Abdominal pain is a big sign of appendicitis but it’s not the only one.

In fact,many believe it to be rather useless, offering no real perks for our health.

Appendicitis is essentially when the appendix becomes blocked, swollen or infected.

A person is sitting on a couch, holding their lower right abdomen in discomfort. There are decorative pillows on the couch

This is specifically seen among kids, pregnant women and elderly seniors.

The pain may also feel like a period cramp or radiate toward the hip, Turaga said.

These can be unexpected symptoms youll want to pay attention to, Rao said.

Person holding their abdomen, indicating stomach pain, with a towel wrapped around their waist

Lower back pain

Its normal to feel like the pain isnt going away.

This can mimic the discomfort that occurs with spine issues or other chronic back problems.

Some people may even experience this pain in their hamstring or rectum.

A person sitting on a toilet with grey shorts around their ankles, holding a roll of toilet paper in a bathroom with a woven basket and a grey rug

This is often an early sign of appendicitis, according to Turaga.

Pain with movement

Another unexpected sign could be pain when moving around.

Appendicitis left untreated can cause perforation and sepsis, Turaga said, both of which can be serious.

Person outdoors in athletic clothing, facing away, holding their lower back with both hands, suggesting discomfort or pain

Woman in a kitchen looking thoughtfully at a slice of bread, with more slices on a plate in front of her

A patient with back pain, wearing a brown shirt, is being examined by a healthcare professional in a white coat, who is placing hands on the patient's back

Person sitting on a bed, holding their stomach in pain. They are wearing a tank top and lace-trim shorts