When is pain considered an emergency? 5 types of pain you should never ignore according to doctors

Emergency medical pain affects 25-29% of people worldwide, making it one of the main reasons patients seek emergency care. In fact, pain-related issues account for about 70% of emergency department visits.

Emergency doctors treat patients of all ages, but determining what qualifies as a “serious” condition isn’t always straightforward.

Experts say there’s no clear rule for which types of pain require urgent medical attention.

“Unfortunately, it can be so variable from patient to patient, and sometimes people that even have minor pain may have something very serious going on. So [pain is] not something that anybody should ignore,” said Dr. Michael Turturro, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

With this being said, taking pain seriously and seeing a doctor is crucial if something doesn’t feel right.

Addressing it early can help prevent complications, and it’s always better to be cautious.

While all pain should be acknowledged, experts told HuffPost that some symptoms, particularly those related to emergency medical pain, are especially concerning and should never be ignored.

Here are the ones that require immediate medical attention:

1. Chest pain

Chest pain is often linked to heart attacks and should always be taken seriously.

Dr. Mark Conroy, an emergency medicine physician at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, advises anyone experiencing sudden chest pain, especially if it’s new or they have a history of heart issues, to get checked out immediately.

Dr. Turturro added that this is particularly important for older adults and those with risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Though chest pain is commonly associated with heart attacks, it can also signal other severe conditions, like a blood clot in the lung or a tear in major chest vessels.

However, not all chest pain is severe—some cases may be due to less harmful causes like heartburn.

Since chest pain can be caused by various factors, avoiding jumping to conclusions is important.

While it’s not necessary to panic, seeking medical attention to determine the cause is crucial.

2. Specific lower abdominal pains

Abdominal pain can be difficult for doctors to diagnose due to its many possible causes.

“So instead of specific conditions, it’s really more, how are the symptoms presenting?” Dr. Conroy explains.

He highlights that pain in the lower abdomen or sides of the lower back may indicate kidney stones.

If there’s also a fever, it could be a kidney infection. Pain combined with nausea and vomiting might suggest appendicitis.

If you experience these symptoms, seeking medical attention immediately is important.

3. Upper back pain that feels like it’s tearing.

Back pain is common and can result from everyday activities like poor sleep posture, improper exercise, or sitting in an unsupportive chair.

While most back pain can be treated at home, Dr. Conroy warns that a specific type requires immediate medical attention.

If you feel a tearing sensation in your upper back or chest, it could be a sign of emergency medical pain, and it’s crucial to get medical help right away.

Dr. Conroy explains that this kind of pain could indicate a serious issue with the aorta, the body’s main blood vessel, which can be life-threatening.

4. Unexpected pain that persists

Dr. Turturro emphasizes that sudden, severe pain that doesn’t go away should always be taken seriously.

Any pain that appears quickly and doesn’t subside is a cause for concern and warrants attention.

While a doctor must evaluate the pain to determine its severity, it’s important not to ignore sudden or alarming discomfort.

It’s better to be cautious and get checked out, even if the pain is nothing serious.

For instance, if you experience sudden pain in your hand, don’t dismiss it. If it’s troubling or unlike anything you’ve felt before, it’s important to seek urgent medical attention.

5. Pain and redness in the calf

Dr. Conroy warns that pain in the lower leg, especially in the calf, and swelling or redness, could indicate a blood clot, known as deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

“That would be a concerning pain that I would definitely want someone to get seen sooner rather than later for, especially if they recently had surgery and they’ve been just laying in bed, or … they had a long plane ride recently,” he noted.

Expert says any worrying pain can be considered emergency medical pain

Visiting a doctor, especially the emergency room, can feel overwhelming. Still, it’s important not to ignore or dismiss any pain, especially when it could be an emergency medical pain.

Dr. Conroy emphasizes that seeking medical attention for concerning symptoms is always the best choice for your health, even if the issue is minor.

A doctor’s visit may involve a quick evaluation and basic tests, reassuring that the worst-case scenario isn’t the cause.

While emergency room visits can be expensive, there are more affordable alternatives for non-emergency situations, such as urgent care centers or after-hours appointments with your primary care provider.

However, some conditions do require immediate emergency care, and those visits are worth the cost for your safety.

If you’re unsure about the severity of your situation, urgent care staff or your doctor can help guide you. When in doubt, seeking care at the emergency room is always safer.

Here’s NP Lorrie Pool discussing when you considered pain as an emergency medical pain via CLS Health:

Disclaimer: This article should not be taken as a replacement for professional medical advice; it is just for informative needs. Always see a qualified healthcare provider or physician for individualized advice and recommendations that fit your circumstances.