Pain Without a Known Cause

Pain can occur in any part of the body and can range from mild to severe. Sometimes no cause can be found for why you are having pain. Some types of pain that can occur without a known cause include:

• Headache.
• Back pain.
• Abdominal pain.
• Neck pain.

Your health care provider will do tests to try to find the cause of your pain. If no cause is found, your health care provider may diagnose you with pain without a known cause. In some cases, your health care provider may repeat tests and look further for a possible cause.

Follow these instructions at home:

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not drive or use heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
• Stop any activities that cause pain. Rest during periods of severe pain.
• If directed, put ice on the painful area:
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• If directed, apply heat to the affected area. Use the heat source that your health care provider recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the heat source.
  • Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.
  • Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. This is especially important if you are unable to feel pain, heat, or cold. You may have a greater risk of getting burned.

General instructions

• Reduce your stress with activities such as yoga or meditation. Talk with your health care provider about other ways to reduce stress.
• Exercise regularly. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and low-fat dairy. Talk with your health care provider if you have any questions about your diet.
• If you are taking prescription pain medicine, take actions to prevent or treat constipation. Your health care provider may recommend that you:
  • Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
  • Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
  • Limit foods that are high in fat and processed sugars, such as fried and sweet foods.
  • Take an over-the-counter or prescription medicine for constipation.

Contact a health care provider if you:

• Have pain, and no reason can be found for it.
• Do not get better, even after treatment.

Get help right away if:

• Your pain is making you want to harm yourself.

If you ever feel like you may hurt yourself or others, or have thoughts about taking your own life, get help right away. You can go to your nearest emergency department or call:

• Your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
• A suicide crisis helpline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This is open 24 hours a day.

Summary

• Pain can occur in any part of the body and can range from mild to severe.
• Your health care provider will do tests to try to find the cause of your pain. If no cause is found, your health care provider may diagnose you with pain without a known cause.
• To help your pain, take medicines as told by your health care provider, apply ice or heat, exercise, reduce stress, and eat a healthy diet.