What are the Different Types of Pain?

When learning about pain, it can be helpful to note that there are different types of pain. Let’s learn about them below!

Firstly, knowing the difference between acute and chronic pain can be helpful.

Acute Pain is pain that typically lasts less than 3 months in length. Acute pain is generally related to damage to our tissues from injury, surgery, trauma, or infection. Over time, and with tissue healing, acute pain resolves.

Chronic Pain is pain that typically lasts longer than a 3-month period. Chronic pain is no longer about tissue damage but instead involves changes in our nervous system.

Pain can further be divided into other categories. We will discuss 3 of those categories below!

Nociceptive Pain is pain that is caused by tissue damage. Nociceptive pain is often what we experience in an acute pain experience. When special nerves in our body detect danger, they will produce nociceptive pain. Examples of nociceptive pain could be an ankle sprain, post-surgical pain, or a broken bone.

Neuropathic Pain is pain that occurs when we have damage to our nervous system. Neuropathic pain can occur without an acute injury. When different nerves in our body get impacted by injury, infection, trauma, or disease, for example, neuropathic pain can be produced. Examples of neuropathic pain are pain post-stroke or post-amputation, pain from diseases such as diabetes, or multiple sclerosis, pain from infections such as chicken pox or shingles, or pain from a herniated disc.

Nociplastic Pain is pain that occurs without evidence of tissue damage. With nociplastic pain, there are changes in the way that the body perceives pain signals. The body’s nervous system becomes hypersensitive, causing pain to be perceived without evidence of tissue damage. Nociplastic pain can occur after an injury, after the typical healing time of tissues, or it can occur spontaneously. Examples of nociplastic pain are fibromyalgia, unexplained headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and many different types of chronic pain.

Remember, pain is personal, and always real. Regardless of the pain you are experiencing, it is not in your head. Each type of pain can present differently. If you are experiencing pain it can be helpful to consult with a healthcare provider. Healthcare providers can help diagnose the type of pain you are experiencing, and set you up with an appropriate treatment plan.