Visceral Pain
December 24, 2008 by rainier
That visceral pain differs significantly from other types of pains has been appreciated by clinicians for centuries. As recently as the turn of this century, however, investigators were in disagreement about the source(s) of visceral pain. Some experts maintained that pain was not derived directly from a viscus , whereas others provided evidence for what they called “true visceral pain” or “splanchnic pain” .The issue is no longer contentious, but its consideration emphasizes several points important to our current understanding of visceral pain. First, pain per se does not arise from all viscera (e.g., liver parenchyma), but pain associated with such viscera does arise when the capsule containing that viscus distends or becomes inflamed. Second, tissue injury (or threat of such injury) may not be required or necessary for production of visceral pain, as it is for pain from cutaneous structures. Thus, Pain in your internal organs is more difficult for you to pinpoint because your brain doesn’t get much experience feeling pain from internal organs. The connections from pain sensors in your internal organs to your brain are less sophisticated than the nerve connections from your outer body.
You have experienced some visceral pains. Pain from acid indigestion or constipation is easy to recognize. These pains are easily treated and get better quickly either on their own or with treatment using nonprescription medicines.
But the pain from chronic pancreatitis (an inflammation of the pancreas) or chronic active hepatitis (an inflammation of the liver) can last a long time and be difficult to treat.
Visceral pain from gallstones or appendicitis, for example, can be treated with surgery. Other visceral pains can be treated with various non-opioid pain medications. Sometimes opioids may be needed.
