Pain is an uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating sensation that can significantly impact our lives. It comes in many forms, requiring different treatments and pain management techniques. While there are many categories of pain, here are five primary types that can affect your life.
ACUTE PAIN
A sprained ankle is an example of acute pain.
…is the most common form in the categories of pain and is usually caused by tissue damage, trauma, or an infection. It is typically sharp and localized. Examples of acute pain are a cut, a broken bone, a burn, a bruise, pulled muscle, or a minor sports injury. Acute pain is often resolved quickly with at-home remedies like RICE (rest/ice/compression/elevation) or over-the-counter medications.
CHRONIC PAIN
…is a lingering pain that persists for over three months and can happen in any body part. A chronic illness or a previous injury may cause it. This type of pain can range from mild to severe. It may often create conditions such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Some examples of chronic pain are migraine headaches, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. Treatment might involve medications, medical marijuana, nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, or physical therapy. Lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, stress reduction, and improved sleep may improve chronic pain.
NEUROPATHIC PAIN
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by diabetes.
…occurs by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system due to an illness or trauma. It can be burning or stinging in nature and difficult to manage conventionally. This type of pain might appear from disease, injury, or damage to sensory nerves, like diabetes-related nerve problems or shingles. Chemotherapy, toxins, alcoholism, or an infection could also cause it. Treatment might include medications, nerve blocks, or radiofrequency ablation. Neuropathic pain is difficult to treat, so you must see your physician immediately if you experience symptoms.
NOCICEPTIVE PAIN
…comes from injuries, surgeries, or chemicals. There are three classifications of nociceptive pain: superficial, deep somatic, and visceral. Superficial occurs on the skin; somatic affects bones, muscles, and ligaments; visceral affects the organs. Examples of nociceptive pain would be stubbing a toe, breaking a bone, discomfort from constipation, or a stomach ache. Some aspects of this pain resolve independently, while others, like a broken bone, may require immediate attention.
RADICULAR PAIN
…comes from a singular nerve root. For example, an inflamed nerve root in the neck may radiate pain down the arm. Or, pain may radiate from your back or hip into your leg via your spine. Radicular pain is typically sharp and worsens with particular activities. Often there is a weakness or loss of reflexes, numbness, or other unusual limb sensations. Sciatica is a common type of radicular pain. Treatment for radicular pain might be physical therapy, OTC medications, epidural injections, nerve blocks, activity modification, or an alternative option like yoga.
It’s important to remember that pain is not normal. If you experience pain for more than a few days, it is vital to consult with your physician. At Bradenton Pain and Wellness Center, our medical team is expert in all aspects of pain management. Treatment options are unique for each patient based on individual needs and conditions.
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