Pain is not normal. When you should make an appointment with your doctor
Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek out medical care. Whether it’s a nagging backache, recurring headaches, joint discomfort or unexplained aches throughout the body, many people simply learn to live with pain and hope it goes away.
While occasional discomfort can be a normal part of life, ongoing or unexplained pain shouldn’t be ignored. Pain is your body’s way of alerting you that something needs attention. Talking with your family physician can help identify the cause, prevent symptoms from worsening and get you on the path toward feeling better.
When Is Pain a Reason to See Your Doctor?
Many people delay making an appointment because they worry their symptoms aren’t serious enough or that pain is just a normal part of aging. Still, persistent pain is not something you should have to accept as part of your daily routine. Consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor if:
- Pain lasts longer than expected or keeps returning
- Pain interferes with work, sleep, exercise or daily activities
- Over-the-counter medications are no longer providing relief
- Your pain is getting worse over time
- You are experiencing unexplained pain without an obvious cause
- You have new pain after an injury or accident
- You are changing your activities to avoid discomfort
Common Types of Pain That Deserve Attention
Pain can affect nearly any part of the body and may have many different causes. Some common concerns that should be discussed with your physician include:
- Back and neck pain that is persistent, pain that travels down the arms or legs, or weakness or numbness all require medical attention.
- Joint pain may result from injuries, arthritis, inflammation or other conditions. If swelling, stiffness, reduced movement or worsening discomfort develops, your physician can help determine the cause and recommend treatment.
- Headaches are common, but new, severe, frequent or changing headaches should be evaluated, especially if accompanied by vision changes, weakness, confusion, fever or other concerning symptoms.
- Abdominal pain should not be ignored. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether further testing is needed.
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Seek Immediate Care for Warning Signs
Some types of pain require urgent medical attention. Seek emergency care if you experience:
- Sudden chest pain or pressure
- Severe abdominal pain
- Sudden weakness, numbness, facial drooping or difficulty speaking
- A sudden severe headache unlike previous headaches
- Pain following a serious injury
- Severe pain accompanied by fainting, confusion or difficulty breathing