Five Pains You Shouldn't Ignore

Sometimes it's hard to know when to see a doctor when you have pain.

It's an easy decision when you have severe, unrelenting pain, but at times you just don't know. And with a bad economy, perhaps you are trying to avoid seeing a doctor because you cannot afford it. According to Gundersen Lutheran, there are pains you shouldn't ignore. Here are five pains that deserve your attention:

1. Chest pain
If you have pain or discomfort in your chest, pay close attention to the following symptoms:

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the chest -- especially associated with shortness of breath.
• Sweating or nausea. 
• Discomfort in one or both arms, neck or jaw.

These are common signs of a heart attack, and you should seek medical attention immediately. Chest pain also can be a sign of other medical conditions -- reflux disease, a stomach ulcer or other heart-related issues.

2. Stomach pain
Abdominal pain is not uncommon, but sometimes it needs to be checked out by a doctor. See your doctor if:

• The pain is something you've never had before.
• The pain worsens or doesn't improve. 
• You are unable to pass gas. 
• You cannot keep fluids down. 
• There is blood in your urine or stool.

3. Headache
If anything about your headache is different than normal, take notice. Ask yourself, "Is this the worst headache of my life?" or "Is this headache different than one I've had before?" If yes is the answer, don't delay seeking treatment, especially if it's associated with numbness or weakness, vision troubles or difficulty speaking or understanding speech. A severe headache can be a sign of a serious problem, including stroke, aneurysm or new onset migraines.

4. If it wakes you up
It is common to fall asleep with pain -- in your shoulder, for example -- that is still there in the morning. But if you experience pain that is so severe that it wakes you up at night, make sure you make an appointment to see your primary-care provider. Pain that wakes you up is not normal and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

5. If it won't go away
If your health-care provider gives you a treatment plan for your pain, make sure you ask how long it should be before you see improvement. If your pain doesn't improve during that time, it's time for another appointment. Your clinician may need to re-evaluate your pain or injury.