Somatic pain is a type of discomfort that originates in the skin, muscles, joints, bones, or connective tissues. At Memorial Pain Clinic, we understand how difficult it can be to live with somatic pain, which is why we offer a number of interventions that allow you to experience life pain-free.
In order to find the right treatment plan for somatic pain, it’s important to determine the specific nature and severity of the pain. Luckily, somatic pain is easy to pinpoint and can be localized to a specific area of the body. If you’re searching for pain management in Tulsa for your somatic pain, our pain management professionals will work with you to develop a personalized plan that helps you feel your best.
Call us at (918) 200-9944 to schedule an appointment.
What Is Somatic Pain?
Somatic pain refers to discomfort originating from the body’s tissues, such as muscles, bones, skin, joints, and mucous membranes. It is typically localized and can be felt in specific areas of the body. This type of pain is distinct from other forms, as it arises from the surface or deeper structures of the body rather than from internal organs.
Somatic Pain as a Type of Nociceptive Pain
Somatic pain is a type of nociceptive pain, which is the body’s natural response to harmful stimuli. Nociceptive pain occurs when specialized nerve endings, known as nociceptors, detect tissue damage or potential injury. Nociceptors are specialized nerve endings that detect harmful stimuli, such as tissue damage or potential injury.
When nociceptors are activated, they send pain signals through the peripheral nerves to the spinal cord. When tissue in the body’s muscles, skin, or bones is damaged or irritated, the nociceptors in these tissues are activated. These nociceptor pain receptors send signals to the brain and the sensation of somatic pain is experienced.
Somatic vs Visceral Pain
While they may seem similar on the surface, somatic and visceral pain differ in their sources and characteristics. Somatic pain originates from the skin, muscles, bones, or joints, and is usually localized, allowing the affected area to be easily pinpointed.
In contrast, visceral pain arises from the internal organs, such as the stomach, intestines, heart, or reproductive organs, and is often diffused, making it difficult to locate. Visceral pain can also be accompanied by a deeper, more aching sensation as well as referred pain, which can also make the pain difficult to pinpoint.
Some examples of visceral pain include bladder pain, stomach pain, pelvic pain, and chest pain, and some people describe visceral pain as a squeezing or aching sensation in the general area where the pain is occurring, such as the lower or upper abdomen.
Somatic vs Neuropathic Pain
Somatic pain results from damage to the body’s tissues, such as muscles, skin, or bones, and is typically localized and sharp or aching. Neuropathic pain, on the other hand, occurs when there is damage or dysfunction to the nervous system itself, leading to nerve pain that can be burning, tingling, or shooting. Unlike somatic pain, neuropathic pain often involves abnormal signaling within the nerve fibers and may be more diffuse or persistent.
Deep Somatic Pain vs Superficial Somatic Pain
Deep somatic pain originates from deep tissues of the body like muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones and tends to be dull, aching, and less localized. Superficial somatic pain, on the other hand, arises from the skin or just below the surface of the skin, and is typically sharp, well-defined, and easy to pinpoint. The key difference lies in the depth of the tissue involved and the nature of the pain experienced.
What Does Somatic Pain Feel Like?
Somatic pain is often described as an aching, throbbing, or sharp pain that is easy to pinpoint. It originates in the skin, muscles, joints, or connective tissues and may feel localized or spread to nearby areas. Something like a paper cut would be considered somatic pain.
Somatic Pain Examples
Some examples of somatic pain include:
- Muscle strains
- Joint pain
- Bone fractures
- Tendonitis
- Cuts or abrasions
- Tension headaches
- Post-surgical pain
- Back pain
- Bone pain
These types of pain are typically easy to locate and may vary in intensity depending on the injury or condition.
What Can Cause Somatic Pain?
Somatic pain can be caused by damage or irritation to the skin, muscles, joints, bones, or connective tissues. Common triggers include injuries like cuts, bruises, or fractures, as well as conditions such as arthritis, muscle strains, or tendonitis. Inflammation, overuse, or pressure on tissues can also lead to somatic pain, making it a frequent result of physical trauma or repetitive movements. Other factors such as mental health conditions can cause somatic pain to manifest in various parts of the body, such as with somatic symptom disorder.
How Do We Diagnose Somatic Pain?
Somatic pain is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. At Memorial Pain Clinic, our doctors will ask about the location, duration, and nature of the pain and perform a physical evaluation to pinpoint the source of your discomfort. Imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be used to identify structural issues, while additional tests can help rule out other potential causes of pain.
Treatment Options in Tulsa for Somatic Pain
At Memorial Pain Clinic in Tulsa, we offer a variety of treatment options to address somatic pain effectively, depending on the cause and location. Medications, including over-the-counter medications, muscle relaxants, or prescription medications may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy utilizing customized exercises and stretches can help improve mobility, strengthen muscles, and treat pain. We can also provide trigger point injections into painful muscle knots to provide quick and effective relief, as well as nerve blocks to interrupt pain signals and offer longer-lasting relief.
For persistent or severe pain, options like radiofrequency ablation or spinal cord stimulation may be considered. Our team tailors medical treatment plans to your specific needs, ensuring the best approach to reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
When Should You Call Your Doctor About Somatic Pain?
You should call your doctor about somatic pain if you begin to experience persistent pain, your pain worsens, or it interferes with your daily activities. You should also seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, pain following an injury, or pain accompanied by symptoms like swelling, redness, or limited mobility. It’s also important to consult a healthcare provider if over-the-counter treatments aren’t effective or if the pain impacts your quality of life.
Contact Memorial Pain Clinic Today for Pain Relief in Tulsa, OK
Living with somatic pain can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. At Memorial Pain Clinic in Tulsa, we understand the challenges you face and are here to help. Our team is experienced in treating pain and can offer a personalized care plan personalized to your needs.
If you’re suffering from somatic pain, or another type of chronic pain, contact the professionals at Memorial Pain Clinic today to learn more about how we can help you and your situation. We can address the root cause of your pain and provide you with a treatment plan to improve your quality of life. Call (918) 200-9944 or contact us via our website to schedule an appointment with us today.
