dull pain vs sharp pain dull pain vs sharp pain

The typical tension headache produces a dull, squeezing pain on both sides of the head. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Sharp pain is typically when the nerve has been irritated or slightly trapped. Somatic pain usually feels like a constant aching or gnawing sensation. In one sense, pain and ache are synonyms. Pain may be sharp or dull. Terms & Conditions apply shoulder-pain-explained.com 2015-23 Last updated 11th January 2023, Contact Us About Us Blog Privacy Policy Advertising Policy Sitemap, The material on this website is intended for educational information purposes only. It should not delay or substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You may also notice your gums look swollen and red. Kidney pain vs. back pain Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Mar 03, 2022. If you have raw-feeling pain, your skin may seem extremely sore or tender. When the atlas misaligns, it causes the head to shift in an abnormal position. Sharp, Achy or Dull Your Guide for Understanding Back Pain. Chronic pain can be the result of damaged tissue. While the methods of adjusting may differ between upper cervical chiropractic techniques, the overarching goal remains the same to restore the normal positioning of the atlas (C1) and/or axis (C2) to improve the bodys natural ability to heal and function. Anything which makes the tunnel smaller than usual such as bone spurs or inflammation makes it even more likely for impingement to occur. If a sharp pain strikes your chest but improves as you move around a bit well, you may be looking at a case of heartburn (acid reflux) or some other gastrointestinal issue. The throbbing sensation may seem limited to one or more teeth, or it may spread to your jaw or even the side of your face. And certain medical treatments, such asradiation forcancer, can also cause tissue damage that causes pain. This type of pain can often be accompanied by an aching or throbbing sensation, but the difference is the initial, very sharp pain that triggers the toothache. This results in damaged or dysfunctional nerves misfiring pain signals. A common symptom of acute pericarditis is a sharp, stabbing chest pain, usually coming on quickly. Kidney pain often feels like a dull ache that gets worse if someone gently presses on that area. In some cases, pain comes from a psychological condition. Oftentimes, the situation isnt what you fear. Difference between dull pain and sharp pain. See our. It should not delay or substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A sharp pain in a tooth with a filling or crown can also point to an underlying issue with your restoration. We all feel pain in different ways, so you may find it difficult to describe the type of pain youre feeling to others. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present. You can find out loads more about the causes, symptoms and treatment options in the Shoulder Labrum Tear section. Symptoms that may occur alongside this pain include: difficulty breathing. It can come from a disease such ascancer. If youre looking for a natural method of back pain relief, then it makes sense to start by addressing what might be the underlying cause. In some cases, such as with fibromyalgia, pain is one of the main traits of the condition. You may also feel pain in response to things that arent usually painful, such as cold air or clothing against your skin. (of pain etc) Not intense; felt indistinctly or only slightly. It could come and go, or it could be constant. One hip will raise up higher than the other. 1 Your back and spine are strong as well as flexible, while they protect one of the most important parts of your body the spinal cord. You can experience anything from a dull ache or a sharp intense pain that burns intensely. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Some type of damage to tissue such as bone, muscle, or organs often causes it. You can find loads of great treatment, recovery and prevention advice on each of the sharp pain in shoulder causes we have looked at here by using the links above. A panic attack or anxiety can reveal itself with symptoms chest tightness, sweating, shortness of breath that mimic those of a heart attack. For more information, please see our It's safe to say most of us are not big fans of pain. Its the pain that keeps you from enjoying your life. By continuing to browse our site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. New therapies for many chronic pain conditions are becoming available all the time, but for many people, pain becomes a constant part of their lives. Mild or severe. The damage can be from a stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, or several other conditions. Shoulder dislocations often result in damage to the labrum. The brief zap is usually not indicative of a heart attack, which often brings an unrelenting pain that lasts several minutes. Privacy Policy. Do a "deep search" instead. If you encounter a burning sensation, it may be caused by one of many possible health conditions including nerve damage, injury, or infection. Neuropathic pain results from damage to or dysfunction of your nervous system. ", American Chronic Pain Association: "Understanding Nerve Pain. The quality of back pain can vary based on the affected tissues. are doing a lot of good in the world with this helpful site, thanks again." Here is a quick check list to help diagnose the cause of the sharp pain in your shoulder: The best treatment for sharp pain in shoulder problems will depend on the underlying cause e.g. Normal muscle soreness and fatigue peak between 24 and 72 hours after a muscle-stressing activity. But once you decide to address the