Published on: 4/28/2025
You should see a doctor if your one-sided pain is persistent, gets worse over time, or comes with other concerning symptoms.
It’s important to get medical help when one-sided pain doesn’t go away or even worsens. If the pain lasts for several weeks, affects daily activities, or is accompanied by other symptoms like numbness, swelling, or changes in how your body functions, a doctor’s evaluation is needed. Persistent pain might be a sign of chronic conditions or other underlying causes that require proper diagnosis and treatment. Sometimes, widespread pain can be confused with conditions such as fibromyalgia, but a doctor can help pinpoint the exact source of your discomfort through a physical exam, laboratory tests, and possibly imaging studies. Additionally, if the pain interferes with activities like work, sleep, or your overall quality of life, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider. Listening to your body is key—if the pain on your one side persists despite rest, medication, or self-care measures, or if you notice any worsening, schedule an appointment promptly to rule out more serious issues and to receive proper treatment.
(References)
Fenske JN, Berland DW, Chandran SK, et al. Pain Management [Internet].
Häuser W, Perrot S, Sommer C, Shir Y, Fitzcharles MA. Diagnostic confounders of chronic widespread pain: not always fibromyalgia. Pain Rep. 2017 Apr 30;2(3):e598. doi: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000000598. PMID: 29392213; PMCID: PMC5741304.
Hah JM, Aivaliotis VI, Hettie G, Pirrotta LX, Mackey SC, Nguyen LA. Whole Body Pain Distribution and Risk Factors for Widespread Pain Among Patients Presenting with Abdominal Pain: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Pain Ther. 2022 Jun;11(2):683-699. doi: 10.1007/s40122-022-00382-0. Epub 2022 Apr 25. PMID: 35467268; PMCID: PMC9098717.
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