If you suggested that the different types of pain classifications were: Oww. Ouch! Zowwie! And, Son of a Biscuit Eater! You would be incorrect.
There are many ways to categorize pain, but the ferocity of the expletive shouted at the time of pain is not an accepted standardization. A common way to categorize pain is whether it is acute or chronic.
Does the pain come on suddenly and last for a relatively short duration (cut, burn, broken bone)? Or, does the pain stick around, typically six months or longer (fibromyalgia, low back pain, arthritis)?
Pain can also be categorized by the injury or damage it causes.
Nociceptive pain is caused by injury to body tissue (cut, trauma). We have nociceptors in the body, which are pain receptors, to help us detect injury to the skin and internal organs. Neuropathic pain occurs as a result of irritation or injury to nerves (diabetes, infection, excess alcohol). It is typically characterized by qualities like burning, shooting, stabbing, shocking, or pins-and-needles sensations.
Central pain occurs when there is damage to the central nervous system. This can occur with stroke, tumor, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions.
An important function of pain, regardless of the classification, is to let you know that something is wrong. So, remember if you do get hurt, yelling “William Shatner!” or “Bob Saget!” is not going to help anyone. Give the stars at Advanced Spine and Pain a call, and let the real healing begin.