A lady experiencing back pain. [Photo/CapitalFm]
Once in a while, we have experienced that annoying ache or niggle that doesn’t seem serious enough to bother a doctor. However, some seemingly trivial pains must be dealt with promptly or they can lead to more serious consequences.
Mid-back pain coupled with fever
This pain could be as a result of a kidney infection. You might start with urinary tract infection symptoms, such as pain during urination, but some people don’t notice anything until later.
A ‘thunderclap’ a headache
If you experience head pain that comes on suddenly and is severe, seeks urgent medical advice. The condition could be an aneurysm, which is a balloon-like bulge in an artery. You may also get dizzy and notice blurred vision. Bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured aneurysm isn’t all that common, but when it does happen, swift action is key.
Menstrual cramps that don’t get better with medication
If painkillers aren’t helping your cramps, this condition could be endometriosis—in which tissue grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis impedes fertility, and it’s common such that 40 percent to 60 percent of women whose periods are painful may have it.
Gloomy digestive pain that gets sharper as it moves lower to the right of your belly.
If you feel this sensation, seek medical advice urgently as you could be suffering from appendicitis. Usually, it gets more intense over a 24-hour period as it shifts location. You’re likely going to need surgery. If the appendix bursts, bacteria from the colon can leak into the abdomen, which is dangerous.
Sudden sharp pain
A sudden sharp pain that prevents or inhibits your movement should never be ignored. For example, a paralyzing pain in the back after bending or lifting could indicate a ruptured disc that’s putting pressure on your spinal cord. Alternatively, it could be a muscle spasm, giving you intense pain and locking up the muscles in your back, or if it’s in your stomach then it could be a digestive blockage, a ruptured ovarian cyst, or an ectopic pregnancy. These are all serious problems that need prompt medical attention.