problem with the help of a medical professional, you realize youve become so accustomed to persistent pain that you dont know how best to describe it. Worse yet, a cracked tooth can completely break with less pressure than you might think. Here's how it works and what to consider before trying it. For example, cramping abdominal pain is commonly due to gas and bloating. It's often is in the middle or left side of the chest, and there may be pain in one or both shoulders. Its important to immediately call your dentist for help. Acute pain tends to start out sharp or intense before gradually improving. The pain you feel may be an ache, a sharp stabbing, or a throbbing. Big help. It's also . Three clinically relevant factors were evaluated as to their impact on reliability: (1) the localization of dermatomes in relation to the sensory level, (2) the examination tool, and (3 . A dull ache can mean something fairly simple, like having a piece of food stuck in your tooth, or it can mean you have tooth decay present. Learn what breakthrough pain is and how you can manage it with proper medication, dosing, and other treatments. There is also a lot of overlap of the components of the back and spine which makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly where the problem is coming from. feeling extremely tired. Do your best to specifically describe the type of pain you feel. A sharp pain may just be a muscle pull, but its best to make sure there arent any complications that could worsen your condition. If you observe, the dull pain is more related to your muscles, articulations and internal organs, but the sharp pain is more related related to what happens in your skin. A dull pain in your back may indicate a number of conditions, temporary or serious. Most pain comes from tissue damage when your body's tissues are injured. Colorado Pain Care treats each patient with the same care we would want for our own family. Body-wide viral infections can cause pain and swelling in the lymph nodes. Pain from tissue damage can be acute. The head rests on top of the atlas and relies on it to experience a full range of movement. It's described as constant burning. Some types of chest pain should send you to the emergency room particularly if it lasts for at least five minutes. Or it could come from damage to peripheral nerves, those nerves in the rest of the body that send signals to the CNS. 'a sharp dealer;'; 'a sharp customer'; Over time, that can scar your liver and keep it from doing its job. Archived post. The pain may be dull and constant or sudden and sharp. Sayed, "Hi There are a lot of factors that can contribute to back pain, and as such, it can take on a very broad variety of characteristics: Acute back pain happens suddenly and will usually go away within a few days to a few weeks. Examples of sharp pain include: There are different categories used when describing or attempting to gather information about pain. Chronic pain is constant. Chronic pain affects an estimated 100 million Americansmore than cancer, diabetes, and heart disease combined. Many heart attacks follow physical strain or exertion, an indicator not typically connected to panic attacks. For minor tooth sensitivity, switching your toothpaste to one designed for sensitive teeth can be very helpful. Pain caused by nerve damage, neuropathic pain, is often described as burning or prickling. Karen, The material on this website is intended for educational information purposes only. All Rights Reserved. (1) "Colicky . This can cause a sudden, sharp and stabbing pain in your chest. Knees are used so oftenfor walking, stepping, sitting, climbing, even standingmaking them susceptible to various conditions that can cause dull or achy pain. That cancause pain signals that dont work the way they are supposed to. What feels very painful to one person may only feel like mild pain to another. Acute pain tends to start out sharp or intense before gradually improving. and thanks so much, great site! Dull or achy pain can be related to degeneration, muscle strain, or overuse injury. But sometimes it may be that the problem isnt in the shoulder itself but that its actually referred pain from the neck. Perhaps you overdid it in your workout. During diagnosis, your doctor will ask you, Injections of spinal disc tissue into the spine may relieve pain associated with degenerative disc disease, according to preliminary results of a. This is the feeling of pain. Maybe bad posture is finally catching up with you. Short-term muscle soreness is a healthy and expected result of exercise. A red flag indicator of injury is when discomfort and sharp pain are persistent, whether you're resting or active." If the pain persists past one to two weeks, or is immediate and severe, you may have damaged muscles, tissues or joints Ways to Stay Ahead of Soreness Or it can come from a physical injury, like a cut or a broken bone. The cause of this condition is unknown, and it has no . Think about what would happen if you felt nothing when you put your hand on a hot stove. