Top 15 Worst Pains Known to Humanity

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)