Different Kinds of Pain

Pain is an unpleasant feeling that occurs in the body. The body uses pain as an alarm system to tell the inflicted individual that something is wrong. It is important to understand what type of pain is being experience in order to properly treat it. Pain can be divided into four categories; somatic, neuropathic, visceral, and mixed.

Somatic pain is the most common type of pain experienced. Pain is considered somatic when it affects the bones, muscles, skin, tendon, ligaments, and joints. Arthritis, broken bones, cuts, bruises, and pulled muscles are all considered somatic pain. Acute somatic pain can usually be treated with an over the counter pain reliever, while severe or chronic somatic pain will sometimes require a stronger, prescribed pain reliever.

Neuropathic pain is pain due to damage of nerves. Carpal tunnel, pinched nerves, and shingles are commonly occurring examples of neuropathic pain. Pain relievers are typically not prescribed or recommended for neuropathic pain, as they do not tend to lessen the pain. Anti-seizure medication is often prescribed because of the stabilizing effects it has on the nervous system. Physical therapy and light exercise can help reduce neuropathic pain.

Visceral pain is a cramp like pain that occurs when hollow organs contract. Menstrual cramping and kidney stone pain are examples of visceral pain. Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic form of visceral cramping. Pain relievers are usually given to treat visceral pain.

Mixed pain is a combination of two or more different pains being experienced together. A car accident, for example, may cause a person to experience somatic pain from a broken arm, and neuropathic pain from a pinched nerve in their neck. In the case of mixed pain, several medications may be administered to treat each type of pain being experienced.