What is the worst pain a human can experience? Scientists may finally have an answer

Pain is subjective, which is why what one person finds intolerable may be bearable to another. However, when it comes to specific health conditions, the pain is equally unimaginable for everyone. Although many moms maintain that a particular point in labor is the most painful, scientists disagree. Research indicates that kidney stones are the most painful natural pain a person may experience.

This is indicated by the findings of a study conducted by researchers Saiful Miah, Charlotte Gunner, Lucy Clayton, Suresh Venugopal, Nigel R. Boucher, and Bo Parys. As reported by Unilad, the team wrote, "Thirty-six male and 23 female patients fully completed the questionnaire with age, stone size, and numerical pain rating score recorded. There were no statistically significant differences in these parameters between male and female patients." They added, "From the male cohort of patients, 88.9% stated that it was the worst pain they had ever experienced and for the female cohort this was 78.2%." Several other medical professionals also agree with this.

In 2022, Professor Troy Madsen of the University of Utah took a deep dive into the topic during his guest appearance on the 'Who Cares About Men's Health?' podcast. He said, “I don't know that I ever see anyone on a regular basis in the ER who has more pain than a person who's there with a kidney stone. You can tell. You walk in the room, they're writhing […] It's just incredible pain.” Any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, can develop kidney stones. In a blog post, doctors at Cedars-Sinai, a well-known medical facility in Los Angeles, also emphasized the excruciating discomfort these stones can cause. It read, "Passing a kidney stone is said to be some of the most severe physical pain a person can experience."

Smaller kidney stones have been known to dissolve on their own without the need for medical treatment. Using over-the-counter pain relief pills, many people get comfort without developing any significant infections or symptoms. However, as reported by Healthline, it's very important to get medical help right once serious symptoms appear. Even though kidney stones can be both painful and irritating, there are several medical treatments available. There are several methods to reduce discomfort and help the body move the stones more easily, including medications and medical treatments.

Let’s face it—natural pain is never welcome, but it’s impossible to ignore, and when it lingers, it can take a serious toll not just on the body but on the mind as well. Living with chronic pain can be isolating, especially when others don’t fully grasp the extent of the discomfort. Although kidney stones are known for the pain they cause, Cosmopolitan listed several other health conditions that pack a painful punch. Among them is endometriosis, a condition so complex it often takes years to diagnose. Also on the list are Migraines, slipped discs, broken bones, frozen shoulders, and more, each capable of making daily life a real challenge.