Different Types of Pain

Did you know that there are different types of pain? Pain is complex, and occurs due to many different factors. Let’s dive into 3 different types of pain!

Nociceptive Pain

Nociceptive pain is a type of pain caused by damage to body tissue. Nociceptive pain often feels sharp, aching, or throbbing. It is typically caused by an external injury such as a fall, a dental procedure, an overuse injury, or a work/sports injury. Nociceptive pain occurs when the body senses danger to the tissues. Nociceptors (a type of receptor in the body) sense danger to bones, muscles, tissues, and skin. A signal is then sent to the brain to produce pain. This is how nociceptive pain works. Nociceptive pain is often treated with rest and physical rehabilitation.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is pain caused by damage to the nerves or nervous system. Neuropathic pain is often sharp, shooting, burning and can include numbness and tingling. Neuropathic pain is caused by many things, some examples are diabetes, multiple sclerosis, herniated discs, nerve compression, cancer, and shingles. When issues occur in the nerves, signals are sent to the brain to produce pain. Neuropathic pain is often treated with medication, injections, and physical rehabilitation.

Neuroplastic Pain

Neuroplastic pain occurs due to hypersensitivity in the nervous system. It can often occur after an acute injury (nociceptive pain) past the period of tissue healing. Neuroplastic pain occurs when your brain mistakes safe nerve signals from the body as dangerous, generating pain. Basically, your nervous system becomes hypersensitive. Pain is often neuroplastic when it is inconsistent, spreads to different areas of the body, is triggered by things that shouldn’t hurt, or occurs hours after activities are done. Neuroplastic pain is often treated with a mind/body approach.

What is your experience with pain? Have you experienced all these types of pain yourself?