Your neck is aching because you have been on the computer all day, or your shoulders are stiff from working out too vigorously at the gym. It’s nothing a good massage and a hot bath can’t fix, right?
Wrong!
Pain can be a sign of a serious injury. Women in pain should listen to their bodies, and get help if they are experiencing discomfort that is sharp, recurring or escalating.
If you are in pain, the following symptoms could have serious consequences if they are overlooked.
1. Tingling or Numbness
Routinely feeling “pins and needles,” or having the sensation that your limb is asleep, is a warning sign. You may be suffering from degenerative disc disease, which is a common occurrence in women as they get older.
Other age-related conditions that can cause numbness include spinal stenosis and bulging or herniated discs. If left untreated, these conditions can worsen over time and may even require surgery later in life.
Luckily, many women in pain find relief for these symptoms through nonsurgical treatments and medication.
2. Aches that Grow Progressively Worse
A stiff or aching neck is commonly caused by a minor irritation of the nerve endings, and will usually get better over time. Warm compresses, changing desk position, light stretching and rest will usually help treat this kind of pain.
However, if the pain gets worse as time goes on, this may be a symptom of something else. It could be a sign of an autoimmune issue like Lyme disease or even cancer.
Seek medical attention if you experience pain that increases in severity over time.
3. Accompanied by Other Symptoms
You should also see a doctor if your pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Headaches
- Fever or chills
- Sensitivity to touch
- Weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
None of these symptoms may be serious when considered alone, but if they are accompanied by pain, that may be a red flag.
4. Blurred Vision
If you are in pain and experiencing blurred vision, this might be the result of a sudden trauma like whiplash or a concussion.
If you have been involved in an automobile accident, let a professional check you out. Even if the collision seemed minor, you may have sustained injuries that could get worse over time.
Sometimes, natural healing methods are all you need to feel better.
Chiropractors, like the experts at Full Spectrum Chiropractic, can use homeopathic methods to treat pain that results from an automobile accident. Women in pain do not necessarily have to resort to medication or surgical procedures to gain relief.
5. Depression
Researchers have found a strong connection between pain and depression. Stress can actually increase both pain and depression, compounding both physical and mental symptoms.
Clinical depression may require the attention of a pharmacologist or psychiatrist.
However, if you are suffering from low-grade depression along with physical pain, you can try some simple ways to alleviate your symptoms.
Reducing your stress by treating yourself to a spa day might help relax both your mind and your muscles. Even taking a personal day off from work every once in a while might help provide some relief.
People in either mental or physical pain should seek professional assistance to determine the best course of action to alleviate their symptoms.
Women in Pain, You Don’t Have to Suffer
Pain is a sign that you need to pay attention to your body and take care of yourself. Whether you are stressing out about your job or family, recovering from an accident, or just dealing with the aches and pains of getting older, you can’t do it alone.
Talk to a professional about how you can find freedom from pain. In the meantime, check out our tips on how to live a happier, healthier life. It’s easier than you might think!
