Numerous conditions can cause severe pain in the body. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, pain is a sensation triggered by the nervous system. The NIH states that pain can be sharp or dull and constant or intermittent. Pain is the body's signal that something is wrong. Once the underlying cause of the pain is identified and treated, pain often disappears. In some cases, however, severe and debilitating pain arises.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia can cause severe face pain. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a chronic pain disorder characterized by extreme, shock-like face pain. The face pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia is episodic, and it usually does not last longer than one or two minutes per bout.
The NINDS states that the intensity of the pain can be debilitating, both physically and mentally. Trigeminal neuralgia-related pain is usually concentrated on one side of the face, in the jaw or the cheek. The duration of trigeminal neuralgia episodes can be anywhere from days to months, and the pain can then disappear for months or even years. A person with trigeminal neuralgia will experience periods of remission and recurrence throughout his life. The intensity of the pain or the fear of an attack can cause a person to limit his activities.
Esophagitis
Esophagitis can cause severe pain. The Cleveland Clinic states that esophagitis is an inflammation in the lining of the esophagus, the tube that links the throat and the stomach. If esophagitis is left unchecked, it can cause severe pain along with numerous health complications, such as esophageal ulcers and scarring of the esophagus.
Common signs and symptoms of esophagitis include swallowing difficulties, heartburn and acid regurgitation. Esophagitis can be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which is the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Esophagitis can also be caused by vomiting, taking medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatories and infection by bacteria, fungi, viruses or diseases that impair the immune system.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can cause severe back and abdominal pain. According to MayoClinic.com, kidney stones are small deposits made of minerals and acid salts that form inside a person's kidneys. Although most stones are painless and exit the body without a person knowing it, some kidney stones can cause excruciating pain when passed. A changing pain pattern is one of the hallmarks of kidney stone-induced pain. The location of the pain changes as the kidney stone passes through the urinary tract.
Possible signs and symptoms associated with kidney stones include: severe pain in the side and back, pain that spreads to the abdomen and groin, painful urination, nausea and vomiting and an urge to urinate. MayoClinic.com states that kidney stones rarely cause permanent damage to the tissues of the urinary tract. Consuming sufficient amounts of water throughout the day can help reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