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. answered Jul 3, 2012 at 5:00. There are several key factors that make upper cervical chiropractic care unique: While its not uncommon for chiropractors to take x-rays of the spine, the views that upper cervical chiropractors take differ. It can be problematic and, potentially, very serious to encounter certain kinds of pain that do not have an apparent cause. But the pain gets worse or lasts longer because of things like fear,depression, stress, or anxiety. This type of pain is a classic toothache feeling. A fleeting burst of pain slams your chest, and a terrifying two-word combination HEART ATTACK immediately enters your thoughts. Consider any pain whether acute vs. chronic back pain worth taking care of. This type of pain always requires a dental visit, even if the sharp pain doesnt seem to last. Here are 9 common causes of testicular pain. Both can be debilitating in their own ways. Your email address will not be published. Pain that spreads to your groin area. Chronic pain that is produced by damage to nerves is a serious health condition that affects more than 70 million Americans. Certain body movements can trigger or worsen muscle pain, the intensity of which can range from mild to severe and may fluctuate in response to. No one wants to experience pain, but it has remained an evolutionary fixture because it serves an important role in maintaining our healthit alerts us to physical damage. The pain you push your way through might be unbearable to someone else. Momentary chest discomfort is more likely to result from: With every deep breath or cough, pain pierces your chest. Complete our self-help guide to check your symptoms and find out what to do next. The sensation of pain involves communication between your nerves, spinal cord, and brain. Learn which symptoms could signal trouble and which are probably something else. Psychogenic pain most often has a physical origin either in tissue damage ornerve damage. Here's how it works and what to consider before trying it. How can I describe my pain to my health care provider? 145 S Main St Ste 1 It has many causes, and people respond to it in many different ways. Sometimes there may not even be a trigger for this type of, Injections of spinal disc tissue into the spine may relieve pain associated with degenerative disc disease, according to preliminary results of a. [3] Constipation When stool is too large or. Researchers say antidepressants are effective in treating mental health symptoms, but they don't appear to be effective in easing chronic pain. An over-the-counter antacid can help bring some relief. It may be caused by a broken tooth or untreated advanced gum disease (periodontitis) that has exposed your tooths roots or nerves. Improve this answer. This understanding can help you communicate more effectively with your doctor or physical therapist and better focus your treatment. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. A sharp pain can feel very intense and usually occurs when your problem tooth touches another tooth or a food item when biting down. There are several ways to classify pain. Have it diagnosed before then. Its generally more localized in a specific place. The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. ", National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: "NINDS Central Pain Syndrome Information Page.". It can also be further classified as being either visceral or somatic. Written By: Chloe WilsonBSc (Hons) PhysiotherapyReviewed By: SPE Medical Review Board. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Legal Disclaimer. Gallstones or infection around your liver can cause sharp, right-sided pain below your ribs. Tooth sensitivity pain usually occurs when your teeth are exposed to very cold or very hot foods or drinks. A stomach ache is cramps or a dull ache in the tummy (abdomen). The pain which is usually constant and may be very bad can affect a large part of the body or smaller areas, such as the hands or feet. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and visit a doctor or emergency room, notes Dr. Rimmerman. The nerves can get pinched at the neck from: Find Out More:Arm Nerve Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Unfortunately, chronic pain is very difficult to treat because it may have no apparent cause. Shoulder impingement syndromeoften causes a sharp pain in the shoulder. People often say it feels like their shoulder is going to pop out of its socket. Some people with nerve damage are often very sensitive to temperature and to touch. Last medically reviewed on October 10, 2018, Chronic pain syndrome occurs when pain remains long after an illness or injury has healed. And you might have unusualsweating, changes inskin color, or swelling where the pain is. These types of toothaches often come and go, but because they are linked to a more serious tooth problem, it wont go away until you get examined by your dentist. Consider any pain whether acute vs. chronic back pain worth taking care of. Pain in the lower abdomen (sharp or dull and may come and go) Pressure Swelling Bloating Pelvic pain Pain during sex Unusual vaginal bleeding Unexplained weight gain More frequent urination If a cyst bursts, it can cause severe, sudden pain. This type of pain is a classic toothache feeling. Youre sitting at the kitchen table sipping coffee when chest pain strikes like a lightning bolt. When the sharp pain is confined to the knee joint, it usually indicates a problem in the knee joint itself such as a soft tissue injury or inflammation of the . Nor do they find relief by taking a drink of water, popping antacids or taking deep breaths., Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. If you have lived for any appreciable length of time, you know that pain can occur in a myriad of forms. Summary If a person feels pain in their side or experiences tenderness around their lower back, it could indicate kidney issues. