4 Types of Pain You Should Never Ignore According to Doctors
Some types of pain are your body’s way of sounding the alarm. Here’s when it’s time to see a doctor — and fast. We all experience everyday aches and pains — a twinge in your back, a cramp in your stomach. Most of the time, they’re nothing serious. But some types of pain should never be brushed off, say emergency medicine specialists Dr. Michael Turturro and Dr. Mark Conroy, both based in the U.S.
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| 4 Types of Pain You Should Never Ignore According to Doctors |
Let’s break down the warning signs that deserve your attention. What are the 4 Types of Pain You Should Never Ignore, According to Doctors
1. Sudden, Severe Pain That Won’t Go Away
If pain appears suddenly, feels intense, and doesn’t go away after a short while, don’t ignore it.
“It doesn’t matter where it is in your body,” says Dr. Turturro.
“If it’s a new kind of pain, especially if it’s concerning or disruptive, you should see a doctor.”
Sudden pain could be the sign of:
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Organ problems (like kidney stones or appendicitis)
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Nerve issues
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Infections
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Internal bleeding or injury
✅ When in doubt: Get checked out.
2. Chest Pain — Especially If You Have Heart Risk Factors
Chest pain can feel different for everyone: pressure, tightness, burning, or even discomfort in the back, jaw, or arm.
“If someone experiences chest pain they’ve never felt before, or if they have a history of heart problems, they should seek help immediately,” says Dr. Conroy.
⚠️ Risk is higher if you:
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Are over 50
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Have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
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Smoke
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Have a family history of heart disease
Even if chest pain turns out to be harmless (like heartburn or anxiety), it’s not worth the risk.
3. Calf Pain with Swelling or Redness
Pain in the lower leg — especially in the calf — paired with:
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Swelling
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Redness
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Warmth
…could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — a blood clot that requires urgent care.
“I always worry about DVT when I hear about calf pain with redness or swelling,” says Dr. Conroy.
“Especially if the person has been on a long flight or recovering from surgery.”
DVT can lead to a dangerous pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs, so don’t delay medical attention.
4. A Tearing Feeling in Your Upper Back or Chest
Back pain is common — bad posture, poor sleep, or overexertion can all be to blame. But a very specific type of pain needs urgent care:
A sharp, tearing pain in the upper back or behind the chest could signal a problem with the aorta, your body’s main artery, warns Dr. Conroy.
This could be an aortic dissection, a rare but life-threatening condition. Seek emergency care if you feel:
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A sudden tearing or ripping pain
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Pain that moves between chest and back
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Dizziness or difficulty breathing
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore What Your Body Is Telling You
It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Doctors emphasize that any pain that’s new, severe, or worrying is reason enough to consult a medical professional. Even if it turns out to be nothing, your peace of mind — and your health — are worth it.
“Pain is not something anyone should ignore,” says Dr. Turturro.
“And it’s always okay to be cautious.”
