Listen to Your Body: Women’s Health and the Dangers of Ignoring Chronic Pain
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Chronic pain is a widespread issue that affects almost every aspect of life and may indicate a greater underlying issue, from diseases to deficiencies. On the occasion of World Health Day on April 7, SheSight Magazine highlights the need to raise awareness about various health conditions from a woman’s perspective.
Often, women tend to ignore daily aches and pains, attributing them to stress and their hectic lifestyle. However, this attitude could result in severe consequences. Persistent pain could signify a disease or deficiency that requires immediate attention.
Dr. Gaurav Rathore, Director, Department of Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement at Jaypee Hospital, Noida, emphasizes the importance of paying attention to persistent aches and pains to avoid potentially serious health issues. Some common pains that women should never ignore include headaches, joint pain, back pain, stomach pain, chest pain, and toothache. In some cases, these pains can be a symptom of a deficiency, such as iron or vitamin D deficiency. In such cases, a change in diet or supplementation can help alleviate the pain. However, other times, these pains can be the early signs of more serious conditions such as cancer or autoimmune diseases. Therefore, it’s crucial to get a thorough evaluation from your doctor, including a physical exam and any necessary diagnostic tests.
Dr. Aditya S Chowti, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bangalore, warns against self-diagnosing chest pain as it may indicate a serious condition such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Joint pain can be caused by injury, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions, and a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan.
Dr. Saurabh Chandra, Consultant, Bone, Joint Replacement, and Orthopaedics at Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram, highlights that Vitamin D deficiency is one of the leading causes of muscle pain, which can result in consistent pain in different parts of the body and muscle aches. Adequate intake of Vitamin D can resolve the issue, but it needs to be investigated by a medical expert first. Women during menopause and severely iron-deficient people may also report headaches and fatigue.
Staff Writer