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dull pain is usually a bearable but long-term pain. Pain could be from damage to the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of thebrain and spinal cord. Chronic pain lasts longer than acute pain. See our T&C'sShoulder-Pain-Explained.com is a trading name of Wilson Health Ltd.All rights reserved. Diabetes is a common cause of neuropathic pain. A pinched nerve can cause pain that travels from the neck or shoulder into the arm or hand. Dull or achy pain can be related to degeneration, muscle strain, or overuse injury. Maybe you have constant sharp pain flaring up in one of your teeth throughout the day. Take a deep breath. Summary. But pain whether it comes from a bee sting, a broken bone, or a long-term illness is also something that feels bad both physically and emotionally. Acute pain is short-term pain that comes on suddenly and has a specific cause, usually tissue injury. Southwest Florida Neurosurgical Associates, Southwest Florida Neurosurgical and Rehab Associates is proud to announce its integration with. Not only are these forms of pain quite uncomfortable and disruptive, but they may be indicative of serious health issues. If your alignment has held from the prior visit, it wouldnt make sense to correct something that is maintaining its proper position. Sharp pain refers to a kind of sharp pain in nature such as stabbing pain, knife-like pain, usually the pain area is clear, the pain area can be felt accurately, and the pain area is small, but the pain degree is very strong and unbearable , causing emotional irritability, and the duration is short, but the frequency is high, common in . (2017). Not all chest pains are symptoms of a heart attack. Do you feel numb anywhere, including that pins-and-needles sensation? However . ", American Chronic Pain Association: "Managing Breakthrough Pain. The injury can be to bone, soft tissue, or organs. Too much weight, diabetes, or a high-cholesterol diet can make too much fat build up in your liver. If you don't actively seek treatment for this condition, it won't go away. It generally can somewhat resist medical treatment. For instance, it matters: Both sharp pain and dull pain can become chronic if you do nothing to treat it. Your pain can be located in one place or felt in multiple areas of your body. Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia.The same virus that causes chickenpox causesshingles. The comment feature is not governed by HIPAA and you should not post any of your private health information. It should go away on its own after a few days. A sharp pain can usually be pinpointed to a single tooth and normally means some sort of damage has occurred to it; you may feel a chipped or broken part on your tooth when you run your tongue over it. Patellofemoral pain syndrome. Certain. If you have a dull pain thats new and it doesnt improve in two to three weeks, bring it to your doctors attention. from your distinguished work, thank you." We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. And its fairly common, affecting an estimated 50 million adults in the United States. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused when your heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. If you need more help working out what is wrong, visit the shoulder pain diagnosis section. Pain is considered chronic if youd been suffering from it for at least three months. Back pain can also be searing or burning and refer to other areas down the arms or legs, which may indicate the involvement of the nerves and nerve roots. The feeling which many compare to getting an electrical shock lasts only an attention-grabbing moment. It generally can somewhat resist medical treatment. You may also feel numbness, pins-and-needles, or a burning sensation. Dull pain is usually used to describe chronic or persistent pain. Different pain sensations result from different injuries and/or conditions. In the majority of cases, if youre experiencing tooth pain, its a good idea to get examined by your dentist. Most rotator cuff tears are due to wear and tear and degeneration associated with aging, making them more common in people over the age of 40. Ketamine therapy may help with chronic pain that doesn't respond to other treatments. Our pain response may be involuntary as when we touch a hot stove and remove our hand before we recognize the burning sensation, but we normally use several areas of our brain to interpret the pain signals before we react. These can be: Viral: Mononucleosis (mono) and HIV/AIDS Bacterial: Cat scratch disease, syphilis, tuberculosis Parasitic: Toxoplasmosis Infections in nearby body parts may also drain to the lymph nodes in the axilla. How it helps arthritis, migraines, and dental pain. Share. "Sharp pain is more likely to be inflammatory in nature, where dull pressure or tightness is more like cardiac pain," says Dr. Denier. Aside from your chest, the pain, pressure or discomfort also may radiate to your: Lasting and unrelenting pain in these areas may signal a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, says Dr. Rimmerman. Panic attacks often feature a stabbing pain as opposed to the elephant-on-your-chest squeezing feeling that often accompanies a heart attack. 12700 Creekside Lane, Suite 101 Fort Myers, FL 33919, 632 Del Prado Blvd N., Suite 101 Cape Coral, FL 33909, Southwest Florida Neurosurgical & Rehab Associates Copyright 2018. Dull or sharp. Symptoms could include new or unexplained chest pain coupled with shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea, fatigue or lightheadedness. Sikandar S, et al. Rarity: Uncommon. But over time, your pain becomes more frequent and more intense. Here's an overview of thetypes of pain and what makes them different from one another. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/12051-acute-vs-chronic-pain, nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pelvicpain/conditioninfo/describe, primaris.org/sites/default/files/resources/Pain/pain_terminology%20and%20types%20final.pdf, macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/side-effects-and-symptoms/pain/different-types-pain-describe.html.