Pain: Symptoms

What other symptoms might occur with pain?

Pain may occur with other symptoms depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. For instance, if your pain is due to arthritis, you may experience pain in more than one joint. Pain due to a compressed nerve in the lower back can even lead to loss of bladder control. Pain is often a major symptom of fibromyalgia, which is also characterized by fatigue and sleep problems.

Symptoms that might occur along with pain

The range of symptoms that may occur with pain include:

• Depression

• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, sore throat, fatigue, headache, cough)

• Inability to concentrate

• Loss of appetite

• Muscle spasms

• Numbness

• Sleep disturbances

• Unexpected weight loss

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, pain may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious or life-threatening condition, such as a heart attack. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms, with or without pain, including:

• Bleeding symptoms, such as bloody urine or bloody stools

• Change in consciousness or alertness; confusion

• Chest pain radiating to the arm, shoulder, neck or jaw

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath

• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

• Increased or decreased urine output

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• Progressive weakness and numbness

• Redness, warmth or swelling

• Seizures

• Stiff neck and headache, with or without nausea or vomiting

• Weakness or lethargy