Persistent pain is not only a source of great discomfort and affects almost every aspect of our lives, but can sometimes be a sign of a larger underlying issue, from diseases to weaknesses. Chronic pain is common in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, stomach ulcers, cancer, multiple sclerosis, AIDS and gallbladder disease and, if not addressed in time, can lead to fatal complications. World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7 to spread awareness about various health conditions. Each year a priority area of public health concern is highlighted around the world. (Also Read: Warning Signs Your Body Pain Is Cancer Related)
If you’re ignoring everyday aches and pains, blaming it on stress and a busy lifestyle, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Pain that returns or persists for several months or years may be a symptom of disease or deficiency. Persistent headaches may indicate a brain tumor, while chest pain may be a sign of a heart condition. Abdominal pain can be caused by gastrointestinal disorders, urinary tract infections, or reproductive system problems.
“I recommend paying attention to any persistent aches and pains you experience on a daily basis. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to potentially serious health problems. Some common pains you should not ignore include headaches, joint pain, back pain, abdominal pain, chest pain and toothaches. In some cases, these pains can be a symptom of a deficiency, such as an iron or vitamin D deficiency. In such cases, dietary changes or supplements can help relieve the pain. However, other times, these pains can be early symptoms of serious conditions, such as cancer or autoimmune diseases. So, it is important to get a complete evaluation by your doctor, including a physical examination and any necessary diagnostic tests,” says Dr Gaurav Rathore, Director, Department of Orthopedics and Joint Replacement at Jaypee Hospital, Noida.
Here are some daily aches and pains that people should never ignore, explained by health experts.
1. Chest pain
“Chest pain is a potentially life-threatening symptom that should never be ignored or self-diagnosed. It may indicate a more serious condition such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, and prompt medical attention is essential,” Dr. Aditya says. S Chowty, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bangalore.
“Chest pain is often associated with a heart attack, but it can also be caused by other conditions such as acid reflux or blood clots in the lungs,” says Dr Rathore.
2. Joint pain
This can be caused by a wide range of factors, including injury, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to find the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan, says Dr. Chowty.
3. Muscle aches
“It is mainly caused by vitamin D deficiency, and in urban areas, lack of sunlight is one of the main reasons behind it. It can cause constant pain and muscle pain in different parts of the body. Adequate intake of vitamin D can solve the problem but first consult a medical expert. Definitely needs to be investigated. Don’t take supplements without prescription,” says Dr Saurabh Chandra, Consultant, Bone, Joint Replacement and Orthopaedics, Sunar International Hospital, Gurugram.
4. Headache or/and fatigue
“Usually the type and severity of headache determines the underlying cause, such as frequent headaches (one side of the head) can be a symptom of migraine, while lack of sleep and poor stress management can also cause headaches that can be managed. Women during menopause and severely “People with iron deficiency may also report headaches, cold hands and feet,” says Dr Chandra.
“Headaches can be classified based on their underlying cause, such as tension headaches, migraines, or cluster headaches. It’s important to identify specific types of headaches in order to develop a targeted treatment plan that can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life,” says Chauti Dr.
“Headaches can be caused by a variety of reasons, including stress, dehydration, and eye strain, but they can also be a sign of something more serious, such as high blood pressure or a brain tumor,” says Dr. Rathore.
5. Abdominal pain
“It can be caused by a wide range of factors such as gastrointestinal disorders, urinary tract infections, or reproductive system problems. A proper medical evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause of the pain and develop an effective treatment plan,” Dr. four
“Abdominal pain can be caused by anything from indigestion to ulcers, and chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack,” says Dr Rathore.
6. Joint pain
“It’s usually caused by a lack of calcium, and during menopause, the sudden drop in estrogen levels leads to low calcium density, which can lead to persistent joint pain,” says Dr. Chandra.
7. Back pain
“Sitting in one posture for more than 5 hours can cause back pain or tingling, and if you have a job that requires you to sit for long hours, the same can happen to your shoulder area. Nutrition and exercise can lead to arthritis and other bone-related problems,” Dr. Chandra adds.
“Joint pain can indicate arthritis, while back pain can be a sign of spinal problems or kidney problems. Back pain is often caused by muscle strain or injury, but it can also be a symptom of spinal problems, kidney problems, or cancer,” said Dr. Rathore.
8. Leg pain
“Pain in the lower leg, especially when swollen, can indicate a variety of conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis or peripheral artery disease. A proper medical evaluation is important to determine the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan,” Dr. four
“Leg pain can be caused by many things, such as a muscle strain or deep vein thrombosis. However, if your leg pain is severe, comes on suddenly, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling or redness, it could be a sign of a blood clot or nerve damage. Dr. Rathore says.
9. earache
“It’s a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as an ear infection, wax buildup, or damage to the eardrum. It’s important to identify the specific cause of the earache to determine appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics or pain relievers,” Dr. Chowty says.
10. Leg pain
“Walking more than your normal capacity can cause a little discomfort in your feet but if your feet are swollen it definitely needs medical attention because of low sugar levels,” says Dr Chandra.
11. Knee pain
“Muscle weakness and arthritis in the elderly can cause serious knee discomfort. Take measures to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint,” says Dr Chandra.
“Apart from the above, some pains can be warning signs, such as unbearable headache with vomiting, frequent pain with numbness in any part of the body, chest pain etc. Frequent pain. It is not wise to take painkillers without a doctor, check your health, exercise daily Do, work on the underlying causes and have a balanced diet,” says Dr Rathore.
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