Symptoms of Pain

Pain is a symptom and not a disease. It is an unpleasant sensation triggered by the nervous system when there is tissue damage or other damage to the body. Pain can vary in character and may be dull, achy, stabbing, shooting, burning or like piercing pins-and-needles sensation. It may be localised over a specific area of the body such as your back or all over such as in the case of flu (influenza).

What other symptoms might occur with pain?

Most people with pain have other symptoms depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. For instance, in pain due to arthritis, you may experience swelling, stiffness or decrease in range of motion of joint besides pain in one or more joint. Pain caused by compressed nerve in the lower back may be associated with stiffness of back or loss of bladder control.

Other symptoms that may occur with pain include:

• flu-like symptoms (fever with chills, sore throat, fatigue, headache, cold and cough),
• difficulty in concentrating,
• loss of appetite,
• muscle pain or spasms,
• numbness,
• sleep disturbances,
• fatigue and tiredness,
• unintended weight loss and
• nausea and vomiting.

Symptoms suggestive of some serious or life-threatening condition

Pain may be a symptom in people with a serious or life-threatening condition such as a heart attack or stroke. Consult a doctor immediately or visit an emergency room if you have any serious symptoms with or without pain.

• Bleeding from anywhere in the body such as bloody urine or bloody stools.
• Alteration of consciousness or alertness.
• Difficulty in concentrating or confusion.
• Chest pain with or without radiation to the arm, shoulder, neck or jaw.
• Difficulty in breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath.
• High fever (1010 F or higher).
• Increased or decreased urine output.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Progressive weakness and numbness.
• Redness, warmth or swelling.
• Convulsions (seizures).
• Stiff neck and headache with or without nausea or vomiting.
• Weakness or lethargy.