Somatic Pain Relief | safe4cure
To manage somatic pain relief, doctors frequently turn to medication. NSAIDs, such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil), as well as acetaminophen (Tylenol), are available over-the-counter.
Symptoms and Identification
Somatic pain
Somatic pain occurs when pain receptors in tissues (including the skin, muscles, skeleton, joints, and connective tissues) are activated. Typically, stimuli such as force, temperature, vibration, or swelling activate these receptors. This type of pain is often described as:
- cramping
- gnawing
- aching
- sharp
Somatic discomfort frequently affects just one location. Movement stimulates it constantly. Somatic discomfort includes pain in the pelvis, headaches, and skin injuries.
Somatic pain is frequently split into two categories. The first type, referred to as superficial pain, is brought on by the activation of pain receptors in the skin, mucus, and mucous membranes. Surface-level somatic discomfort is typically caused by ordinary, common injuries.
Deep somatic pain is the second type of somatic pain. When deeper pain receptors in the body, such as those found in tendons, joints, bones, and muscles, are activated by stimuli, deep somatic pain results. Compared to superficial somatic pain, deep somatic pain typically feels more like an "aching".
Visceral pain
When pain receptors in the pelvis, abdomen, chest, or intestines are stimulated, visceral discomfort results. When our internal organs and tissues are hurt or destroyed, we feel it. Visceral pain is ill-defined, diffuse, non-localized, and poorly understood. It frequently has a tightening, pressing, or hurting sensation.
What are some causes for each type of pain?
Somatic pain
Because somatic pain occurs from a variety of sources, it has many different potential causes. These include:
- a small or large injury to joints or bones
- any trauma or cut to the skin
- a fall or collision that damages connective tissues
- a strained muscle due to excessive use
- a bone fracture
- diseases that affect connective tissues such as osteoporosis
- cancers that affect the bones or skin
- arthritis that leads to swelling in the joints
Visceral pain
Visceral pain occurs when there is damage or disruption to internal organs and tissues. Causes include the following:
- injuries to internal organs, such as the gallbladder, intestines, bladder, or kidneys
- damage to the core muscles or abdominal wall
- spasms in the core muscles
- acid indigestion
- other digestive problems such as constipation
- infections in the digestive and renal systems
- problems in specific organs such as the pancreas or liver
- cancer that affects internal organs such as stomach cancer
Treatment
Pain is complicated and incredibly personal. As a result, managing discomfort can be challenging. By addressing the underlying cause(s) of pain, physicians can treat both somatic and visceral pain. For instance, if a patient has osteoarthritis, a doctor may recommend one of several drugs to treat the condition's symptoms.
