Pain is one of the body’s most important warning systems. It alerts us when something is wrong, helping us take action before a condition worsens. Yet, many people tend to ignore or dismiss certain types of pain, believing it’s “nothing serious” or just a temporary discomfort. Unfortunately, these small pains can sometimes be early warning signs of serious underlying health issues. Recognizing which pains should not be ignored could literally save your life. Here are some types of pain most people brush off—but that can signal serious trouble.

1. Chest pain or pressure
A mild ache, squeezing, or pressure in the chest is often overlooked as indigestion or muscle strain. However, this can be a major warning sign of heart disease or an impending heart attack. If the pain spreads to your left arm, neck, or jaw, or comes with shortness of breath and sweating, seek medical help immediately.

2. Lower back pain
Back pain is common, but persistent or severe lower back pain could be a sign of something more than poor posture. It can indicate kidney infections, herniated discs, or even problems with the pancreas or abdominal aorta. Pain that doesn’t improve with rest should always be evaluated by a doctor.

3. Headaches that feel different from usual
Occasional headaches are normal, but if you experience sudden, intense headaches that feel unlike your usual ones, it could indicate a brain aneurysm, high blood pressure, or even a stroke. Headaches accompanied by vision changes, dizziness, or vomiting should never be ignored.

4. Pain in the jaw or left shoulder
This type of pain, especially when accompanied by chest discomfort, is often a silent sign of heart trouble. Many people—especially women—experience heart-related pain in areas other than the chest. Don’t dismiss it as muscle soreness or fatigue.

5. Pain or numbness in the legs
Cramping or numbness in the legs that occurs while walking but improves with rest could signal peripheral artery disease (PAD). This means your arteries are narrowing, restricting blood flow. If untreated, it can lead to heart disease or stroke.

6. Abdominal pain
Stomach pain is often dismissed as indigestion or gas, but persistent or sharp abdominal pain can be caused by gallstones, ulcers, or inflammation of the pancreas or appendix. Pain in the upper right abdomen might also point to liver problems.

7. Pain in the lower leg or calf
This may seem like a minor muscle strain, but it could indicate a blood clot, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If accompanied by swelling, redness, or warmth, it’s a medical emergency because the clot could travel to the lungs.

8. Foot or heel pain
Many people experience heel pain and assume it’s just fatigue or bad shoes. However, constant pain in the foot—especially near the heel—can be a sign of plantar fasciitis or nerve damage from diabetes. Persistent foot pain should never be ignored, especially in people with high blood sugar.

9. Pain during urination or in the lower abdomen
This can be a sign of urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones, or prostate problems in men. Ignoring the pain can lead to severe infection or kidney damage.

10. Unexplained shoulder or upper back pain
Sometimes, pain in these areas can be referred pain from internal organs. For instance, gallbladder disease or lung conditions can cause shoulder or upper back discomfort.

When to Take Pain Seriously

Your body speaks to you through pain. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away—it allows the problem to grow. Any pain that is persistent, severe, or unusual should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. In many cases, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications or save lives.

Instead of brushing pain off as “normal,” pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you. Being aware of these warning signs—and acting on them—could make the difference between catching a disease early or facing serious health consequences later.