It’s normal to experience pain from time to time—but knowing when to take action can be confusing. Not every ache or twinge requires a visit to your chiropractor or family doctor, but some signs should never be ignored.

Some symptoms clearly signal a medical emergency. You should call 911 or go to the ER immediately if you experience:

• Crushing chest pain with radiating discomfort in the left arm, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or a sense of doom

• Severe abdominal pain in the lower right side, especially if it wakes you up at night and is accompanied by fever and vomiting

In these situations, don’t wait—get emergency care right away.

Most pain is not dramatic or life-threatening. It’s your body’s way of letting you know something is off. In many cases, your body is capable of healing itself—like with a mild ankle sprain or muscle strain. If pain improves within 48 hours and you feel better, medical treatment may not be necessary.

However, if the pain is lingering, worsening, or simply doesn’t feel right, it’s best to get it checked out. Follow your gut. When in doubt, don’t ignore your body’s signals.

Certain types of pain are strong indicators that it’s time to schedule an appointment[1,2]:

• Recurring low back or neck pain, especially if it happens frequently

• Persistent headaches, especially if the pain is new or unusually intense

• Pain that radiates down an arm or leg, especially with numbness or tingling

• Pain that doesn’t improve or makes it hard to go about daily activities

Even if you’re unsure what’s causing your pain, a chiropractor can help identify the source and guide you with a plan of care[3].

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. You don’t need to be in excruciating pain to benefit from expert advice. Chiropractic care can often resolve underlying issues before they become serious.

Your Next Step:
If you’re experiencing ongoing or unexplained pain, schedule an appointment at Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center. Our goal is to help you understand the source of your pain and provide effective, non-invasive solutions to help you heal and get back to doing what you love.