If not due to an injury, most pain should be addressed with your primary care or pain management physician.

Go to your nearest ER or call 911 if any of these conditions apply:

• Headache that comes on suddenly and is especially violent
• Headache following any type of head injury
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck and/or vomiting
• Headache accompanied by slurred speech, confusion, changes in vision or movement
• Back pain with difficulty urinating or controlling urine
• Back pain with blood in urine
• Back pain with loss of bowel control
• Leg pain if you've had recent surgery, or been on a long plane or car ride
• Chest pain or pressure
• Severe abdominal pain

Common causes of sudden and sevre pain cinclude:

• Stroke - occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is stopped or reduced
• Heart Attack - typically severe pain in chest, back or arm, accompanied by sweating, chest pressure or difficulty breathing
• Blood Clots - can be the cause of severe leg pain; can be life-threatening
• Appendicitis - inflammation of the appendix; typically causes severe pain in right side of abdomen
• Kidney or Gall Stones - severe pain in the abdomen that can come on slowly and move around
• Herniated Disc or Pinched Nerve - typically a more chronic problem but can come on suddenly
• Migraine Headaches - pulsating headaches that can include nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity
• Muscle Sprains and Strains - sudden pain due to overuse or improper movement

This list is not inclusive of all possible medical emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.