A method of classifying pain divides it into two broad classes: nociceptive and neuropathic pain (Helm, 2013; Types of pain, 2013). Nociceptive pain results from nerves sensing danger within the tissues because of change. The change can be due to inflammation, mechanical issues, or reduced blood supply. Examples of inflammatory pain are arthritis or many tissue injuries (Types of pain, 2013). Some mechanical issues that can cause pain are cuts or broken bones (Helm, 2013). Reduced blood supply causes pain in tissues because of an increase of the blood’s acidic levels (Types of pain, 2013). Because nociceptive pain is often due to inflammation, this kind of pain is often treated by anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen (Helm, 2013). All of these conditions are require notification to the brain of the danger and pain is the means of doing this.
Neuropathic pain is common to both classification systems and is the result of damage, such as a lesion or dysfunction, of the nervous system (Types of pain, 2013; Helm, 2013). Changes in nerve physiology can cause multiple types of abnormal sensations including loss of sensation, pins and needles, spontaneous shock-like pain, burning pain, pain caused by movement, shooting electrical pain, or deep pain resulting from pressure (Types of pain, 2013). This kind of pain results from abnormal activity in a damaged nerve. One example of this kind of pain comes from nerve damage due to diabetes and the high blood sugar levels associated with that condition (Helm, 2013). Neuropathic pain can also result from infection of the nerve by the herpes zoster virus, which causes shingles. Notably, after many physical injuries, the pain felt is likely a combination between nociceptive and neuropathic pain, although the nociceptive, often inflammatory-based, pain may overwhelm other pain sensations (Types of pain, 2013).
References
Helm, S. (2013). Pain management. What are the basic types of pain? MedicineNet.com. Retrieved from
http://www.medicinenet.com/pain_management/page2.htm
Types of pain (2013). Practical solutions for painful conditions. Types of pain. Specialistpainphysio.com. Retrieved from
http://www.specialistpainphysio.com/understand-pain/why-does-it-hurt/types-of-pain/
