Somatic Pain

Pain is basically, a feeling of distress or an unpleasant sensation the sensory neurons convey to the brain when we face situations that cause bodily harm. While this sensation might be experienced in event of actual injuries, or trauma to the body, at times, an awareness of a stimulus that might cause bodily harm can also cause pain. Thus, pain can be defined as the feeling of distress along with the perception of an unpleasant sensation. The location and intensity of the pain are important aspects as well. The location wherein pain is experienced forms the basis of classification of pain. Out of the various types of pain, somatic pain is one sensation that most of us experience more often.

Types of Pain

Pain could be nociceptive or non-nociceptive. Nociceptive pain arises when the pain receptors or specialized nerves in the skin, joints, tendons, muscles and organs respond to thermal, mechanical or chemical stimuli. When the nerve cells are subjected to changes in temperature, lack of oxygen, vibrations, tearing or stretching around the tissues, these receptors get activated, as a result, signals are sent to the brain and spinal cord. For instance, one experiences pain on being wounded. When brain receives these signals, it also signals us to withdraw from such situations. Once the injury or damage heals, the receptors stop sending the signals and the feeling of distress subsides. When this unpleasant sensation does not subside and persists, one is said to suffer from chronic pain. Nociceptive pain could be somatic or visceral. The location of the pain receptors forms the basis of this classification.

The pain experienced due to the stimulation of receptors located in the viscera, or the enclosed internal parts of the body, is referred to as the visceral pain. Since this type of pain arises from the body's internal areas such as the chest, thorax or the pelvic region, it is more difficult to locate and might give rise to referred pain. Stretching, extension or compression of these areas might cause such a sensation of pain. Generally, this is a deep-squeezing pain or a sensation of pressure. Somatic pain, on the other hand, is the pain arising from the stimulation of receptors in musculoskeletal tissues or the cutaneous tissues. When pain doesn't arise due to the stimulation of pain receptors, but arises due to damaged or dysfunctional nerve fibers within the central and peripheral nervous system, it is referred to as non-nociceptive pain. This type of pain is also called neuropathic pain.

Causes of Somatic Pain

One of the most common causes of this type of pain is trauma or injury. It is felt when the receptors on the body's surface, that is the cutaneous tissues, or the receptors in the muscles, ligaments, joints or bones, that is, the musculoskeletal tissues get activated. The pain could be deep or superficial. It is deep when the receptors in the musculoskeletal tissues get stimulated and superficial when the pain is felt due to injury to the superficial tissues or the skin. Since many receptors are located under the surface of the skin, superficial pain is sharp and well-defined. On the other hand, stimulation of receptors in the musculoskeletal tissues causes dull and localized pain. Symptoms such as bleeding, swelling, soreness or cramping might also be experienced by the sufferer. Various pain management techniques can be used for the treatment of this type of pain. The treatment options might involve the use of painkillers, opioids, steroids or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In case of soft tissue damage, bruises, burns, cuts or trauma to cutaneous tissues, pain management generally involves topical application of medicated creams and ointments along with painkillers.

Muscle tears, sprain, cuts, burns and wounds are some common injuries that give rise to somatic pain. This type of pain can be easily managed with the help of certain pain management techniques, but a timely treatment is important. Once the injury heals, pain will disappear as well.