Difference Between Somatic and Visceral Pain

Somatic pain is the superficial pain that is felt in the soft tissues, muscles, and skin. Visceral pain is the painful sensation that originates from the internal organs or simply the viscera.

What is somatic pain?

Definition:

Somatic pain is the superficial pain that is felt in the soft tissues, muscles, and skin. It is the pain of musculoskeletal origin.

Causes:

Causes of somatic pain include major or minor trauma to joints or bones, lacerations on the skin, fall injuries, stressed muscles overlying a fractured bone, osteoporosis, carcinomas of connective tissue, bones or skin, and arthritis.

Symptoms:

Somatic pain occurs when sensations such as pressure, temperature, and vibration activate the pain receptors called nociceptors embedded in the tissues. The pain felt is cramping, aching, and sharp in nature.

Characteristics:

Somatic pain is localized to one area of the body. It is constant and does not fluctuate but is aggravated with movement. 

Treatment:

Over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs and Tylenol are used to treat mild cases of somatic pain. If the pain is severe, alternative options such as baclofen, opioids, and metaxalone are prescribed, with caution.

What is visceral pain?

Definition:

Visceral pain is the painful sensation that originates from the internal organs or simply the viscera.

Causes:

Causes of visceral pain include abdominal trauma damaging organs such as the gallbladder, kidneys, and intestines, acid reflux, constipation, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, infections of the liver and pancreas, cancers of visceral organs, menses, endometriosis, and prostate diseases. 

Symptoms:

Visceral pain is felt when the internal organs are inflamed or damaged. The pain is not sharp and feels like a deep squeeze in the tummy.

Characteristics:

Visceral pain is ill-defined, and vague in nature.

Treatment:

Over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs are generally prescribed against visceral pain, however it is important to identify the cause of the deep pain and treat it.

Difference between Somatic and Visceral pain

Definition:

Somatic pain is the superficial pain that is felt in the soft tissues, muscles, and skin. It is the pain of musculoskeletal origin. Visceral pain is the painful sensation that originates from the internal organs or simply the viscera.

Causes:

Causes of somatic pain include major or minor trauma to joints or bones, lacerations on the skin, fall injuries, stressed muscles overlying a fractured bone, osteoporosis, carcinomas of connective tissue, bones or skin, and arthritis.

Causes of visceral pain include abdominal trauma damaging organs such as the gallbladder, kidneys, and intestines, acid reflux, constipation, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, infections of the liver and pancreas, cancers of visceral organs, menses, endometriosis, and prostate diseases. 

Symptoms:

Somatic pain occurs when sensations such as pressure, temperature, and vibration activate the pain receptors called nociceptors embedded in the tissues. The pain felt is cramping, aching, and sharp in nature. Visceral pain is felt when the internal organs are inflamed or damaged. The pain is not sharp and feels like a deep squeeze in the tummy.

Characteristics:

Somatic pain is localized to one area of the body. It is constant and does not fluctuate but is aggravated via movement. Visceral pain is ill-defined and vague in nature.

Treatment:

Over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs and Tylenol are used to treat mild cases of somatic pain. If the pain is severe, alternative options such as baclofen, opioids, and metaxalone are prescribed, with caution. Over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs are generally prescribed against visceral pain, however it is important to identify the cause of the deep pain and treat it.

Table of differences between Somatic and Visceral pain

FAQs

What is an example of visceral pain?

Pain in endometriosis is an example of visceral pain.

What is somatic pain?

Somatic pain is the superficial pain that is felt in the soft tissues, muscles, and skin. It is the pain of musculoskeletal origin.

What is the difference between visceral and parietal pain?

Visceral pain is felt when the internal organs are inflamed or damaged. Parietal pain occurs when the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity is stretched or inflamed.

What is an example of deep somatic pain?

Pain in arthritis is an example of deep somatic pain.

Is neuropathic pain visceral or somatic?

Neuropathic pain can be both visceral and somatic.

What is a characteristic of visceral pain?

Visceral pain is not sharp and feels like a deep squeeze in the tummy. It is ill-defined and vague in nature.

Is gallbladder pain visceral or somatic?

Gallbladder pain is visceral.

Where is visceral pain located?

Visceral pain originates from the internal organs or simply the viscera.

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