For the most part, mild to moderate pain and discomfort are temporary and can be ignored or relieved with self-care. However, there are times when that uneasy feeling could mean something serious.
Sudden numbness in the limbs, facial weakness, severe headache and a feeling of confusion may sound like a good excuse to take a nap but these symptoms may indicate a stroke. The loss of feeling in any body part isn’t normal and should be checked out before it’s too late. A stroke can cause permanent brain damage if not treated with a clot-busting medication within a few hours.
Chest pain is another symptom that should be treated as potentially life-threatening. When accompanied by nausea, sweating, or shortness of breath, chest pain may be a warning sign of a heart attack. Fortunately, most chest pressure is nothing more than indigestion but this is one case where playing it safe is the best game plan.
People who are relatively inactive for a long period of time are at-risk of a condition known as Deep Vein Thrombosis – a blood clot in the lower leg. It rears its ugly head masked as tenderness and is often mistaken for muscle soreness. DVT is a dangerous condition and can lead to further complications.
Aches and pains don’t always come in the form of physical ailments. A lesser-acknowledged form of pain is the kind that can’t be seen – emotional. Many people believe that prolonged depression is something that will just go away on its own and it often does. But, when that sadness turns into a feeling of hopelessness or deep-seated agony, it may be time for help. People who feel depressed to the point of having suicidal thoughts are in danger of hurting themselves and those around them.
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