Pain is the brain’s signaling that something is wrong with an organ or function in the body. Everybody experiences some form of pain that can be mild or severe, depending on the underlying cause. No two people experience pain the same way as it develops, varying in intensity and frequency. However, certain types of pain develop as a precursor to known health complications. Here are the ones to never ignore.

Intense headache pain
Headaches may come and go, but if it persists longer than usual with sharp bouts of pain, check it. Any injury, stroke, or brain aneurysm can trigger intense pain that develops almost immediately and persists without relief. With headaches, one might also experience specific neurological symptoms like confusion, pain on one side, weakness, and even seizures that develop without warning.

Chest pain
Pain that develops abruptly in the chest without prior progression could indicate a blocked artery or become a precursor to major cardiovascular problems. This pain is accompanied by a pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest that affects breathing. One might also experience dizziness or develop fatigue as the pain worsens. Blood clots in the arteries trigger these symptoms that should not be ignored. Remember, heart attacks do not develop out of the blue. Instead, the symptoms build up unnoticed and overwhelm the body suddenly.

Pain that develops as a side effect
It is common for many people to experience pain that develops as a side effect of specific prescriptions or vaccinations. The body reacts with the compounds to build up immunity and prevent any subsequent complications from developing later. However, this pain should not persist after a couple of hours and should not be so intense that it affects a person’s daily routine. Immediate consultation is advisable if this reaction does not subside.

Pain from injuries or wound
Even minor injuries can cause pain that feels normal during the initial progression. However, minor cuts and wounds can trigger internal infections if these wounds are not dealt with promptly. There have been many splinter accidents where the small thin piece of wood gets lodged under the fingernail or skin and goes unnoticed for a few days. However, this material degrades within and causes a deadly bacterial infection that affects nerves, arteries, veins, and muscle groups.

Pain caused due to swelling
Swelling in the joints or muscles can also cause persistent pain, a complication of many known conditions. Arthritis, kidney failure, poor circulation, pregnancy complications, and even side effects of common prescriptions to manage these conditions can cause swelling. If this pain develops in the lower limbs and persists, causing the muscle joints to become tender, immediate consultation is advisable.

Abdominal pain
The abdominal region is home to all major digestive tract organs. So, any pain in the general area is cause for concern if it persists. Food allergies, food intolerances, food poisoning, indigestion, acid reflux, constipation, and viral infections that develop in the stomach can all cause intense pain. More serious conditions that can trigger pain in the abdomen include kidney stones, ulcers in the stomach, inflammatory bowel diseases, appendicitis, bowel obstructions, or cancer.

Testicular pain
The testes produce spermatic fluid in the male reproductive organs. Any injury to this delicate organ can be critical. The cords that carry the spermatic fluid from the testes can get twisted, resulting in dull aching pain. This symptom is referred to as testicular torsion, as the twisted cord cuts off blood flow resulting in discomfort that should never be ignored. Pain that recurs in the testicles can also result from epididymitis or testicular cancer in some rare cases.

Neck pain
Neck pain is a common discomfort that develops due to physical stress or underlying health complications. However, if the pain and stiffness persist with the person developing a fever and headache, it is recommended to consult the doctor. This pain indicates a severe infection called meningitis in the membrane surrounding the brain. With such infections, it is not uncommon for a person to feel okay one day and rapidly develop pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sleepiness triggered due to meningitis.

Pain in the lower back
Many people mistake pain in the lower back for being caused mainly due to an injury. However, one of the more worrying symptoms of pain in the lower back is linked to kidney infections. Developing fever with lower back pain indicates compromised kidney function. One might also experience painful urination coupled with nausea and vomiting as the organs fail to purify the blood of all toxins.

Pain in the big toe
Gout is a common type of arthritis that affects the big toe. Gout causes uric acid crystals to form in the joints, and this causes sharp bouts of pain that can become unbearable. Pain in the big toe should never be dismissed as gout; if left unchecked can cause serious issues with mobility. Gout primarily develops in the big toe but can quickly spread to connecting joints.

Pain caused by menstrual cramps
Menstrual cramps can be excruciating, and women endure this discomfort every cycle. However, endometriosis is one of the more worrying causes of menstrual cramps that often gets overlooked. The pain is caused due to the excessive shedding of the uterus lining. If the pain persists and gradually intensifies, it might also be a precursor to more severe conditions like tumors, STDs, and even ovarian cancer.

Pain in the calf or shin bone
Stress fractures are not visible and do not present progressive symptoms unless immense pressure is put on the joint. But minor stress fractures can develop, increasing the risk of a big crack in the bone. Sitting for too long also increases the risk of blood clots that can develop in the calf. The clot builds up over time and causes sudden pain that should not be overlooked.