Key Terms
Pain
"An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential
Nociceptors
Sensory receptors in the peripheral nervous system that detect potentially damaging stimuli and send signals to the spin
Nociception
The process by which nociceptors detect painful stimuli and send signals from the peripheral nervous system to the brain
Core concept
The CNS uses neurological "gates" to determine which pain signals reach the brain.
Closing the gates
Methods such as massage and acupuncture can help the body close gates to decrease painful stimuli.
Acute pain
Short in duration; caused by an acute event (injury, trauma, surgery, illness). Can last seconds to months; resolves whe
Chronic pain
Persists longer than six months (KEY TERMS section of source lists three months; the body text consistently uses six mon
Breakthrough pain
Acute pain that occurs ON TOP OF chronic pain despite ongoing pain interventions.
Cutaneous pain
Pain perceived from the skin; responds to heat, cold, mechanical, and chemical stimuli. Often acute; can become chronic.
Causes
Diabetes skin infections, shingles, lupus.
Visceral pain
Pain from internal organs (stomach, kidneys, spleen, appendix). Diffuse and difficult to locate; often referred to a dis
Somatic pain
Pain from nociceptors in ligaments, tendons, bones, blood vessels, fascia, and muscles. Described as dull, aching, poorl
Referred pain
Perceived at a location OTHER THAN the site of the originating stimulus. Occurs because nerves are connected and the bra
Nociceptive pain
Caused by stimulation of pain receptors by mechanical or chemical stimuli (heat, cold, pressure). Originates in the peri
Neuropathic pain
Caused by neurological damage or dysfunction. The body perceives nonpainful stimuli as painful.