This list is not for the faint of heart. These are the most painful and downright nasty medical conditions out there. This blog may seem a bit negative, but with the appropriate knowledge and awareness you might be able to avoid having to deal with one of these painful conditions in the future.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder found in 5.8 million Americans, with about 85 percent of those diagnosed being women. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, with many factors likely contributing. It has often been associated with a physically or emotionally stressful or traumatic event, similar to post traumatic stress syndrome. It has also been connected with an illness or repetitive injury, as well as spontaneously occurring. Scientists are continuously researching the causes of fibromyalgia, and have recently connected it to the way a person’s genes and central nervous system process stimuli and perceive pain. The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain. The pain can exist anywhere in the body, and can range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating. Because the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, doctors are unable to pinpoint any root cause for pain with laboratory tests. This can make it a very difficult condition for doctors to diagnose. Treating fibromyalgia can be very difficult. It is important to find a doctor that understands the disorder and is familiar with treating it. It is suggested that someone with fibromyalgia works with a pain management team for best results. The team could include your doctor, a physical therapist, nutritionist, your family and anyone else that can help. Many pain management and rheumatology clinics specialize in treating chronic pain disorders such as fibromyalgia using the team approach.
Arthritis Arthritis is a common disorder that can cause pain of one or more joints in the body. There are an estimated 46 million Americans that are affected by more than 100 different types of arthritis. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, both of which share
the most common occurring symptom of pain. Arthritis affects everyone differently, and in the worst cases the pain can be excruciating. The cause of arthritis can vary greatly, because there are so many different types. The most common cause for osteoarthritis is worn or damaged joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the affected area. Treatment of arthritis is important in relieving the painful symptoms. It is very important to have a healthy diet and lifestyle as well as a physical therapy plan. There are several options for medications that treat arthritis. In many cases treatment with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) can help reduce inflammation and pain. In more severe cases a corticosteroid injection in the joint can help relieve inflammation and pain. Drugs that suppress an overactive immune system caused by rheumatoid arthritis may also be prescribed by your doctor, helping relieve pain and preserve damaged joints.
Shingles Shingles is a virus that creates a painful rash, usually on the left or right side of the lower torso. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes Chicken Pox. This virus remains dormant in the spinal cord and brain after having Chicken Pox, and is reactivated causing shingles. The virus is usually reactivated due to a compromised immune system. The pain associated with shingles is typically described as an intense burning, tingling, or numbness where the rash has occurred. There is no cure for shingles, and it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible. Antiviral drugs are commonly prescribed to help reduce the infection of shingles. Medication is also often prescribed to help reduce the immense amount of pain that can coincide with shingles.
Cluster Headaches Also known as suicide headaches, many have described this neurological disorder as the most painful in the book. The pain occurs in multiple locations on the head, typically in the back of the eyes. It can be accompanied by nasal congestion, and inflammation and watering of the eyes. The cause of this disorder is unknown, although it has been linked to smoking tobacco. There is no cure for cluster headaches, however there are many treatments to help reduce and prevent symptoms. Acute treatments such as oxygen or local anesthetics can help control the pain. There is also medications a doctor may prescribe to control symptoms. Preventative treatments are available as well. Calcium channel blockers or corticosteroids can help reduce the frequency of episodes. It is important to consult with your physician about which treatment is best for you.
Kidney Stones
Topping the list is a fairly common and extremely painful condition known as kidney stones. It is the result of aggregation of dietary minerals from the urine in the kidneys. In some lucky cases, the stones can be small enough to pass with little pain. Bigger stones however are passed through the urinary tract, and can result in violent pain in the lower back and sides of the torso. Kidney stones are generally caused by high sodium or calcium content in the blood. This is usually a result of dehydration. The typical solution is to painfully pass the stones. If the stones are large enough however, then a surgical procedure may be appropriate to reduce the size. Preventing kidney stones is important, and keeping hydrated is the best way to do so.