Nociceptive pain

Nociceptive pain arises from stimulation of pain receptors, nociceptors, in the body’s tissues. This type of pain may be further classified as superficial somatic, deep somatic, or visceral.

Superficial somatic pain is typically caused by cuts, needle pricks, and burns. The pain, which arises from stimulation of many nociceptors in skin and subcutaneous tissues, is sharp, acute, and easily localized.

Deep somatic pain typically occurs as a result of broken bones or muscle strain. The pain, which arises from stimulation of nociceptors in skeletal muscles, joints, tendons, and connective tissues, is perceived as a dull, localized pain.

Visceral pain typically comes from ischemia, chemical damage, or spasms of internal organs, or from overstretching internal tissues. The pain is detected by slow pain receptors and is generally perceived as a dull, poorly localized, long-lasting, possibly severe ache.

Review Date:4/1/2025
Reviewed By:Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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