What do "隐痛" (yǐn téng) and "钝痛" (dùn téng) feel like?
Jul 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, dull pain and aching pain are two common types of pain sensations. Although both are considered mild pain, they differ significantly in nature and characteristics. To avoid misjudging the body's condition or delaying treatment, it is recommended to evaluate the cause of pain under the guidance of a qualified physician and undergo relevant examinations. In daily life, maintaining healthy habits is also important.
Generally speaking, dull pain and aching pain are two common types of pain sensations. Although both are considered mild pain, they have significant differences in nature and characteristics. A detailed analysis is as follows:
Aching pain typically is described as a mild, non-severe sensation of pain. It often is not continuous, but rather comes and goes, giving a vague and not particularly noticeable feeling of discomfort. Aching pain may manifest as a persistent discomfort, but it is not intense enough to be unbearable.
Dull pain, on the other hand, is described as a heavier and less sharp sensation of pain. Compared with aching pain, dull pain may be more diffuse and less localized. Dull pain might be accompanied by a feeling of pressure or heaviness and is commonly seen in muscular strain or inflammatory diseases.
To avoid misjudging the condition or delaying treatment, it is recommended to consult a qualified physician to evaluate the cause of pain and undergo relevant examinations. In daily life, it is important to develop healthy habits, such as avoiding excessive fatigue, maintaining moderate physical activity, and ensuring a balanced diet, to help alleviate discomfort from pain.
