sharp or persistent lower back pain, especially with fever or numbness, and unexplained pelvic pain, particularly with bleeding or fever, both require prompt medical assessment.
Ultimately, listening to persistent pain is an act of self-preservation, not anxiety. Respecting these signals early allows for timely care and prevents manageable problems from becoming dangerous.
