Childbirth is often cited as one of the most painful experiences a person can go through. Yet, believe it or not, some medical conditions and events are considered to be even more painful. From excruciating disorders like trigeminal neuralgia to sudden injuries such as kidney stones, these conditions can be equally or even more agonizing.

Things Even More Painful Than Childbirth

1. Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition that affects the trigeminal nerve in your face. When this nerve is activated, it can cause severe, stabbing pain. Imagine a hot knife slicing through your face without warning. That’s how some describe the sensation. The pain can be so intense that people often wince or twitch involuntarily, earning it the nickname “the suicide disease.”

2. Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches come in cycles and can last for weeks or even months. They usually occur on one side of the head and around the eyes. Unlike migraines, which are debilitating but bearable for some, cluster headaches are often termed “suicide headaches” because of their unbearable pain level. The agony is similar to a burning or piercing sensation.

3. Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. When these stones move through your urinary tract, the pain can be excruciating. It has been likened to the pain of childbirth, and in some cases, it’s considered even worse.

To manage it, doctors usually prescribe pain medication and sometimes recommend shock wave therapy to break up the stones. Drinking lots of water also helps flush them out.

4. Shingles

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. The pain from shingles can be constant and burning. The affected area can be incredibly sensitive to touch, making even the feeling of clothing unbearable.

5. Sickle Cell Crisis

This is a condition in which sickle-shaped red blood cells block small blood vessels. The resulting pain can be intense and has been compared to being repeatedly struck by a hammer. The blockages deprive tissues and organs of oxygen, leading to even more pain.

6. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a vital digestive organ. Inflamed pancreas tissue can cause severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back. The pain can be ongoing and may require hospitalization for management.

7. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

CRPS is a chronic pain condition that usually affects one limb, often after an injury. The pain is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury and can be persistent, burning, and intense.

8. Slipped Disc

A slipped disc occurs when one of the discs in the spine ruptures, pressing on the nerves. The pressure on the nerve can be agonizing and can cause pain to radiate down your limbs. In severe cases, it might even lead to paralysis.

9. Bone Cancer

Bone cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the bones, disrupting the normal cellular process. Pain comes from the cancer cells invading and destroying the bone tissue, causing intense, deep pain that often worsens at night.

10. Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns affect both the outer layer and the underlying layer of skin. The pain is intense due to nerve-ending exposure and can be even worse when air hits the affected area. Pain management often involves strong medications.

11. Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that typically affects the big toe. When uric acid crystals accumulate in the joint, it results in extreme stabbing pain. Some people describe the sensation as though their toe is on fire, making even the weight of a sheet intolerable.

12. Appendicitis

An inflamed appendix can cause severe abdominal pain that usually starts around the navel and then shifts to the lower right abdomen. If not treated promptly, the appendix can burst, making the situation even more painful and potentially life-threatening.

13. Emotional Pain: Losing a Loved One

The emotional toll of losing a loved one can sometimes be more painful than physical pain and can have long-lasting effects. Therapy and support groups can be helpful in managing the emotional pain. Time is also a crucial factor in the healing process.

14. Heartbreak

Though not a physical condition, the emotional pain from heartbreak can feel just as intense as any physical pain. Talking to friends, focusing on self-improvement, and sometimes seeking professional help can aid in recovery.

In general, while childbirth is undeniably painful, it’s essential to recognize that pain is a subjective experience, and what might be bearable for one person can be excruciating for another.