Too often we think pain is just a part of life, ignoring the aches and discomfort and allowing it to just become a part of day to day life. This is especially true as we get older, since society often equates aging with accruing aches and pains that crop up out of nowhere. While we can joke and commiserate about the ways aging causes our bodies to change and betray us, when it comes to chronic or persistent pain, it could be a sign of something we shouldn’t ignore. Even if it’s been years and it doesn’t seem like a major health concern, getting to the bottom of your pain symptoms can save your life.
Here’s five types of pain you should never ignore.
Chest Pain
Sudden, intense pain in the chest sets off alarm bells and are more likely to send you to rushing to the hospital in fear of the worst. However, sudden chest pain or numbness isn’t the only warning sign you shouldn’t ignore. Tightness in the chest, arrythmia, pain when sneezing or coughing, or pulling when you move may all warrant a trip to your physician. All of these symptoms can be an early warning sign of serious cardiovascular issues.
Head Pain
Toughing your way through a headache may not seem like anything major, but intense head pain, especially after a fall or other injury, should not be ignored. While your average headache can be taken care of with some pain medication and a nap, if your headaches are debilitating and recurrent, you need to consult a neurologist. Your brain is the central hub of your nervous system, and so you must protect its health. Migraines, cluster headaches, and brain injuries can attribute to other health issues.
Abdominal Pain
Normal abdominal cramps or pain can be an everyday part of life. Whether you’ve just eaten something that doesn’t agree with you or you’ve had the misfortune of experiencing food poisoning, it’s not uncommon to have an upset stomach every so often. However, if you have concentrated pains in the lower right region of your abdomen coupled with muscular tightness or tenderness to the touch, get to the hospital immediately—you may have ruptured appendix. Additionally, severe abdominal pain in women during or around your period could be a sign of uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts.
Nerve Pain
Your nerves are responsible for sending and receiving messages in the body, so keeping them healthy is important. Sudden, hot pain in the back, shoulders, or neck could be the result of a pinched or damaged nerve. This debilitating pain feels like a burning sensation within the muscle or bones and can be caused by an accident or something as simple as sleeping in the wrong position. It’s important to address nerve pain right away to avoid permanent damage or diagnose potential health conditions if the pain seems persistent or without cause.
Pain in the Limbs or Joints
Aging comes with aches and pains, especially in the legs or joints. As we get older, the cartilage between joints thins, which can affect mobility as well as cause some minor discomfort. If you notice swelling in your hands, arms, feet, or legs, or you develop painful, bulging veins, consult a doctor. While it may just seem like a change that comes with entering a new phase in life, these symptoms could point to treatable conditions. Namely, they may signify rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory condition that can also affect organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Bluish, raised veins in the legs called varicose veins are caused by degeneration of the blood vessels and can be remedied. Left unchecked, they can increase your risks for blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.
Contact Palm Vascular today for information about how we can help you with varicose veins or any other vascular health needs you may have!
