The Top 10 Worst Pains Ever Experienced

What is the summit of suffering, the zenith of agony, the pinnacle of excruciating, harrowing pain? Today, we’re turning the dial up to 11 on the pain scale, and we might even hit 12. Buckle up and hope you never experience any of these horrors.

**10. Platypus Sting**

Let’s kick off with something truly nightmarish: the curse of the platypus. This seemingly adorable creature from Australia may look like a mishmash of animal parts, but don’t be fooled. If angered, it delivers one of the most agonizing stings in the animal kingdom. The platypus's venom contains 19 peptides—short chains of amino acids—that induce excruciating pain. Victims report experiencing a sensitivity to pain, known as hyperalgesia, long after the initial sting. The pain can be so intense that it causes nausea, dizziness, and even temporary paralysis. One Vietnam War veteran claimed the pain from a platypus sting was worse than being hit by shrapnel. In extreme cases, the pain persists for weeks, and medications often provide little relief. A case published in the National Library of Medicine described a patient whose affected hand remained painful and swollen for three weeks, with significant impairment lasting up to three months.

**9. Toothache**

A severe toothache is not just a mild discomfort; it can be excruciating. When the tooth’s pulp becomes infected, it can escalate to unbearable pain. The infection may develop into a dental abscess, exacerbating the agony. In the 19th century, severe toothaches were so painful that some people would engage in extreme measures to alleviate their suffering. There were reports of teeth exploding due to the pressure of the infection, providing sudden but short-lived relief. One case described a tooth exploding so violently that it caused ringing in the ears. Even though modern dental care has improved, the pain of a severe toothache remains intensely debilitating. Some people have reported that a toothache was worse than childbirth, illustrating just how bad this type of pain can be.

**8. Kidney Stones**

Kidney stones are often described as the male equivalent of childbirth due to their intense pain. These stones form when waste products crystallize in the kidneys and can range from tiny grains to the size of a fist. In 2022, a man in India endured 206 kidney stones, living in agony for months. Descriptions of the pain include comparisons to being stabbed with a white-hot knife. Kidney stones can cause severe pain as they move through the urinary tract, leading to symptoms that may include intense abdominal pain, frequent urination, and nausea. Prompt medical attention is crucial as untreated stones can lead to further complications.

**7. Tarantula Hawk Wasp Sting**

The tarantula hawk wasp might sound like a creature from a horror movie, but it’s real—and it’s infamous for its sting. This wasp’s sting is described as one of the most painful insect stings known. Victims report an initial excruciating pain that lasts for about five minutes. Despite the pain being severe, the venom is not lethal to humans. The wasp’s name comes from its gruesome method of reproduction: it paralyzes a tarantula, lays an egg on it, and leaves the spider to be consumed by the developing larva. Although these wasps rarely sting humans, encountering one can lead to five minutes of electrifying pain.

**6. Cancer Pain**

Cancer is a major global health issue and is often associated with significant pain. Bone cancer, in particular, is known for its severe pain, which can manifest as intermittent bursts of extreme discomfort. Pain can be constant and throbbing, making it difficult to manage even with strong medications. Bone cancer is less common than other types, such as breast or lung cancer, but its pain can be particularly challenging to treat. Reports from cancer forums describe varying experiences, from dull aches to sudden, sharp pain. The unpredictability and intensity of the pain make it a harrowing experience for many.

**5. Spinal Headache**

A spinal headache is a severe type of headache that can occur after spinal taps or epidurals. This type of headache results from a leak of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to intense, throbbing pain that can be accompanied by nausea, dizziness, and even seizures. The pain can be so severe that it significantly impacts daily functioning, and recovery can take weeks. Some sufferers report a constant, debilitating ache that makes even basic activities challenging. Despite its rarity, a spinal headache can be a debilitating consequence of medical procedures.

**4. Testicular Torsion**

Testicular torsion is a condition where the testicle twists around itself, cutting off blood supply. This condition is extremely painful and requires immediate medical attention to prevent tissue death. The pain is often sudden and severe, leading to intense discomfort that can interfere with daily activities. Testicular torsion commonly affects young men and can occur without any apparent cause. If not treated quickly, it can lead to permanent damage or loss of the testicle.

**3. Gunshot Wounds**

Gunshot wounds, particularly to the abdomen or kneecap, are known for their intense pain. Getting shot in the abdomen can cause severe internal damage and pain, while a shot to the kneecap can result in a shattered bone and extreme discomfort. In some cases, gunshot wounds are used as a form of punishment, such as in Northern Ireland’s “punishment attacks,” where victims were shot in the knee as a form of retribution. The pain from such injuries is extreme and can lead to long-term suffering and disability.

**2. Cluster Headaches**

Cluster headaches are often described as one of the most painful conditions known. These headaches involve sudden, severe pain typically around one eye and can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. They may occur multiple times a day over weeks or months. The pain is often so intense that sufferers might engage in self-destructive behavior, such as banging their heads against walls. The exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but they are linked to abnormalities in the hypothalamus. Traditional medications may not be effective, and some patients have turned to experimental treatments like psychedelics for relief.

**1. Trigeminal Neuralgia**

Trigeminal neuralgia is often considered the most painful condition, characterized by sudden, severe facial pain that can feel like a knife stabbing the face. The pain occurs due to compression of the trigeminal nerve, and attacks can happen multiple times a day, lasting for months at a time. The condition can be so debilitating that it severely impacts daily life. While there are treatments available, the attacks can be recurring, making it a relentless and unbearable experience for many sufferers.