TYPES OF PAIN Flashcards
Visceral pain?
Definition: Pain that originates from the internal organs (viscera).
Characteristics: It is often described as deep, aching, or cramping, and is usually poorly localized. It can be accompanied by nausea and changes in vital signs.
Examples: Pain from a stomach ulcer, kidney stones, or a heart attack
Somatic pain?
Definition: Pain originating from the skin, muscles, bones, or soft tissues.
Characteristics: It is usually well-localized and described as sharp, aching, or throbbing.
Examples: A wound, a sprain, or a muscle injury.
Muscle pain (myalgia)
Definition: Pain that originates from the muscles or soft tissues.
Characteristics: Can be aching, cramping, or tender. Often the result of overuse or strain.
Examples: Sore muscles after a workout, or pain from a muscle strain.
Radicular pain
Definition: Pain that radiates from the spine to other parts of the body, typically along a nerve root pathway.
Characteristics: It often feels like shooting or burning pain that travels down the path of the nerve.
Examples: Sciatica or a herniated disc affecting nerve roots.
Neuropathic pain?
Definition: Pain caused by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, including nerves, spinal cord, or brain.
Characteristics: It can feel like burning, tingling, shooting, or stabbing pain. There might also be numbness or weakness in the affected area.
Examples: Sciatica, diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, or phantom limb pain.
Nociceptive pain?
Definition: Pain caused by damage to tissues such as skin, muscles, bones, or organs.
Characteristics: It is usually sharp, aching, or throbbing. It serves as a warning signal for potential tissue damage.
Examples: A sprained ankle, post-surgical pain, or muscle strains.
