What type of pain is classified as visceral?

Visceral pain is characterized as pain that originates from internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, stomach, or intestines. This type of pain is often described as a deep, dull, or vague sensation and can be difficult for patients to pinpoint exactly, which is a key feature of visceral pain. It results from the activation of nociceptors (pain receptors) in the internal organs due to various stimuli such as distention, inflammation, or ischemia.

In contrast, pain from the skin is classified as somatic pain, which is more localized and typically results from superficial injuries. Muscle damage leads to somatic pain as well due to muscle strain or injury, while pain resulting from nerve damage is referred to as neuropathic pain, characterized by abnormal processing of pain signals. Understanding these classifications is essential for effective diagnosis and management of patients experiencing different types of pain in acute care settings.