Explanations about the different types of pain we experience
 
There are two main types of pain that sufferers experience. In addition to traditional pain definitions, it is also important to recognise that all pain can be further exacerbated by mental anguish which is known as psychogenic pain.

Nociceptive Pain

This is suffered as a result of either injury to tissues or general wear and tear. Nociceptive pain is commonly referred to as a quite severe continuous pain that increases in rhythm with the pulse (a throbbing sensation).

Neuropathic Pain

The root cause of this type of pain is not known in a large proportion of subjects and it can occur through a cocktail of injuries, conditions and diseases.

Neuropathic pain is suffered through some form of nerve damage and is triggered by other conditions or diseases, including diabetes, osteoarthritis or shingles.

This type of pain creates sensations similar to heavy or overbearing pain that cause the sufferer to feel overheated. When the pain is actually in a nerve directly, some numbness can also occur.

The nervous system is the information highway that transmits pain signals to the brain from various parts of the body.

Nociceptive and Neuropathic Pain combinations

There are many conditions where a sufferer will experience both types of pain as there are a combination of causes that result in this unfortunate occurrence.

Other main pain area types are:

Cutaneous pain

Pain which is caused by some form of trauma to the outer shield of the body - and its largest organ - the skin. This type of pain is very acute at the time of injury and can be reflected by a large number of incidents such as stings, cuts, bruises, abrasions, burns and scalds.

Somatic pain

This type of pain results from injuries or disease to bones and synovial tissue such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons and bones. Where there is an injury such as a bone fracture or muscular torsion such as a sprained muscle group, this will also result in somatic pain. This type of pain is more persistent and debilitating for the sufferer.

Visceral pain

This is pain that emanates from internal body cavities and components such as organs, including the kidneys, liver, pancreas, lungs and even lymph nodes, which can present as a referred pain in another dependent part of the body. This type of pain is also very wearing as whilst it is not acute, it is long lasting.