GP pinpoints five types of pain you should never dismiss – as they could be a sign of something sinister

Headaches, chest pain and back aches are common problems that are typically nothing more than minor nuisances.

However, according to experts, these symptoms can sometimes be a sign of an urgent medical crisis.

For this reason, says Dr Ellie Cannon, a London–based GP, it’s crucial that patients know when its safe to push on through pain and when to see urgent medical attention.

‘Most aches and pains are nothing to worry about,’ says Dr Cannon. 

‘Most don’t even need treatment. But, in rare cases, it can be something serious, so it’s always good to educate yourself on the things to watch out for.’ 

Read on to learn the danger signs that a pain should not be ignored.

Chest pain

Chest pain can often be a sign of harmless heartburn. However, experts say that sudden, persistent chest pain always warrants an immediate call to 999.

This is because, according to the NHS, chest pain that lasts more than 15 minutes and that radiates to the jaw or left arm may be a sign of a heart attack.

Another symptom that patients experience is severe indigestion.

Heart attacks are not the only life–threatening cause of chest pain.

A sharp, chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing can indicate a pulmonary embolism – where a deadly blood clot can block blood flow in the lungs. 

This might also be accompanied with shortness of breath or coughing up bloody saliva.

‘Thousands of people suffer heart attacks every year and don’t realise it at first,’ says Dr Cannon. ‘Embolisms are less common, but need to be treated immediately.’ 

Abdominal pain 

Certain pains in the abdomen – the area between the chest and the pelvis – require immediate medical attention, says experts.

For example, a sudden pain in the upper right abdomen radiating to the shoulder may indicate a gallbladder inflammation. This is a small, pear–shaped organ under the liver that produces bile.

Left untreated, this inflammation can lead to a serious, life–threatening infection.

Meanwhile, cramping pain that comes in waves could be a sign a bowel obstruction – where a blockage in the intestines prevents fluids, food and gas from passing through.

Another sign of this would be vomiting or severe constipation. A bowel obstruction often requires urgent surgery to fix.

Experts add that pain at the lower end of the abdomen – nearer to the pelvis – can also be dangerous. For young women severe pain in the lower abdomen can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy – where a fertilised egg implants outside of the uterus.

Without medical attention, an ectopic pregnancy can lead to severe internal bleeding.

And, for men, sudden lower abdomen pain can caused by testicular torsion – where the testicles becomes twisted.

This blocks blood flow and can lead to the loss of a testicle if surgery is not performed.

‘If abdominal pain is caused by something serious, the agony will likely be unbearable,’ says Dr Cannon.

‘If it’s only mildly annoying, then it’s likely nothing too bad.’

Back pain 

Back pain affects around a third of adults in the UK every year and, in most cases, is harmless.

But, experts say when accompanied with certain symptoms it can be a sign of something deadly.

Back pain twined with numbness around the genitals, new bladder or bowel problems (such as difficulty going to the toilet) or pain in both legs, can suggest a condition called cauda equina syndrome.

This is where bundles of nerves at the base of the spinal cord become compressed. 

Surgery is needed to prevent nerve damage, which can lead to paralysis and sexual dysfunction.

A sudden and severe tearing sensation in the pain or between the shoulder blades could be a sign of an aortic dissection – where the inner lining of the heart tears, causing blood to build up in the organ.

Patients may also experience a shortness of breath, sweating or nausea. 

‘I see patients with back pain every week at my clinic,’ says Dr Cannon.

‘Almost all cases aren’t life-threatening. But every now and then there’s a case that requires immediate attention.’

Head pain 

Half of people in the UK will experience a headache every year, according to research.

In most cases, the symptom is usually due to dehydration, a winter virus, or a hangover.

Around 15 per cent of the population also experience migraines – more severe headaches that can last for hours. 

However, according to experts, this a sudden, severe headache can indicate a brain bleed. These are often described as ‘thunderclap’ headaches.

Meanwhile, headaches accompanied with facial weakness, arm numbness or speech difficulties, are likely to be a stroke – a brain clot – and requires an urgent trip to A&E, usually via an ambulance.

Headaches with vomiting, an aversion and a temperature could be meningitis.

‘Thunderclap headaches are something that should never be ignored,’ says Dr Cannon.

‘If you experience head pain, look in the mirror to spot the signs of a stroke.’ 

Calf pain 

The most common cause of calf pain is an injured muscle – usually from exercise.

However, if the calf is swollen or warm then experts say this may indicate deep vein thrombosis.

This is where a blood clot forms in the leg.

The condition is life-threatening because, if the clot breaks off, then it can make it’s way to the lungs.

Deep vein thrombosis usually occurs in people over 50 – though it is possible for it to happen to young people.

Prolonged inactivity, recent surgery and cancer all raise the risk of it occurring.

‘Deep vein thrombosis is one of those conditions that is deadly but many people don’t know the signs,’ says Dr Cannon.

‘Physical changes in your calves can be a sign of something very serious.’