Types of Pain - PharmDecks

Cardiovascular & Endocrine Pathophysiology

Classifying Pain

Pain can be categorised by duration, damage type, tissue type, or the part of the body affected.
Syndromes: Some pain types are classified as syndromes, such as myofascial pain syndrome, which originates in muscle trigger points.

Duration of Pain

Acute Pain:
- Sudden onset and temporary, lasting for a limited period.
- Acts as a warning signal for potential harm, and treatment is individualised.
- Example: A sprained ankle.
Chronic Pain:
- Persists for 12 weeks or more and may resist medical treatment.
- It is linked to long-term conditions and offers no benefit to the body.
- Example: Arthritis or chronic headaches.
Breakthrough Pain:
- Acute flare-ups that occur despite chronic pain management with medication.
- Short-term episodes that “break through” ongoing pain relief.

Pain by Damage

Nociceptive Pain:
- Triggered by the activation of pain receptors (nociceptors) due to harmful stimuli.
- Can be acute or chronic.
- Somatic Pain:
  - Originates from receptors on the body’s surface or musculoskeletal tissue.
  - Localised pain worsens with activity and improves with rest.
- Visceral Pain:
  - Stems from receptors in internal organs.
  - Deep, pressure-like sensation, not well-localised.
Neuropathic Pain:
- Results from damage to the nerves transmitting pain signals to the brain.
- Often described as sharp, shooting pain, which tends to be more intense.
- Examples of Neuropathic Pain:
  - Central Pain Syndrome: Chronic pain from central nervous system damage, worsened by movement or temperature changes.
  - Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Post-injury chronic pain described as constant burning, often with swelling or colour changes.
  - Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: Nerve damage from diabetes, commonly felt as burning or stabbing in the feet, hands, or legs.
  - Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia: Persistent pain following shingles, affecting a nerve pathway.
  - Trigeminal Neuralgia: Severe, lightning-like facial pain triggered by motion or touch.
Psychogenic Pain:
- Linked to psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, or stress, contributing to or worsening the pain.

Treatment of Pain

Pain management is typically handled in primary care, with treatment pathways provided by the British Pain Society.

Additional Notes

Pain Threshold vs. Pain Tolerance:
- Pain threshold is the point at which a stimulus is perceived as painful.
- Pain tolerance is the level of pain one can endure, which varies widely among individuals.
Mental Health:
- Chronic pain can worsen mental health, leading to conditions like depression or anxiety, which, in turn, can intensify pain.
Breakthrough Pain:
- Affects approximately 70% of individuals with chronic pain management, causing unexpected pain episodes.

This educational content aims to provide an overview of pain classifications and management. For diagnosis and treatment, always consult a healthcare professional.