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There are two main types of pain, known as nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. Psychogenic pain is another term that is sometimes used to describe cases of pain, although this is not an official diagnostic term. Alternatively, pain can be classified according to the duration of the pain, as acute, chronic or breakthrough pain.
Nociceptive pain is caused by the activation of nociceptors in the body by noxious or potentially harmful stimuli. Activation of these receptors leads to an action potential and the propagation of nervous messages to the central nervous system and brain.
This type of pain is a normal response of the body to potential harm and serves to help protect from dangers that are encountered. It can be acute or chronic in nature, depending on the specific case and the cause of the pain. Nociceptive pain can be further classified into subtypes as somatic or visceral pain.
Somatic nociceptive pain originated from pain receptors located on the surface of the body or in the musculoskeletal tissues. This type of pain is usually localized to a certain area of the body and often worsens with activity but is relieved by periods of rest.
Visceral pain refers to pain that results from pain receptors located in the internal organs within a cavity of the body. This type of pain is usually described as a deep, pressure like feeling that is not localized to a certain point in the body.
Neuropathic pain is caused by injury to the nerves that are involved in the propagation of electrical signals that send messages of pain from the receptors to the brain. This type of pain is typically described as a sharp, shooting pain that is often more intense
There are various causes of nerves damage and resulting neuropathic pain, including certain infections, diabetes and some surgical procedures.
Additionally, psychogenic pain is another term that is sometimes used to describe pain. This is not an official diagnostic term for pain but is sometimes used to describe pain that is associated with some degree of psychological disturbance. This may include anxiety, depression, stress that may be a consequence of or have a causative effect on the pain.
In addition to nociceptive and neuropathic pain, an alternative method to classify the type of pain is by the duration of pain. By this classification, pain may be acute, chronic or breakthrough, as described below:
The terms acute, chronic and breakthrough pain are useful when describing different types of pain making treatment decisions with patients.