The Worst Pains Humans Can Experience Pain is an inevitable part of the human experience, serving as a critical warning system for our bodies. However, some pains are so severe and overwhelming that they become nearly unbearable. This article delves into some of the worst pains known to humans, exploring their causes, symptoms, and potential treatments. 1. Trigeminal Neuralgia Overview Trigeminal neuralgia, often referred to as the "suicide disease," is characterized by intense, stabbing pain that affects the trigeminal nerve. This nerve carries sensations from the face to the brain, and any irritation can result in severe pain. Symptoms Sudden, severe, electric shock-like pain Episodes triggered by touching the face, chewing, or speaking Pain usually affects one side of the face Causes Blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve Multiple sclerosis Tumors compressing the nerve Treatment Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine) Surgery (microvascular decompression, gamma knife radiosurgery) Complementary therapies (acupuncture, biofeedback) Trusted Link: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigeminal-neuralgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20378413 2. Cluster Headaches Overview Cluster headaches are among the most painful types of headaches, characterized by intense pain around one eye, often accompanied by other symptoms such as tearing and nasal congestion. Symptoms Severe, burning, or piercing pain around one eye Tearing and redness in the affected eye Nasal congestion and runny nose Causes Hypothalamus abnormalities Genetic factors Treatment Oxygen therapy Triptans (sumatriptan) Preventive medications (verapamil) Trusted Link: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cluster-headaches/ 3. Kidney Stones Overview Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys. Passing a kidney stone can cause severe pain, often described as one of the worst pains imaginable. Symptoms Intense pain in the side and back, below the ribs Pain radiating to the lower abdomen and groin Pain that comes in waves Blood in urine Causes Dehydration High intake of protein, salt, or sugar Obesity Certain medical conditions Treatment Increased fluid intake Pain relievers Medical therapy to facilitate stone passage Surgery (ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy) Trusted Link: www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones 4. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Overview CRPS is a chronic pain condition typically affecting a limb after injury or surgery. The pain is disproportionate to the initial injury and can become a long-term issue. Symptoms Continuous burning or throbbing pain Sensitivity to touch or cold Swelling and changes in skin color and temperature Joint stiffness Causes Injury or trauma Possible immune system involvement Treatment Medications (pain relievers, corticosteroids) Physical therapy Nerve blocks Sympathectomy in severe cases Trusted Link: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crps/symptoms-causes/syc-20371151 5. Shingles Overview Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, leads to a painful rash and can cause severe nerve pain. Symptoms Pain, burning, or tingling sensation Red rash that develops on one side of the body Fluid-filled blisters Itching Causes Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox virus) Treatment Antiviral medications (acyclovir, valacyclovir) Pain relievers Topical antibiotics to prevent infection Trusted Link: www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/index.html 6. Gout Overview Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints. Symptoms Intense joint pain, often in the big toe Lingering discomfort Inflammation and redness Limited range of motion Causes High levels of uric acid in the blood Diet high in red meat and sugary beverages Obesity Medical conditions such as untreated high blood pressure and diabetes Treatment NSAIDs Colchicine Corticosteroids Medications to lower uric acid levels Trusted Link: www.arthritis.org/diseases/gout 7. Tooth Abscess Overview A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. The infection can cause severe pain and swelling. Symptoms Severe, persistent toothache Sensitivity to hot and cold Swelling in your face or cheek Fever Causes Severe tooth decay Trauma to the tooth Gum disease Poor dental hygiene Treatment Drainage of the abscess Root canal therapy Tooth extraction Antibiotics Trusted Link: www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-abscess 8. Appendicitis Overview Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that causes severe abdominal pain. It requires immediate medical attention to prevent rupture. Symptoms Sudden pain in the lower right abdomen Pain that begins around the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen Pain worsened by movement Nausea and vomiting Fever Causes Blockage of the appendix lining Infection Treatment Appendectomy (surgical removal of the appendix) Antibiotics Trusted Link: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/appendicitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369543 9. Pancreatitis Overview Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas and can be acute or chronic, leading to severe abdominal pain. Symptoms Upper abdominal pain Pain radiating to the back Pain that worsens after eating Fever Rapid pulse Causes Gallstones Chronic alcohol use Certain medications High triglyceride levels Treatment Fasting Pain medications IV fluids Surgery in severe cases Trusted Link: www.pancreasfoundation.org/patient-information/about-pancreas/pancreatitis/ 10. Migraine Overview Migraines are severe headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Symptoms Severe, throbbing pain Sensitivity to light and sound Nausea and vomiting Aura (visual disturbances) Causes Genetic factors Hormonal changes Certain foods and drinks Stress Treatment NSAIDs Triptans Preventive medications (beta blockers, antidepressants) Lifestyle changes Trusted Link: www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/migraine-what-is-it/ 11. Sciatica Overview Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Symptoms Pain radiating from the lower back to the leg Tingling or burning sensation Muscle weakness Causes Herniated disk Bone spur Spinal stenosis Treatment Physical therapy Pain relievers Steroid injections Surgery Trusted Link: www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/sciatica-symptoms 12. Fibromyalgia Overview Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Symptoms Widespread pain Fatigue Cognitive difficulties Causes Genetic factors Infections Physical or emotional trauma Treatment Pain relievers Antidepressants Physical therapy Stress management techniques Trusted Link: www.arthritis.org/diseases/fibromyalgia 13. Endometriosis Overview Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain, especially during menstrual periods. Symptoms Painful periods Pain during intercourse Pain with bowel movements or urination Excessive bleeding Causes Retrograde menstruation Embryonic cell transformation Surgical scar implantation Treatment Pain medications Hormone therapy Surgery Trusted Link: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656 14. Torn Achilles Tendon Overview A torn Achilles tendon is a severe injury that can cause intense pain and difficulty walking. Symptoms Sudden pain in the back of the ankle or calf Swelling Inability to bend the foot downward Causes Sudden increase in physical activity Falling from a height Stepping into a hole Treatment Rest and ice Pain relievers Physical therapy Surgery Trusted Link: www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/achilles-tendon-injury 15. Gallstones Overview Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder, causing severe pain. Symptoms Sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen Pain between the shoulder blades Nausea and vomiting Causes High cholesterol or bilirubin levels Gallbladder not emptying correctly Treatment Medications to dissolve gallstones Surgery (cholecystectomy)
